High School Football Rivalries Heat Up in Warren as Season Wraps Up

Warren, Ohio is buzzing with excitement as high school football rivalries take center stage. The 2024 regular season concludes today, and for many schools, it’s a vital day in their bid for playoff spots. With 448 teams statewide heading into playoff action next week, the stakes are high.

One of the most anticipated matchups is the longstanding rivalry between McDonald (6-3) and Mineral Ridge (4-5), which marks its 80th meeting today. Their first encounter happened back in 1927. After a hiatus, the rivalry resumed in 1961, and this year will be the 64th consecutive clash. McDonald currently leads the series 53-22-4 and aims to bounce back after losing to the Rams in the last two seasons. Both teams are playoff-bound, making this matchup all the more exciting.

Another key rivalry is the face-off between Niles (1-8) and Girard (5-4), marking their 81st meeting. This rivalry is also historic, beginning in 1898. Niles leads the series with 44 wins against Girard’s 29, but Girard has clinched a playoff spot this year.

The Holy War between Ursuline (8-1) and Cardinal Mooney (3-6) is another high-stakes game on the schedule. With Ursuline having won eight straight games, they have already secured a playoff berth, while Mooney is close behind despite their losing record. They have met annually since 1958, and the intensity only grows with the stakes on the line.

As the regular season wraps up, West Branch (9-0) and South Range (9-0) are also aiming for perfect seasons. West Branch hosts Salem (3-6), looking for their second 10-0 record in four years. Similarly, South Range visits Hubbard (5-4) with aspirations of achieving a perfect regular season for the fourth time in five years.

Additionally, the showdown between Poland (7-2) and Struthers (8-1) is significant, as both teams are headed to the playoffs. Their series has been evenly matched, with Poland slightly leading at 27-14-1.

As we look forward to the playoffs, teams like Canfield (4-4) and Boardman (5-4) face off in a critical matchup, with Canfield needing a win to advance further. Both teams have shown determination throughout the season, making for an intriguing finale.

Finally, the Battle of Route 616 renews tonight, and as schools wrap up this chapter of the season, the festive rivalry atmosphere is palpable throughout Warren.

In total, 27 teams in the area have already secured a playoff berth, while seven others are still fighting for a spot. The playoff matchups will be officially announced this Sunday, concluding an exciting and competitive high school football season.