The Marlington Dukes are set to open their 2026 campaign on August 21, marking the start of a new chapter after a season that ended with a 3‑7 record.
Looking ahead
Coach Smith and the senior squad are focused on building on the three victories that defined their previous campaign, hoping to turn those moments into a sustained winning streak.
Competing in Division IV, Region 13, the Dukes will face a schedule that mirrors the structure of recent years, with every regular‑season kickoff slated for 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted.
The 2026 OHSAA state playoffs are scheduled to begin on October 30, a date that has the team and its fans marking calendars for a potential deep run.
If the Dukes advance, they would join the championship games at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, where the finals will be played from December 3 through December 5.
The 2025 season saw the Dukes notch wins against Warrensville Heights, Howland and Warren JFK, while setbacks came at the hands of Northwest, Louisville, Carrollton, West Branch, Minerva, Salem and Alliance.
The upcoming schedule promises a blend of home and away matchups, each kicking off at the traditional 7 p.m. slot, giving the community a consistent rhythm as the season unfolds.