Wisconsin high school football kicks off its new season on August 20, featuring key matchups as teams look to establish dominance. Highlights include Laconia facing Ripon, both with new head coaches, and Mayville, the defending Division 5 state champion, taking on Cedar Grove-Belgium. Fond du Lac looks to rebound against Hartford after a close 2025 opener. This week promises excitement as rivalries intensify and teams aim to set the tone for the season.

By the Numbers
  • Laconia and Ripon are both led by first-year head coaches, with Laconia winning the last two matchups.
  • Mayville won the Division 5 state title and defeated Cedar Grove-Belgium 33-20 in last year's opener.
  • Fond du Lac graduated 32 seniors, including 16 starters, while Hartford seeks to avenge a 24-20 loss from 2025.
State of Play
  • Laconia and Ripon's game marks a fresh start for both teams amid coaching changes.
  • Mayville returns as state champions but faces a formidable opponent in Cedar Grove-Belgium.
  • Fond du Lac鈥檚 season opener against Hartford will test its rebuilding abilities following a significant roster turnover.
What's Next

As the season unfolds, teams will look to capitalize on early momentum, with intense rivalries likely shaping the playoff landscape. The early matchups will be critical in establishing team identities and positioning for the rest of the season.

Bottom Line

Week 1 sets the stage for an exciting high school football season where new beginnings and rivalries could define the trajectory for teams throughout Wisconsin. Eyes will be on how teams adapt and perform under pressure as the season commences.