H.S. Football Roundup | Four area teams open season with wins

High school football season kicked off on August 21, and four teams from the area started the season with victories.

Berne Union defeated River Valley 40-6 in their nonconference opener. Junior quarterback Carson Kiger had an outstanding performance, completing 14 of 18 passes for 262 yards and four touchdowns. He also rushed for a touchdown. Defensively, Jackson Little recorded an interception, and James Hocking returned an interception for a touchdown, catching a 32-yard touchdown pass himself. Dillan Cornell caught two touchdown passes, one for 16 yards and another for 52 yards, while Aidan Harris caught a 33-yard touchdown pass.

In another nonconference game, Fisher Catholic won against Belpre 28-19. Senior running back Sam Tencza had a standout game, rushing for 127 yards and a touchdown, and catching a touchdown pass. Defensively, Tencza had a total of 10 tackles, including three tackles for loss and two sacks. Blake Wohrer scored a rushing touchdown, while James Wilkinson threw two touchdown passes, one to Damian Neal and another to Tencza.

Defensively, the Irish held Belpre to under 50 yards rushing, with Wyatt Hillis and Anderson Crook each recording an interception. Gavin Thomas and Jude Clum each recovered a fumble.

Bloom-Carroll edged out River Valley 21-19, while Millersport defeated Portsmouth Sciotoville East 14-12. Sciotoville East secured a 0-0 tie against West Jefferson. West Jefferson started off the season with a 29-12 victory over Amanda-Clearcreek. Monroe Central claimed a 33-12 win over Liberty Union. Finally, Hilliard Darby beat Lancaster 20-15, and New Lexington triumphed over Fairfield Union 33-14. Southeastern also began the season undefeated, defeating Fairfield Christian Academy 28-0.