As the summer comes to a close, high school football season is gearing up for an exciting start in the Ohio Valley. Fans are eagerly anticipating the return of their favorite teams and players, ready to witness the drama and excitement that comes with each game. With new faces taking the field and familiar teams looking to make a splash, the 2024 Pigskin Preview sets the stage for what promises to be a thrilling season.
One of the most crucial positions on the football field is the quarterback, and this season sees a number of teams introducing new signal-callers. In Shadyside, sophomore Jayden Johnson steps into the role previously held by three-year starter Ben Wach, bringing a fresh perspective to the Tigers’ offense. Meanwhile, at River, the departure of standout quarterback Kabel Isaly leaves a void that senior Peyton Blue and senior Lucas Dennis are vying to fill. Union Local and Buckeye Local also have quarterback competitions underway, with senior Isaiah Tomolonis and junior Colby Carpenter battling for the starting spot. Beallsville is also in the mix, with Ryan Dornon and Chaz Gasser competing for the quarterback position.
Several teams are looking to build on their success from last season, with high expectations for the upcoming year. Barnesville, coming off a perfect 10-0 regular season, returns star quarterback Casey Carpenter and a strong offensive line as they aim to make another deep playoff run. River, St. Clairsville, and Monroe Central are also looking to capitalize on their postseason success, with key players returning to lead their teams to victory.
In addition to new faces on the field, the Ohio Valley will see new head coaches taking the reins of their respective programs. Chris Kiedaisch at Buckeye Local and Andrew Yahn at Bridgeport are eager to make their mark in their inaugural seasons, hoping to instill a winning culture and lead their teams to success. Buckeye Local will kick off their season against Bellaire under the lights of Nelson Field, while Bridgeport will face off against Frontier in their season opener.
With a mix of new talent, returning stars, and fresh coaching perspectives, the 2024 high school football season in the Ohio Valley promises to be an exciting and competitive one. Fans can look forward to thrilling matchups, breakout performances, and the timeless traditions that make high school football a beloved pastime in the region. As the season gets underway, all eyes will be on the gridiron as teams battle it out for supremacy and a shot at glory.
