News Summary

Stark County is buzzing with excitement as the 2025 high school football season approaches, starting with opening night on August 21. Fans are encouraged to support their local teams throughout the season, culminating in playoffs and the OHSAA state championship games in December. Reflecting on last year’s successes, including remarkable achievements from several teams, the upcoming season promises thrilling moments and unforgettable memories for athletes and fans alike.

Exciting Times Ahead for Stark County High School Football Fans!

Hey there, Stark County! As the summer sun starts to fade, a wave of excitement is building for high school football, with the 2025 season set to kick off soon! Mark your calendars because the opening night is on Thursday, August 21, 2025, featuring two thrilling games right within our county.

Opening Night and Regular Season Schedule

What a great way to dive into the season! Following the opening night, the first full Friday night of games is on August 22, 2025, and all games during the regular season are slated to start at 7 p.m. unless stated otherwise. So get your jerseys ready and show up to support your local teams; it’s going to be a fantastic start to the football year!

Playoffs Looming

Now, let’s talk about the postseason! The Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) will reveal the playoff pairings on October 26, 2025, and the excitement kicks up a notch as the first round of playoffs begins on Friday, October 31, 2025. This is the moment every team strives for, and you won’t want to miss any of the nail-biting action!

As we look ahead, let’s not forget the culminating event of the high school football season: the OHSAA state championship games, which are scheduled for December 4-6, 2025. For the fourth straight year, the grand finals will unfold at the iconic Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton. What better venue to witness our athlete’s hard work and dedication pay off?

Reflecting on Last Season’s Achievements

As the Stark County high school sports season for 2024-25 wraps up, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the incredible achievements from last year. Get ready for some friendly competition as voting opens to identify the Stark County Best of the School Year in various categories including teams, coaches, and athletes. A special focus this year is on identifying the best girls high school sports team. Make sure to cast your votes before they close at 5 p.m. on Thursday, and stay tuned for the results!

Celebrating Our Champions

What a year it has been! The Polar Bears celebrated their first regional championship since 1986 and made it all the way to the Division I state semifinals before narrowly losing. The Dukes also had an incredible run, finishing as the Division IV state runner-up and ending their season with an impressive 27-2 record. And don’t forget the Lions, who not only became the number one ranked team in the state but also secured their second consecutive Division II state championship!

The Minerva cross country team highlighted the season with three state titles in four years, while the Panthers made a remarkable turnaround, making it to the playoffs with a strong finish. Though they faced a tough loss in the state semifinals, the future looks bright for these athletes!

Hall of Fame Inductions and Honors

This year brought another round of recognition for Stark County’s football legends. The Stark County High School Football Hall of Fame welcomed a new class of inductees, including notable figures like Brian Beatty and Nick Faulkner who made significant contributions to local football history. The Jim Craig Award was presented posthumously to Charlie Bowersox, celebrating his invaluable contributions to the community.

Finally, let’s give a cheer for the sixteen Stark County-area teams that qualified for the OHSAA state playoffs, representing just a part of the total 448 teams that made it. It’s a testament to the talent that runs deep in our community!

The Countdown is On!

As we count down the days to kickoff, let’s rally behind our teams and coaches, supporting the spirit of high school football in our beloved Stark County. It’s going to be a season full of thrilling moments, unforgettable memories, and, of course, a lot of heart. See you on the field!

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