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!
Author: STAFF HERE CLINTON
The CLINTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREClinton.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Clinton, Laurens County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Festival of Discovery, Clinton Community Day, and performances at the Whitten Center Amphitheater. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce and the Laurens County Historical Society, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and education that power the local economy such as Milliken & Company and Presbyterian College. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
