As the calendar turns toward football season, Riverside and West Liberty-Salem will take the first steps of their 2026 campaigns Friday night when the Tigers travel to DeGraff for a preseason scrimmage.

Both programs enter the fall looking to build momentum after competitive but ultimately inconsistent seasons a year ago. Riverside finished 4-6 in 2025, while West Liberty-Salem closed at 5-6 after a playoff defeat to Carlisle.

For the Tigers, Friday marks the start of Year 2 under head coach Brad Jarzab. After laying the foundation during his first season in orange and black, West Liberty-Salem hopes to take the next step forward with a roster that will lean heavily on experienced upperclassmen.

Riverside enters the season under the steady leadership of Bryce Hodge, who begins his eighth season at the helm of the Pirates. Like the Tigers, Riverside returns a core of veteran players who gained valuable experience last season and will be counted on to help elevate the program this fall.

While official rosters are still being finalized, both teams are expected to feature a number of returning contributors eager to turn last year’s lessons into on-field success.

Friday’s scrimmage serves as the unofficial kickoff to another high school football season and will also give fans another opportunity to gather at Veterans Memorial Stadium.

The score may not matter in August, but for two programs looking to make a statement heading into the season, Friday night provides an early opportunity to measure progress and set the tone for the weeks ahead.