(1-25-25) Ask any High School Athletic Director what is the toughest sport to fill a schedule…most likely FOOTBALL. Many factors come into play that other sports do not have to be concerned about.

After the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) football playoffs crowned seven state champions a ‘BUZZ‘ was started on social media—D V State Champion Ironton and D VII State Champion Marion Local both had 2025 week 1 open dates. Those open dates are not currently listed on the OHSAA Open Dates page today. That doesn’t mean either team has filled that date …yet!

Last year on week 1 the Flyers took the long-trip to southern Indiana and beat Linton-Stockton 45-6, the Miners would finish the year as Indiana’s Class 2A State runner-ups and ended the season at 12-3. It turned out to be a one year contract.

It is interesting to note that Marion Local also has a 2025 Week 2 open date listing. After two years of playing Franklin the Wildcats have decided to move on.

Why do the Flyers struggle to find opponents…Marion Local currently has the longest consecutive game winning streak in America with 64 consecutive wins.

Last season several schools ‘bailed out‘ of playing Marion Local in a round one D VII playoff-game. This led to another social media frenzy that the Flyers should not compete in D VII due to their dominance at that level. Ohio does not have s ‘success factor’ in place.

OHSAA Football Open Dates

NOTE: These listings are not always immediately updated if an opponent is found.

2025 – Elida (DIII) is seeking a week 1 home varsity football game for the 2025 season. Prefer a minimum of a two-year commitment. If interested contact Athletic Director, Dave Evans at devans@elida.k12.oh.us. 

2025 – Marion Local is looking for a week 2 game starting in 2025.  We are looking for a 2-4 year contract with 2025 being away and 2026 being home. If interested, contact Daniel Koenig at koenigd@marionlocal.org

2025 – Versailles is looking for a week 2 game starting in 2025.  We are looking for a 2 or 4 year contract with 2025 being at Versailles.  If interested, please contact Athletic Director, Scott Broerman @ scott.broerman@vtigers.org

2026 – Prairie Heights High School in LaGrange Indiana is seeking a week 1 opponent starting in 2026 and a week 2 opponent starting in 2027. LaGrange is located in the northeast corner of the state. Prairie Heights is located on US 20, just 21 miles from the OHIO/INDIANA state line. We are a class 2A school and members of the IHSAA (6A being the largest division and 1A being the smallest). Please contact PHHS Athletic Director, Brent Byler (bbyler@ph.k12.in.us) if interested, or reach out to me with any questions (pmccrea@ph.k12.in.us)

Winning programs have to think out-of-the-box when it comes to scheduling regular season games, Kirtland will play out-of-state for the first time in school history.

OPEN DATES

On T’X’itter – ohioscheduler

Other complications for some AD’s—

  • independent schools, when conference schedules happens less opportunity to find an opponent
  • uneven conference members, some members have to try and find someone to play during the later weeks in the season
  • looking for a suitable opponent with an open date that is in the same class or division
  • football is limited to playing one game per week, tough to reschedule a game that is postponed or canceled