Week 1 of high school football is here in Richland County, kicking off with high-stakes rivalry games. Key matchups include the highly anticipated Lexington at Ontario and Madison at Shelby. Both games hold significance not only for immediate bragging rights but also for long-term implications in the 2026 season. Ontario hopes to redeem itself after being swept in various sports last year by Lexington, while Madison seeks to challenge Shelby's longstanding dominance in their historic rivalry.

By the Numbers
  • Lexington and Ontario split their last 10 football matchups 5-5.
  • Shelby has dominated Madison, winning the last three matchups by an average of 20 points.
State of Play
  • Ontario is deciding between quarterbacks Trey Remy and Gavin Miller, with the addition of Sean Tanner complicating matters.
  • Shelby must adapt to the loss of star quarterback Brayden DeVito, relying on Michael Shepherd in a key leadership role.
What's Next

As the season progresses, all eyes will be on both Ontario's quarterback decision and Shelby's adjustment in the post-DeVito era. The outcomes of these Week 1 games could set the tone for each program's trajectory this season, determining their potential playoff paths and rivalries to focus on moving forward.

Bottom Line

The start of the football season presents an exciting chance for Richland County teams to assert themselves. Relying on emerging talent and addressing leadership challenges will be crucial. The developments in these opening games may well shape perceptions and dynamics for the entire 2026 season.