The start of the 2026 Ohio high school football season is right around the corner.
Most teams open Week 1 on Friday, Aug. 21, with a handful playing their season opener on Thursday, Aug. 20.
Here is one in a series of previews for Tuscarawas County-area football teams:
Tuscarawas Central Catholic Saints
Coach: Giovanni Ionno (third season) 2-17
2025 record: 2-7
Classification: Division VII, Region 27
Playoff appearances under current coach: N/A
Coach Ionno’s take:
After nearly losing the football program three years ago, Ionno has seen the program slowly rebuild to what he hopes is an exciting third season.
“We’ve had a lot of rebuilding, and we’ve been working really hard,” he said. “Last year we got a couple wins, and got in the twenties for kids in the program.
“I’m looking forward to finally, seeing what those young kids, the last two years have taken their lumps and have gone through the struggles of being a very young and small team. Now they’re getting a chance to play at the age where the average, you know, high schooler plays when they’re junior senior level. I’m excited to see a more mature team on the field.”
Offensive outlook:
On offense the game plan for 2026 is to run the ball and maintain control of the ball throughout games for the Saints.
‘”We have added in some different elements so we can pass the ball a little bit more this season,” Ionno said. “Our goal is to start scoring points, and to be a difference maker offensively. We want to keep things within reach from the get-go, controlling the game on the ground and work our way to the air.”
Defensive outlook:
Along with the offense, Ionno is hoping to have more mature defense than the past due to being able to play upperclassmen and have experience out on the field.
“We’re looking for those kids to step up and keep us in a game,” he said. “I think we’re going to have a nice solid defense, which should help us maintain even against the better Inter-Valley Conference schools.
“Help us maintain success and keep it in close games and see how it finishes out in the fourth quarter.”
Conference Outlook:
Ionno knows competing in the IVC will be tough due to having one of the smallest schools and the success the conference is able to consistently have.
“Even though we’re in the smaller division, it’s a great conference. We’re the smallest team in it, and that’s no excuse. On my end, we have teams that have been perennially very good over the last five or six years in Malvern and Newcomerstown.
“There is no easy team when you’re playing in the IVC, which we’re looking forward to that challenge. We’re looking forward to getting our first five games under our belt when week six kicks off, and then get ready to play in the IVC.”
Non-conference schedule:
When it comes to non-conference games, Ionno will look at those as a challenge and how his team is able to respond to hopefully build momentum heading into conference games.
“We start our season again with Conotton Valley, and they have had great success over the last few years. So it’s time to show that we belong playing with them.
“That is a game that’ll propel us to our next four games. We’re looking forward to kind of ramp up the season, Get us to start playing the way we should be playing and challenge us enough so we ready for the back half of the season.”
What to expect:
Saints fans expect a team that is much better and providing competitive games, Ionno said.
“Unfortunately, the last couple years especially once we get to the IVC games, it hasn’t been a contest. I’m expecting us to be able to fight our way from top to bottom, and no matter what team we play on our schedule, it should be a good game.
“Last season was big for our program and a step in the right direction, and I hope we continue heading in that direction.”
The Saints will open its season Thursday, Aug. 20 at home, taking on Conotton Valley.
2026 TEAM FOOTBALL SCHEDULE
Aug. 20: Conotton Valley, 7 p.m.
Aug. 28: at Lancaster Fisher Catholic, 7 p.m.
Sept. 4: at Saint Thomas Aquinas, 7 p.m.
Sept. 12: Millersport, 6 p.m.
Sept. 18: at Federal Hocking, 7 p.m.
Sept. 25: East Canton, 7 p.m.
Oct. 2: Malvern, 7 p.m.
Oct. 9: at Newcomerstown, 7 p.m.
Oct. 17: Buckeye Trail, 7 p.m.
Oct. 23: at Strasburg, 7 p.m.
Jshondel@usatodayco.com; X: @JacoBShondeL
This article originally appeared on The Times-Reporter: Tuscarawas Central Catholic football takes its next step | 2026 preview
Reporting by Jacob Shondel, The Times-Reporter / The Times-Reporter
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Jacob Shondel, The Times-Reporter | USA TODAY Network
