High School Football Rivalries Heat Up as Regular Season Ends

Canton – The excitement is in the air as the 2024 high school football regular season reaches its climax. Today marks the *final games* for many teams, while others are looking forward to the playoffs starting next week.

In a tradition that stretches back to 1927, the *McDonald Blue Devils* (6-3) will face the *Mineral Ridge Rams* (4-5) for the 80th time. This long-standing rivalry is *Trumbull County’s* oldest continuous matchup, with McDonald leading the series 53-22-4. The Blue Devils had a great run from 2013-2021 when they enjoyed a nine-game winning streak, but the Rams have emerged victorious in the past two encounters.

Another classic matchup takes place as the *Niles Red Dragons* (1-8) go up against the *Girard Indians* (5-4) in their 81st meeting. First played in 1898, when Niles fielded its first team, they lead the series 44-29-8. The *Holy War* of Youngstown will see *Ursuline* (8-1) battle *Cardinal Mooney* (3-6) for the 70th time. Ursuline has been dominant lately, winning eight straight games and already securing a playoff spot.

The *West Branch Warriors* (9-0) will be aiming for their second 10-0 season in four years against the *Salem Quakers* (3-6). This marks the 53rd matchup between these neighboring schools, where West Branch currently holds a 30-22 lead. Similarly, the *South Range Raiders* (9-0) are in the hunt for their fourth perfect season in five years as they take on *Hubbard* (5-4).

In a battle of the Spartans, *Austintown Fitch* (7-2) is set to meet *Warren G. Harding* (6-3). In what has become a close series, Fitch holds a slight edge with 19 wins compared to Harding’s 17. Nearby rivals *Canfield* (4-4) and *Boardman* (5-4) will clash, with the Cardinals needing a win to secure a playoff berth.

Finally, a unique match-up occurs as two winless teams, the *Champion Golden Flashes* and the *Newton Falls Tigers*, both at 0-9, battle it out in hopes of ending the season on a high note. Currently, 27 area teams have clinched playoff spots, with seven more still fighting for a chance.

The playoff field and all first-round matchups will officially be announced on Sunday. Exciting times lay ahead as the teams gear up for what promises to be an exhilarating playoff season!