News Summary

Five Catholic high schools in Ohio have joined forces to create a football scheduling alliance set to begin in 2026. This collaboration aims to enhance competition and simplify scheduling, following the challenges faced by some schools in maintaining consistent schedules. Coaches and athletic directors are optimistic about the alliance’s potential to strengthen rivalries and improve game-day experiences, while also hinting at future expansion to include more schools and sports. As anticipation builds, Ohio’s high school football community is ready for an exciting transformation.

Exciting Times for Ohio Football as Schools Team Up for a New Alliance

In a thrilling development for high school football lovers, five Ohio Catholic high schools have announced a football scheduling alliance that promises to shake up the playing field starting in 2026. This new collaboration includes Walsh Jesuit, Columbus DeSales, Columbus Hartley, Columbus Watterson, and Youngstown Ursuline, and it’s designed to enhance competition and streamline scheduling for their football teams.

What’s the Big Idea?

This scheduling alliance is a result of the Ohio Catholic Athletic Conference (OCAC) that was first launched last July. Originally, the OCAC included eight schools looking to improve their football schedules, but along the way, some schools opted out. St. Vincent-St. Mary, Cleveland Villa Angela-St. Joseph, and Youngstown Mooney decided to withdraw from the OCAC, citing concerns over travel costs and logistical challenges in maintaining a consistent schedule.

Despite this setback, the remaining schools have chosen to stick together and form a new schedule rather than abandon the idea altogether. The main goal here is to fill those football slots and give these teams the competition they need to grow and excel. Coaches are optimistic about the alliance’s potential, recognizing that it not only keeps rivalries alive but also enhances game-day experiences.

The Road Ahead

Walsh’s coach has expressed satisfaction, highlighting that they will continue to compete alongside Ursuline and the Columbus trio of schools. Meanwhile, the athletic director at Walsh underscored the mounting challenges independent schools face in finding football games each season. This alliance is a beacon of hope for those eager to root for their teams without the headache of scrambling for opponents.

Schools like DeSales, Hartley, Watterson, and Columbus St. Charles plan to juggle their schedules between this new alliance and the Central Catholic League (CCL) schedule they already maintain. This dual approach aims to keep the teams competitive while accommodating their unique needs, showing a spirit of flexibility and collaboration that characterizes these institutions.

Future Expansion and Optimism

While the OCAC was solely a football initiative, members of the new alliance inspire thoughts of future growth and collaboration, hinting at more schools possibly joining in down the line. The idea is to strengthen the community and sporting culture surrounding these teams, and perhaps even expand the alliance to include other sports later on.

Amidst these changes, there’s a recognition of the historical attempts to collaborate, such as with the Greater Catholic League back in 2019, which only lasted a season. This time around, there’s a distinct sense of cautious optimism. While the unraveling of the original OCAC proposal was disappointing for many, it appears the focus has now shifted to building a more sustainable framework that can withstand the challenges of scheduling.

Why This Matters

High school football is more than just a sport; it’s a tradition, bringing communities together on crisp autumn evenings. With schools banding together to create an environment conducive to competition and collaboration, players and fans alike can look forward to some exciting matchups in the years to come. The new scheduling alliance aims to make Friday nights even more vibrant, competitive, and—most importantly—fun for everyone involved.

All eyes will be on Ohio when 2026 rolls around, with fans eagerly anticipating what this alliance holds for their school teams. Whether you’re a die-hard loyalist or just a casual fan, it’s safe to say that Ohio’s high school football scene is gearing up for an exciting transformation. Stronger together, these five schools are ready to tackle the future head-on!

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