Ohio high school football season to start Aug. 17, earliest start ever

The Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) has announced that the 2023 high school football season will start on Thursday, Aug. 17. This is the earliest start date in the history of the OHSAA football tournament.

The decision to move up the start date was made in an effort to accommodate the new playoff format, which will feature a 16-team state championship bracket for each of the five divisions. The new format will require more games to be played in the regular season, and the earlier start date will give teams more time to play those games.

The OHSAA also announced that the regular season will end on Oct. 21, and the state playoffs will begin on Oct. 27. The state championship games will be played on Nov. 30-Dec. 2 at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton.

The early start date for the 2023 high school football season is sure to be met with mixed reactions. Some coaches and players may be happy to have more time to prepare for the playoffs, while others may be concerned about the potential for injuries in the early weeks of the season.

Ultimately, the decision to move up the start date was made in the best interests of the student-athletes. The OHSAA believes that the new format will provide a more competitive and exciting state championship tournament, and the earlier start date will give teams more time to prepare for the postseason.

Here are some of the key dates for the 2023 Ohio high school football season:

• Aug. 17: Regular season begins
• Oct. 21: Regular season ends
• Oct. 27: State playoffs begin
• Nov. 30-Dec. 2: State championship games at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton

The 2023 Ohio high school football season is sure to be a competitive one. Be sure to check out your local team's schedule and get ready for some exciting football action!