The Ohio High School Athletic Association football season begins this week, featuring a packed schedule for each Licking County team in 2026. Teams like Newark, Granville, and Licking Valley will face various opponents both at home and away in a bid for success in the upcoming season. Each team faces notable matchups, including local rivalries and competitive out-of-league games.

By the Numbers
  • Newark's schedule includes 10 games, with 5 home and 5 away matches.
  • Licking Valley will play 10 games, hosting 5 opponents while traveling for 5 games.
State of Play
  • All Licking County teams are gearing up for the opening of the season, with games starting on August 21.
  • Local rivalries, such as Newark vs. Granville, are highly anticipated, promising exciting matchups.
What's Next

As the season begins, teams will look to establish their standings in the league and could adjust strategies based on initial performances and rivalries. Future matchups may evolve based on team strengths and injury reports.

Bottom Line

With the high school football season underway, fans should keep an eye on key rivalries and individual team performances that could dictate playoff prospects. The excitement and competition of local football will undoubtedly engage communities across Licking County.