Sights and sounds from Day 1 of high school football practice

High school football in Ohio began Thursday with the first practices of the 2024 season.

Week 1 games are scheduled for Aug. 23.

Here are some sights and sounds from around The Blade’s coverage area on opening day on the gridiron. Check back for updates.

Central Catholic

The champs are here.

Hear from offensive coordinator Chad Huntebrinker, defensive coordinator Ryan Brown, DB Victor Singleton, WR Preston Fryzel, and RB Tyler Morgan as Central Catholic eyes a third straight state championship.

Oak Harbor

The defending Northern Buckeye Conference champs are back on the field.

Below is coach Mike May and quarterback/defensive back Michael Lalonde speaking about the upcoming season.

Otsego

Otsego runs drills on its first day under new head coach Craig Rutherford.

Patrick Henry

Coach Ben Inselmann, QB Lincoln Creager, and the Patriots hit the turf on Thursday with a goal to replicate the 2023 season, when they made it to the playoff semifinals in Division VII.

Napoleon

It was a rocky start to last season, but the Wildcats bounced back and gave themselves a chance in the Northern Lakes League. Napoleon fell short, but it feels closer to capturing its first NLL title since 2012.

Wildcats coach Tyler Swary talks about the start of practice.

Findlay

Quarterback Ryan Montgomery, the reigning All-Blade player of the year, warms up before Findlay’s first practice.

Bowling Green

Bowling Green takes the field under first-year head coach and longtime assistant Shawn Kiss.

Kiss talks about Day 1 and the upcoming season.

Maumee

Last season, Maumee snapped a 34-game losing streak and just missed the playoffs with a 5-5 record. The Panthers are kicking off Year 2 with coach Evan Karchner.