After a lengthy 280-day hiatus since Boonsboro's defeat to Patuxent in the Class 1A state semifinals, the excitement for high school football in Washington County is palpable as the 2026 season gets underway. This afternoon and evening, seven teams from the county will take to the field, marking the beginning of a new chapter in local sports.
Four of the teams, namely Clear Spring, North Hagerstown, Williamsport, and Boonsboro, will be playing their season openers at home. Among these matchups, Williamsport's game holds particular significance as it features the head coaching debut of Joe Austin. Austin, who has been a longtime assistant coach, recently stepped into the role after the departure of Tim Small, the winningest coach in Williamsport history. This transition brings a fresh perspective to the team as they aim to build on past successes.
Fans can look forward to live updates throughout the day, particularly from Clear Spring's home opener against Berkeley Springs from West Virginia. This matchup is expected to draw significant interest, and updates will be provided via a live blog. Additionally, game capsules and highlight videos will be available later in the evening, allowing supporters to catch up on all the action.
The full schedule for Week 1 of Washington County football is as follows: Saint James will face Archbishop Curley at 4 p.m., while Clear Spring hosts Berkeley Springs at 6 p.m. Other games include Tuscarora at North Hagerstown, Brunswick at Williamsport, and South Hagerstown at Century, all kicking off at 6 p.m. Finally, Boonsboro will take on Middletown at 7 p.m., and Smithsburg will visit Francis Scott Key at the same time.
This opening week not only signifies the start of the football season but also represents a fresh opportunity for teams to establish their identities and set the tone for the rest of the year. With new coaching strategies, player lineups, and rivalries, the excitement surrounding high school football in Washington County is sure to grow as the season progresses.
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