As the second half of Ohio’s abbreviated 6-week high school football season kicks off tonight, there is only one team — Bellaire — that is looking to go 4-0. There are just three squads — Barnesville, Monroe Central and Shenandoah — that are seeking 3-1 starts.

There are eight games on tap locally, with all having 7 p.m. kickoffs on Friday night.

Bellaire (3-0) at Toronto (1-2)

The Big Reds have beaten River, Shadyside and Harrison Central so far this season, with all of those games being played on Saturday afternoon’s at Nelson Field. This contest will be played at Clark Hinkle Stadium in the Gem City.

Bellaire’s offensive and defensive lines have seem to worn down the three opponents, allowing running backs Colt Sechrest, Brandon Mamie and Brayden Roth to pick up big chunks of yardage on the ground. Quarterback Jake Heatherington doesn’t wow you with his arm, but he doesn’t do things to lose games.

Shenandoah (2-1) at

Barnesville (2-1)

Both teams are looking for their third victories in four starts when they collide at Shamrocks Stadium.

The Shamrocks have sandwiched wins over Buckeye Local and Edison around a loss to Beaver Local.

The Cousins Hannahs — Ayden and Gage — have been the catalysts on offense for Barnesville. Gage ran for 203 yards and three touchdowns in last week’s triumph over the Wildcats.

The Zeps have defeated Belpre and Caldwell but are coming off a 35-8 manhandling by Cambridge last week.

Caldwell (1-2) at

Monroe Central (2-1)

Both teams are coming off losses when they tangle at Monroe Park in Woodsfield.

The Seminoles lost to county rival River after earning a hard-fought win over Union Local and rolling past Bridgeport.

Quarterback Malachi Rose-Burton and fullback Alex Kilburn are the Monroe Central offensive leaders.

The Redskins have dropped back-to-back contests after a week 1 victory over Eastern. They were blanked last week by Fort Frye.

Magnolia (0-2) at River (2-1)

Bragging rights will be at stake tonight when the Blue Eagles cross the Ohio River to meet the Pilots at Flannery Field in Hannibal.

Magnolia has opened with lop-sided losses to Ritchie County and Shadyside while River has bounced back from a season-opening setback at Bellaire with impressive victories over Steubenville Catholic and Monroe Central.

arter Dennis has been the Pilots leader on offense and defense. Michael Johnson is also a threat every time he touches the ball.

Bridgeport (1-2) at

Beallsville (1-2)

This matchup at Dave Caldwell Field has team’s heading in opposite directions and became necessary when their opponents — Paden City and Clay-Battelle — do not have a team any longer and can’t play due to COVID-19 restrictions in Monongalia County.

The Bulldogs debuted with a win on the road at Federal Hocking but haven’t had any success since in losses to Monroe Central and Frontier.

Quarterback Colin Jackson and running back Joey Bugaj are Bridgeport’s offensive threats.

The Blue Devils got on the winning track last week against Hundred. They had lost to Conotton Valley and Frontier.

Indian Creek (0-3) at

Buckeye Local (0-3)

Both teams are still in search of a victory as they meet at World War II Memorial Stadium in Yorkville.

The Panthers have dropped decisions to Barnesville, Union Local and Toronto.

Quarterback Trey Hoover passed for more than 200 yards and a TD last week at Toronto while also running for 58 stripes and a pair of TDs. Brian Palmer Jr. caught four passes for 103 yards.

The Redskins have lost to Cambridge, East Liverpool and Beaver Local.

Strasburg (1-2) at Buckeye Trail (1-2)

A pair of teams struggling teams will meet at the Baker Athletic Complex in Old Washington.

The Warriors defeated Tuscarawas Central Catholic in week 2. They have lost to Indian Valley and Malvern.

The Tigers, meanwhile topped East canton last week for their first win after setbacks to Sandy Valley and Malvern.