Football

Warriors Set for 2026 Kickoff as OHSAA Playoffs Near

High school football team announces schedule, recaps 2025 triumphs and looks ahead to state championship games in Canton.

The West Branch Warriors are poised to open their 2026 high school football campaign on August 21, kicking off a season that promises to build on the momentum of a 10‑2 finish a year ago.

Finishing the 2025 schedule with a 10‑2 record, the team secured a place in Division IV, Region 13 of the Ohio High School Athletic Association postseason bracket.

Season Opener and Schedule Overview

The 2026 slate features a series of Friday night contests against St. Clairsville, New Philadelphia, Struthers, Howland, Marlington, Canfield, Carrollton, Minerva, Alliance and Salem, with most games set to start at 7 p.m.

Kickoff times are uniform across the regular season unless otherwise noted, giving players and families a reliable rhythm as they plan travel and attendance.

The OHSAA state playoffs are slated to begin on October 30, a single‑elimination format that will test the Warriors’ depth and adaptability as they chase a state title.

Should the team advance, the championship games will be held between December 3 and 5 at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, the historic venue that has hosted the finals for decades.

A look back at the 2025 season reveals signature wins over regional rivals and a handful of close contests that highlighted the squad’s resilience and the community’s unwavering support.

With the schedule now set and the postseason timeline clear, the Warriors enter the summer with a clear focus: translate offseason work into on‑field success and, ultimately, a shot at the Canton championship.

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