Austintown Fitch High School is set to begin its 100th football season in Division I, becoming the first team from the Mahoning Valley to compete in the state's highest division since 2018.
A Century of Football, A New Division
The Ohio High School Athletic Association granted permission for Fitch to move up from Division II, a decision that reflects the school's growing program and the desire to celebrate its centennial with a bold challenge.
Eight schools in total opted to move up this fall, swelling the Division I ranks to 80 teams. Fitch will be joined in Region 1 by Cleveland Heights, Elyria, Euclid and Hudson, while the rest of the schedule pits the Falcons against four Division I opponents: Hudson, Erie, Erie McDowell and Butler (Pa.).
A Milestone Season
Coach TJ Parker said the move is about more than competition; it is about creating a memorable experience for players, families and the broader community as the program celebrates its first century of play.
The OHSAA is currently awaiting enrollment numbers to finalize division assignments for merged schools in Youngstown and Cleveland, a process that will shape the landscape for future realignments.