New Philadelphia will be dancing with destiny Friday, Sept. 19 when the Quakers play an Ohio Cardinal Conference football game Friday night at Mansfield Senior.
With a victory, the Quakers would become only the 18th school in OHSAA history to win 700 games.
According to OHSAA’s football records database, only 17 other high schools of the 706 that have football programs across Ohio, have 700 or more wins.
That impressive list includes: Massillon (961 wins), Canton McKinley (885), Steubenville (875), Cincinnati Wyoming (778), Ironton (759), Dover (740), Martins Ferry (740), Warren Harding (735), Mogadore (732), Cleveland St. Ignatius (731), Sandusky (724), Piqua (722), Bellaire (722), Toledo Central Catholic (721), Shelby (719), Troy (711) and Fostoria (710).
“700 (wins) is a big deal, but also it’s not 700 for these kids, it’s (win) No. 2 for these kids and really that’s what we’re looking for is win No. 2,” New Philadelphia coach Mike Johnson said. “They just need to go out and play a good, clean football game. Our focus this week is that and to be ready to go.”
Here’s a look at the Week 5 schedule. All Friday games kick off at 7 p.m.
New Philadelphia (1-3) at Mansfield Senior (0-4)
Last year: Mansfield Senior 20, New Philadelphia 19, OT
New Philadelphia was 7-4 and a playoff team last season, while Mansfield was 1-9, but that one Tyger win occurred in a 20-19 overtime upset of the Quakers.
Now, a year later, New Philadelphia, which is a heavy favorite again, is looking to avenge that head scratching loss from last season.
“Mansfield Senior is a good football program and (historically) has done a lot of great things, but they’ve struggled recently and the only real success they’ve had in the last year-and-a-half is us,” Johnson said. “If I’m Mansfield Senior, I’m pretty excited about that, but if I’m the Quakers, we have to be aware of that and we’ve got to be ready to go.”
New Philadelphia, which has played a brutal early season schedule, is coming off a 34-7 OCC loss to powerful Ashland. New Philadelphia’s three losses have occurred against teams in Louisville, West Branch and Ashland who sport a combined record of 11-1.
“Those teams that beat us are all very good football teams but we were in all of those games and really had chances in all of them,” Johnson said. “But the reality is if we want to be as good as we want to be, which I believe that we do, we’re just going to try to get that (win) this week, get back on it and keep working.”
The Quakers are averaging 15.5 points-per-game, while its defense is surrendering 21.5 ppg.
Meanwhile, Mansfield Senior checks into Week 5 with an 0-4 record and is coming off a 45-6 OCC loss to West Holmes last weekend.
The Tygers have struggled mightily on offense. They have scored just 25 points in three games and are averaging 8.3 points-per-game. Their defense has also been gashed, surrendering 125 points or 41.6 ppg.
The Tygers lead the all-time series with the Quakers, 4-1.
Dover (1-3) at Ashland (4-0)
Last year: The teams did not play
Dover, which has been battling through some early season injuries, faces a tall order in more ways than one when the Crimson Tornadoes travel to Ashland to face the unbeaten Arrows.
The Arrows are led by 6-7, 240-pound Division I senior quarterback Nathan Bernhard, who is committed to Appalachian State University in North Carolina. He is a returning All-Ohio signal-caller.
Dover (1-3) fell behind early but impressively rallied before absorbing a tough 40-34 loss to Columbus Academy in two overtimes last week.
“The biggest thing is I felt we were inconsistent,” said Dover head coach Matt Rees of last week’s overtime setback. “Overall, throughout the course of the game, I thought we played hard, but we were inconsistent, whether it was a breakdown on special teams, a breakdown on offense or a breakdown on defense. The other thing that we emphasize is finishing: When we get to overtime, we’ve got to be able to finish in that situation.”
In the Columbus Academy game, Dover sustained some injuries to some key players and Rees said he’s “not really sure” about their playing status.
For the second year in a row, some young Tornadoes are getting extensive playing time due to injuries.
“I counted this morning and coming into this week we have eight sophomores who will be contributing, and that’s on offense and defense,” Rees said. “Even more sophomores will be contributing on special teams.”
Meanwhile, Ashland, which won the Ohio Cardinal Conference title last season while going 12-1 and advancing to the third round of the D2 playoffs, returned a veteran team this season. The Arrows enter Week 5 averaging 38.5 points-per-game, while its defense has also been strong, surrendering just 11.25 ppg.
By comparison, Dover is scoring 20.25 points-per-game, while allowing 25.75 ppg.
Dover’s leading tacklers through four games are Carson McGarry (45 tackles) and Mayson Royer (36 stops).
Dover leads the all-time series with the Arrows, 23-12, but the two schools haven’t played since 2014.
Garaway (4-0) at Girard (4-0)
Last year: The teams didn’t play
One of the best offensive showdowns in Ohio will take place Friday when unbeaten Garaway and Girard put their perfect records on the line on the artificial surface at Girard’s Arrowhead Stadium.
Friday marks the first meeting between the Pirates and Indians. Both teams sport explosive offenses and have been impressive in rolling to 4-0 records.
Garaway, which has dropped down to Division VI this season after being in Division V last year, is coming off a 48-14 road rout of D3 Zanesville last Friday night.
Meanwhile, Girard, which is young and talented, has been the surprise of the Mahoning Valley. They are averaging an eye-popping 53.5 points-per-game, led by talented sophomore dual threat quarterback, AJ Pearson, who has already scored 10 rushing touchdowns in four games. On defense, the Indians are allowing 19.5 ppg. Girard is coming off a 48-12 Northeast 8 romp over the Struthers Wildcats.
“We must eliminate big plays against Girard if we want to give ourselves a chance to win,” said Garaway coach Jason Wallick. “They are a great team. Good team speed and very solid up front.”
Garaway, led by its veteran lines and young, talented playmakers, is averaging 43 points-per-game while allowing just 12.25 points-per-game on defense. The Pirates’ defense has already posted two shutout wins over River View (46-0) and Expression Prep (42-0) this season.
Indian Valley (3-0) at Buckeye Trail (0-4)
Last year: Indian Valley 49, Buckeye Trail 8
After having a week off, due to an opponent canceling for a lack of healthy players, defending Division IV state champion Indian Valley returns to the gridiron Friday night when the Braves play an Inter Valley Conference crossover game at Buckeye Trail.
The contest has all the makings of a mismatch but Indian Valley, under longtime coach Matt Lancaster, is preparing in a business-like manner, like it always does. It’s a philosophy that’s worked well for the Braves who are the picture of consistency week in and week out.
“We are excited to get back to the routine of preparing for a football game after a week without a game,” Lancaster said. “I know Buckeye Trail is young this year and dealing with some injuries, but they always play us tough, so we need to prepare and continue to get better.”
Buckeye Trail has struggled on both sides of the football. The Warriors are coming off a 28-8 loss to the Shenandoah Zeps. The Warriors have only scored 42 points all season, an average of 10.5 points-per-game.
Through three games, the Braves are averaging 320 yards per game on the ground, led by Air Force commit Grady Kinsey, who has rushed for 242 yards-per-game, or 10.3 yards every time he touches the football. Quarterback Ryker Williams has rushed for 161 yards or 6.4 yards-per-carry.
Indian Valley is averaging 35.6 points-per-outing while its defense is giving up 13.6 ppg.
Indian Valley owns a perfect 6-0 record in the series with Buckeye Trail.
Federal Hocking (1-3) at Tuscarawas Central Catholic (1-3)
Last year: The teams didn’t play.
Tuscarawas Central Catholic will be looking for its second win of the season when the Saints host the Federal Hocking Lancers Friday evening.
The Saints were defeated 33-20 in a road contest at Millersport last Friday, while Federal Hocking was walloped 50-16 by Eastern.
“Even though we lost to Millersport last week we continue to see growth as a football team,” Tuscarawas Central Catholic head coach Giovanni Ionno said. “We are very young and each game is another step forward in growth.”
The Saints were led offensively last week by senior running back Grady Stein.
“Grady Stein led us in offense with over 170 yards rushing,” Ionno said. “And defensively we are making improvements to get better as a group.”
Entering Week 5, Federal Hocking has given up 143 points in four contests, an average of 35.75 points-per-game, while their offense is scoring 20 ppg. Tuscarawas Central is averaging 17.5 points-per-outing and yielding 33.5 ppg.
Friday marks the first meeting between the Saints and the Lancers.
Claymont (3-1) at Newcomerstown (2-2)
Last year: Newcomerstown 43, Claymont 8
A great story is brewing in Uhrichsville this season. Claymont has already tripled the wins it had all of last season.
Claymont’s defense continues to be outstanding. The Mustangs, who have only given up six combined points in their past two games, are coming off a 12-0 win over the Marietta Tigers last week.
Meanwhile, Newcomerstown, which returned a number of starters from last year’s playoff team, enters the game with a deceiving 2-2 record. The two teams that have beaten the Trojans — Crooksville in Week 1 and Toronto last week — have a combined record of 8-0.
Claymont is averaging 16.25 points-per-game while its stingy defense is allowing 11.7 ppg. Newcomerstown is putting up 27 points-per-outing and surrendering 22 ppg.
Newcomerstown holds a 4-3 edge in the all-time series with the Mustangs.
Sandy Valley (0-4) at Strasburg (4-0)
Last year: The teams didn’t play.
Strasburg, which is off to its best start in 15 years, will look to continue its unbeaten ways in an Inter Valley Conference North matchup.
Strasburg’s 4-0 start is its best since the 2010 season when the Tigers opened with six straight wins during Jimm Morris’ first tenure as head coach.
The Tigers continued to roll last week, posting a 34-22 win over Conotton Valley. The Tigers are scoring 39.25 points-per-game and giving up 14.0 ppg.
By comparison, Sandy Valley is averaging 16.25 points-per-outing but struggling on defense while surrendering 48 ppg.
Sandy Valley leads the all-time series with the Tigers, 14-10.
Tusky Valley (1-3) at Malvern (2-2)
Last year: Malvern 41, Tusky Valley 7
The Hornets, who play a demanding schedule to prepare for playoff runs, are coming off a 28-14 loss to traditional Ohio small school power Mogadore. Meanwhile, Tusky Valley, which hasn’t won a game since Week 1, dropped a 49-7 decision to the Fairless Falcons last week.
Malvern is averaging 17.5 points-per-game on offense and giving up 21.5 ppg. Tusky Valley is scoring 14.5 points-per-outing and yielding 37.75 ppg.
Malvern holds a 9-8 edge in the all-time series with the Trojans.
Conotton Valley (2-2) at Brownsville, Pa. (0-3)
Last year: The teams didn’t play
Two teams that have never met before will vie Friday when Conotton Valley crosses the Ohio border to play at Brownsville, Pa.
The Rockets have lost back-to-back games against a pair of veteran football teams, including Newcomerstown (52-20) and unbeaten Strasburg (34-22) last week.
Junior quarterback Kaden Leggett has thrown for 933 yards and 13 touchdowns for Conotton Valley, while Kamden Wright has scored four touchdowns.
The Brownsville Falcons are winless on the campaign and have dropped games to Bentworth (47-6), St. Clairsville (49-13) and Uniontown (34-27) last Friday.
Conotton Valley is averaging 34.5 points-per-game and surrendering 28.5 ppg.
Brownsville is scoring 15.3 points-per game while giving up 43.3 ppg.
East Canton (4-0) at Ridgewood (4-0)
Last year: The teams didn’t play
Ridgewood is in the midst of another outstanding season, while East Canton has been one of the surprises in the league. After going 3-7 last season, the Hornets have dominated all four teams on their 2025 schedule. That run includes three shutout wins over Doylestown Chippewa (38-0), Wellsville (49-0) and St. Thomas Aquinas (37-0) last week.
Ridgewood is coming off a 31-0 shutout of Utica and had also been impressive on defense, holding three of its first four opponents to a touchdown or less.
Ridgewood is averaging 35.25 points-per-game on offense and giving up 6.7 ppg.
By comparison, East Canton is scoring 42.75 points-per-game and yielding 6.7 ppg., the same as Ridgewood.
Ridgewood leads the all-time series with the Hornets, 6-1.
Fairless (3-1) at Orrville (3-1)
Last year: Orrville 31, Fairless 7
Orrville and Fairless will meet for the 25th time in their history Friday night when the Falcons travel to play the Red Riders. Orrville owns a 17-8 lead in the series with the Falcons.
Fairless routed Tusky Valley 49-7 last week while Orrville posted an easy 38-7 triumph over Tuslaw
Fairless is averaging 35 points-per-game and allowing 6.7 points-per-outing on defense. The Red Riders are putting up an average of 35.5 points-per-outing on defense and giving up 16.25 ppg.
Akron Garfield (1-2) at Carrollton (2-2)
Last year: Carrollton 10, Akron Garfield 7
The Warriors have been leaning on a strong defense to win their games. They are fresh off a 16-10 win over the Howland Tigers last week. Through four games, the Warriors are allowing 22.5 points-per-game.
Carrollton, which returned 20 letter-winners from last year’s seven-win team, is still trying to get more point production from its offense. The Warriors are averaging 15.5 ppg.
Akron Garfield is 1-2 and was blasted 56-0 by CVCA last Friday. The Rams, who have been shut out twice in three games, are only averaging 7.0 points-per-game while its defense has been gashed, giving up an average of 38.6 ppg.
Carrollton holds an unbeaten 3-0 record in the series with the Rams.
West Holmes (3-1) at Mansfield Madison Comprehensive (2-2)
Last year: West Holmes 23, Mansfield Madison Comprehensive 21
West Holmes, which has been impressive in the early part of the season, will be looking to win its fourth straight game.
West Holmes ripped Mansfield Senior 45-6 last week, while Madison Comprehensive posted a 28-17 OCC win over the winless Wooster Generals.
The Knights enter Week 5 averaging 30.5 points-per-game while giving up 14 points-per-outing. The Rams are scoring 17 points-per-game and allowing 34.25 ppg.
The Knights own an 18-5 advantage in the all-time series with the Rams.
This article originally appeared on The Times-Reporter: New Philadelphia football chasing historic victory No. 700: Week 5 preview
Reporting by Mike Brown / The Times-Reporter
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
