5 things to know about the local high school football season (Vol. 1)

Don’t worry! We’ll be recapping them periodically.

Here is version one:

1. Fairmont wants to prove last year was no fluke. 

After being one of the surprise teams of 2017, coach Dave Miller’s Firebirds (7-4) are hungry for a second straight trip to the playoffs.

They have five marquee games on the schedule: the first two (Alter, Northmont) and the last three (Wayne, Centerville, Springfield).

Their potential formula for success is a tale as old as time: The coach’s son (Braden) running the triple option. What’s not to love?

»FULL STORY: Fairmont Firebirds football preview 

2. Valley View is hoping for a rousing encore, too. 

Are the Spartans back?

One of the powerhouse programs of the ‘90s is coming off consecutive playoff appearances.

They were undefeated in the 2017 regular season, and they don’t have to go far for firsthand stories about the glory days because the coaching staff includes former VVHS stars Brock Bolen and Andy Keating.

»FULL STORY: Valley View football preview 

3. Greeneview could be better than last year’s 10-win team. 

The only other time the Rams went undefeated in the regular season (1996), they lost just about everybody to graduation.

Not so this time as 13 starters return, including all-conference performers Nick Clevenger, Clay Payton, Collin Wilson and Nick Wolfe.

Quarterback Clevenger is the reigning Ohio Heritage Conference player of the year.

»FULL STORY: Greeneview Rams football preview 

4. Arcanum looking to build off strong finish. 

Can the Trojans make a big jump in year two of the second Jason Schondelmyer era?

After going 4-6 (but winning three of their last four) in ‘17, they say numbers are up in offseason workouts. That’s never a bad thing, especially in Division VI, and especially for a team looking for its first winning season since 2008.

They won’t have to wait to see how much progress they made in the offseason as Greeneview visits in week one.

>>FULL STORY: Arcanum football preview 

5. Milton-Union is under new management, but it’s a familiar face. 

Like Arcanum, the Bulldogs are a former powerhouse being led again by a former head coach of the program.

Can Bret Pearce (six playoff appearances the first time around) wake the echoes in his first season back at the helm?

Having an experienced backfield (senior QB William Morris and senior RB Robbie Grove) helps, but they have to replace all-time leading rusher Zac Shields.

>>FULL STORY: Milton-Union football preview

Want more? 

Here’s a look at the area players who have verbally committed to Division I colleges so far.