The West Branch Warriors are gearing up for the opening night of their 2026 high school football campaign, slated to kick off on August 21 under the lights of their home field.
Season Outlook
The team finished the previous season with a 10‑2 record, a performance that placed them firmly in Division IV, Region 13 of the Ohio High School Athletic Association playoffs.
Their 2025 schedule was marked by a string of victories over New Philadelphia, Struthers, Chaney, Howland, Minerva, Marlington, Alliance and Carrollton, while setbacks came at the hands of Canfield and Lake County Perry.
All regular‑season contests are set to begin at 7 p.m., a tradition that the coaching staff says helps build community excitement and prepares the players for the intensity of Friday night lights.
The ultimate prize for the Warriors will be the state championship game, scheduled to be played at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, a venue that has hosted the culmination of Ohio’s high school football drama for years.
Playoff action is slated to commence on October 30, giving the Warriors a clear timeline as they transition from the regular slate to the postseason gauntlet.
With a blend of seasoned seniors and promising underclassmen, the Warriors hope to translate their recent success into a deep run that could see the community rallying behind a potential title.