Football kicks off

High school football has arrived in the Ohio Valley. Tonight will see four gridiron matchups contested in the area. All four home teams look to be prohibitive favorites as Union Local hosts Meadowbrook, Steubenville welcomes Indian Creek, Bridgeport plays host to St. John Central while Cambridge awaits John Marshall. Friday night, however, looks to have several potential barnburners on the menu. Buckeye Local at Martins Ferry is the headliner, pitting two of the best teams in the Ohio Valley. The Panthers possess added passion as Rob Pobolish embarks on his final foray at the Buckeye Local grid helm. Dave Bruney's Purple Riders look to build on last year's great success. Friday night's winner is poised, health permitting, of a possible monster season. The loser, however, should not be discarded in the also-rans category as it also can turn in a championship season.