For the second year, our panel of football contributors have put their heads together and picked the most intriguing games throughout the regular season. These are the games that standout for a variety of reasons. Whether it's playoff implications, longtime rivals, or simply revenge games, these games will be ones to catch if you get a chance.
So here are the marquee matchups for the upcoming season.
Wheelersburg @ Ironton (Week 1, August 18)
Last season's game was a low-scoring slugfest. The Fighting Tigers graduated a lot of offensive firepower from last season's team and will be tested by a Pirates team that returns a good core of starters and a tough defense.
Fairland @ Portsmouth West (Week 1, August 18)
This game has been decided by just one point for the past two seasons. Both teams will be looking to replace key losses from graduation, while simultaneously needing to win this game for early season momentum.
Raceland @ Ashland (Week 1, August 18)
Last year, the Rams had their way with Ashland. But the Tomcats return enough starters that they'll be looking for revenge. However Raceland has other plans, as they will be looking to return to the Class A title game for a second-straight year.
Spring Valley @ Huntington (Week 2, August 25)
The Highlanders will begin their state title defense against Spring Valley in a Mountain State Athletic Conference game. Last season's tilt was a dandy as the Timberwolves handed Huntington their only blemish of the 2023 season.
Jackson @ Ironton (Week 2, August 26)
Ironton will have to maintain their focus for a second week in a row as the Ironmen visit. The latest edition of this series has seen Fighting Tigers successfully outlast two tough efforts by Jackson for key early season wins.
Spring Valley vs. Cabell Midland (Week 3, September 1)
Another big MSAC game will happen in week three when these two teams square off. The Timberwolves will be looking for payback from last season's 21-17 loss. Meanwhile, the Knights will be looking to secure a key win ahead of their game with Ironton next week.
Raceland @ Pikeville (Week 4, September 8)
A rematch of last season's Class A State Final and could be a possible preview of this year's state title game. The Rams will take their high-powered passing attack down US 23 to one of the toughest places to play in Eastern Kentucky.
Ironton vs. Cabell Midland at Marshall University (Week 4, September 9)
The Fighting Tigers will be playing at Marshall University's field for the first time since 1993 and hoping to repeat their winning ways they enjoyed at Fairfield Stadium. The Knights will be looking grind it out for a key non-conference win.
Fort Thomas Highlands @ Raceland (Week 5, October 15)
The Rams will be looking to avenge their only loss of the 2022 regular season when the Bluebirds come to town. Highlands managed to race out to an early lead and hang on in last season's tilt.
Portsmouth @ Gallia Academy (Week 5, October 15)
These two squads provided one of the more entertaining games of the 2022 season, as the Blue Devils came away with a slim 36-34 win. With both teams facing Ironton in the final weeks, the winner of this one will be in great position to compete for the OVC title.
Harvest Prep @ Wheelersburg (Week 6, October 22)
Looking for revenge from last season's playoff loss at the hands of the Warriors, the Pirates will also be looking to make a statement when it comes to the Region 19 playoff picture. The outcome of this game will have many talking about the regional title matchups.
Russell @ Fleming County (Week 6, October 22)
This midseason match up could decide the district championship. It will be a tough test for the Red Devils, who will be entering the game after facing rival Ashland the pervious week. But a win would provide Russell plenty of momentum heading into the final weeks.
Coal Grove @ Gallia Academy (Week 7, October 29)
The last time these teams faced off, they had an offensive explosion. When the dust settled, the Blue Devils came away with a 36-33 win. The Hornets will be trek up the river to seek revenge in what could be another high-scoring affair.
Ashland @ Boyd County (Week 8, October 6)
The Lions have been a tough opponent for Ashland as of late and are hoping to ambush the Tomcats at home in this district match-up. Ashland will be looking to keep pace for a district championship.
Eastern Pike @ Portsmouth Notre Dame (Week 8, October 6)
When these two teams meet, it could decide the SOC I title. Last season, the Titans dealt Eastern their only blemish in league play in 2022. The Eagles will have their eyes set on returning the favor en route to back-to-back league titles.
Fairland @ Coal Grove (Week 9, October 13)
The Dragons pulled off one of the bigger upsets of the 2022 season, beating Coal Grove 21-6 with a quarterback-by-committee. This season the Hornets will be home to get revenge with a running back-by-committee.
Ironton @ Gallia Academy (Week 9, October 13)
The Fighting Tigers should be eyeing an OVC championship by week nine, but last season proved nothing is a given. The Blue Devils nearly pulled off the upset in Ironton and will be looking to finish the deal this fall.
Ashland @ Johnson Central (Week 9, October 13)
A district championship should be on the line when the Tomcats travel into coal country. The Tomcats will be looking to turn the tide in this series, as the Eagles have won 9 of the last 10 showdowns.
Portsmouth @ Ironton (Week 10, October 20)
You can always count on throwing out the record books for this one. Despite Ironton taking control of the series as of late, the Trojans have proven they won't let the Fighting Tigers get an easy win.
Portsmouth West @ Wheelersburg (Week 10, October 20)
Always a highly anticipated match-up, the Pirates will be looking to get revenge for last season as the Senators took home the SOC II crown. Very few people would be surprised if the league title is decided on this night.
Cabell Midland @ Huntington (Week 10, October 20)
This season's edition of "The Battle for the Shield" should be one to see. The Knights will be looking to snap a two-game losing streak to Huntington. This game could very well have playoff implications.
Comments