Edgewood went 8-2 last year and missed the Division II playoffs, so the goal is clear in 2018. Stocked with the potent 1-2 running punch of Wade Phillips and Elijah Williams, Edgewood opens on the road against Monroe on Friday and has handled the Hornets in the last three openers. It’s also the second debut of Monroe coach Brett Stubbs, who’s back at the helm after leading the Hornets in 2010, 2011 and 2012.
2. Will JessieBall be a hit?
New Miami opens its season at home Saturday against Gamble Montessori, and the Vikings have lost their last three openers to the Gators. But first-time head coach Jessie Hubbard believes his New Miami crew will be far better than people are expecting.
3. Talawanda seeks positive start
Talawanda coach J.D. Vonderheide believes his Braves are ready to start winning again after going 3-27 over the past three seasons. A good start would certainly help his junior-powered squad, and a Friday road opener against rebuilding Preble Shawnee might be just what THS needs. Madison is no longer on the Braves’ schedule after outscoring Talawanda 116-6 in the last three openers.
4. Early Thunderhawk roll
Lakota East will be at home against Walnut Hills on Friday and hasn’t kicked off the season with a defeat since losing 42-6 to Centerville in 2010. Included in that streak of first-game triumphs were Western Hills (four), Loveland (two) and Walnut Hills last year.
5. New coach, new experience
Fenwick’s Dan Haverkamp will be a first-time head coach Friday when the Falcons open at home against Anna. It’s a first for Haverkamp in another way — he said this will be the first time he’s ever coached a high school game on grass after spending eight seasons at St. Xavier, his alma mater.