Ohio High School Football Games of the Week: Aug. 21-23

The Friday night lights are about to shine brighter than ever as Ohio high school football kicks off another thrilling season. From perennial powerhouses to rising contenders, teams across the state have spent months preparing for this moment. Week 1 boasts a lineup of marquee matchups that are sure to set the tone for the year ahead. Here’s a sneak peek at five of the biggest games you won’t want to miss as the journey to the state championship begins.

No. 4 St. Xavier vs. No. 7 Lakota West

When: Friday, August 22, 7 p.m. ET
Where: RDI Stadium at Ballaban Field, Cincinnati, Ohio

The Firebirds (11-2) finished with a better record than the Bombers (10-4) last season. However, it’s St. Xavier, who enters the 2025 Ohio high school football season with a higher ranking than Lakota West. They open their campaign facing each other, but on the Bombers’ home turf. It’s a thrilling matchup that could go down to the wire.

Massey Prediction: St. Xavier 28, Lakota West 20

No. 11 Anderson vs. Cooper (Ky.)

When: Friday, August 22, 7 p.m. ET
Where: Charles L. Brown Stadium, Cincinnati, Ohio

The Raptors closed their 2024 Ohio high school football season with a loss to Avon, the team’s lone defeat. Anderson returns to action against Cooper, a team with a 14-game losing streak until losing to Bowling Green in the Kentucky 5A state championship game. While the Jaguars are one of the Bluegrass State’s top teams, Anderson has the talent to match or dominate its opening weekend opponent.

Massey Prediction: Anderson 41, Cooper 14

No. 3 St. Edward vs. No. 25 Pickerington North

When: Friday, August 22, 7 p.m. ET
Where: Brother James Everett CSC Stadium, Lakewood, Ohio

The Eagles finished the 2024 Ohio high school football season on a strong note, winning four of their last five games. They’re hoping to pick up where they left off as they open their 2025 schedule against the Panthers. While Pickerington North (11-3) had a better record than St. Edward last year (9-6), the home team should have a sizeable edge in this contest.

Massey Prediction: St. Edward 38, Pickerington North 13

No. 10 Central Catholic vs. No. 13 Walsh Jesuit

When: Friday, August 22, 7 p.m.
Where: Gallagher Stadium, Toledo, Ohio

In what could be Ohio high school football’s game of the week, Central Catholic will welcome Walsh Jesuit in the season opener. The Fighting Irish went 14-2 last year while the Warriors finished with a 13-1 record. These evenly-matched teams could deliver a classic game that could go either way.

Massey Prediction: Central Catholic 28, Walsh Jesuit 21

No. 1 Archbishop Moeller vs. No. 17 Princeton

When: Saturday, August 23, 4 p.m. ET
Where: Archbishop Moeller, Cincinnati, Ohio

Ohio high school football’s top-ranked team finished the 2024 season at 14-2. For their season opener, they will welcome Princeton, which had a 10-3 finish. Two of the Vikings’ three losses last year came against Archbishop Moeller. As another year starts, the Crusaders should continue their dominance over Princeton.

Massey Prediction: Archbishop Moeller 42, Princeton 14

How to Follow Ohio High School Football

For Ohio high school football fans, staying updated on the action is now easier than ever with the Rivals High School Scoreboard. This comprehensive resource provides real-time updates and final scores from across the state, ensuring you never miss a moment of the Friday night frenzy. From nail-biting finishes to dominant performances, the Rivals High School Scoreboard is your one-stop destination for tracking all the gridiron excitement in the Buckeye State.