High school football games to watch

MentorAug. 25, at 7:30 Massillon,

p.m.: For years they were scrimmage mates. Now they’re opening the season together. Expect a huge crowd at Paul Brown Tiger Stadium. Kirtland at Chagrin Falls, Aug. 25, 7 p.m.: It’s never too early to start counting computer points. Kirtland needs this one, as do the Tigers. Euclid at Aurora, Sept. 1, 7 p.m.: Over the past two seasons, each program has been at least to the second round of the playoffs.

St. Ignatius at Mentor,

Sept. 1, 7 p.m.: If Mentor wants to prove it can be a playoff team this year after missing out last year, this is a pretty strong litmus test.

Madison at Perry, Sept.

8, 7 p.m.: The Pirates won the last two meetings on defensive plays by Madison transfers — Josh Petruccelli interception in 2015 and Seth Smith sack in 2016. University at NDCL, Sept. 8, 7 p.m.: Two great quarterbacks showcased here, University’s Jayden Cunningham and NDCL’s Charles Forbes. Euclid at St. Ignatius, Sept. 9, 7 p.m.: St. Ignatius’ tour of the Greater Cleveland Conference (having played Mentor in Week 2) continues with the Panthers. Kenston at North, Sept. 15, 7 p.m.: Many feel the Bombers and the Rangers are among the most improved teams in the WRC. Here’s where we find out who is legit. Mayfield at Brush, Sept.

15, 7 p.m.: Mayfield has flat-out dominated this series over the years, but the Arcs are on a serious upswing under Coach Jeff Fink. North at South, Sept. 22,

7 p.m.: The Rebels have controlled this series, but the Rangers feel this is the year they can swing the momentum the other way. University at Gilmour, Sept. 28, 4 p.m.: A Thursday afternoon gala, unique for sure. Playoff teams a year ago are geared up to make another run at it. Chardon at Madison, Sept. 29, 7 p.m.: The Hilltoppers are the unquestioned WRC favorites — but Madison plays the same style (running the ball, tough defense). Akron Hoban at Lake Catholic, Sept. 30, 7 p.m.:

Few remember that Hoban

has outscored the Cougars, 90-10, over the past two seasons — but the Lake players probably do. South at Chardon, Oct. 6,

7 p.m.: Whether it was the PAC or the current WRC, these to teams always put on stellar Friday showcases. This one should be no different. Chardon at Brush, Oct. 13, 7 p.m.: Many observers feel these are the two teams to beat in the WRC. If that’s the case, this should be of the don’t-miss variety. NDCL at Lake Catholic, Oct. 13, 7 p.m.: St. Ignatius-St. Edward is the Holy War, but this carries some serious clout in the Catholic community, too. Kirtland at Cuyahoga Heights, Oct. 20, 7 p.m.:

Here is your CVC Valley championship game, hands down.

Euclid at Mentor, Oct. 20,

7 p.m.: The Panthers took a 47-37 shootout last year, a loss that ultimately kept Mentor out of the playoffs. Both teams will be fired up here. Perry at West Geauga, Oct. 20, 7 p.m.: Preseason prognostications figure this is the CVC Chagrin championship game. The Pirates historically have struggled with the Wolverines. Berkshire at Cardinal, Oct. 27, 7 p.m.: No area rivalry captivates two communities like this one does. Every casual football fan should take in a Berkshire-Cardinal game sometime. University at Steubenville, Oct. 27, 7 p.m.: Nothing like ending your regular season with an exclamation point. Is there a tougher place in Ohio to play than Steubenville’s Death Valley?