The 2026 high school football season in Licking County got an early preview on August 7, when several local squads took to the field for a series of scrimmages that left coaches and fans buzzing.
Newark and Watkins Memorial opened the action at White Field, where Newark’s senior standout Jason Giblin hauled in a 35‑yard touchdown pass from sophomore quarterback Jace Hodges, giving the Wildcats a quick early lead.
Watkins Memorial answered with a 28‑yard rush by senior Graham Smith, a play that was set up by freshmen Jude Cangelosi and Brandon Curtain Jr., highlighting the team’s emerging depth at running back.
Standout Individual Moments
Utica’s senior Elijah Bland made a splash with an 80‑yard touchdown on an inside handoff, catching Licking Heights off guard in the first half and underscoring the Wildcats’ explosive potential.
Quarterback Aaron Hays of Utica proved difficult to bring down, adding a sack and orchestrating key plays that kept the offense moving.
Under new head coach Jeremy Walpole, Lakewood displayed an aggressive defensive scheme, with seniors Colton Collins and junior Cohen Shinault leading the charge.
Heath’s Bulldogs leaned on a passing attack, as junior Ethan Grise connected with seniors Joe Ward, Camden Stephens and Tyler Marks for several long touchdowns, showcasing a balanced offensive approach.
Looking Ahead
The schedule will continue with a slate of games from August 13 to 14, featuring matchups such as Elida versus Granville and Lakewood against Millersport, promising more competitive moments as teams fine‑tune their strategies.
Overall, the early scrimmages offered a glimpse of each program’s strengths — whether it was Newark’s aerial firepower, Watkins Memorial’s ground game, or Lakewood’s defensive intensity — setting an exciting tone for the regular season that lies ahead.