Season Opener Brings Early Momentum
The first weekend of the high school football season delivered a cascade of excitement across the region, as teams took the field eager to make early statements.
Berne Union opened its campaign with a 40‑6 nonconference victory over River Valley, a result anchored by Carson Kiger’s precision passing — 14 completions on 18 attempts for 262 yards and four touchdowns, one of which came on a rushing play.
River Valley’s James Hocking added a spark by returning an interception for a score and later catching a 32‑yard touchdown pass, underscoring the team’s playmaking potential on both sides of the ball.
Fisher Catholic rolled past Belpre 28‑19, with Sam Tencza leading the offense by rushing for 127 yards and a touchdown while also hauling in a receiving score; the defense limited Belpre to under 50 rushing yards, highlighted by interceptions from Wyatt Hillis and Anderson Crook.
Other notable performances included Dillan Cornell’s two touchdown receptions — one for 16 yards and another for 52 — while Aidan Harris contributed a 33‑yard catch that helped Berne Union extend its lead. James Wilkinson of Fisher Catholic threw two scoring passes, one to Damian Neal, and recorded ten tackles with three for loss and two sacks.
The slate also featured decisive wins for Millersport, West Jefferson, Monroe Central and New Lexington, each posting shutouts or comfortable margins, while Hilliard Darby edged Lancaster 20‑15 in a tightly contested battle.
Southeastern completed the weekend with a 28‑0 blanking of Fairfield Christian Academy, rounding out an opening week that blended high‑octane offenses with increasingly tight defensive play.