After two difficult weeks to open the 2026 season, the West Liberty-Salem Tigers will return home Friday night looking to put their first win in the books.
West Liberty-Salem enters Week 3 at 0-2, having suffered losses to Jonathan Alder and Benjamin Logan to begin the season. The Tigers will now turn their attention to their first Ohio Heritage Conference matchup of the year when they welcome the Cedarville Indians (1-1) to West Liberty. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday.
The Tigers opened the season against Jonathan Alder on Aug. 21, falling 41-10 before returning home the following week against Benjamin Logan. West Liberty-Salem was unable to slow down the Raiders, dropping a 41-13 decision and falling to 0-2.
Week 3 provides a clean slate of sorts as the Tigers begin conference play.
A Chance to Reset
The opening two weeks have provided plenty for West Liberty-Salem to learn from, but Friday presents an opportunity to leave those results behind.
Playing at home for the second time this season, the Tigers will look to establish themselves early against Cedarville and avoid falling into another early deficit. West Liberty-Salem will need a more consistent offensive attack while finding ways to limit Cedarville's opportunities on the other side of the ball.
The Tigers' 13 points against Benjamin Logan showed flashes of offensive production, but they will need to sustain those drives and capitalize when opportunities arise.
Defensively, West Liberty-Salem will be looking for a bounce-back performance after surrendering 41 points in each of its first two games. A strong start could be especially important as the Tigers attempt to build momentum and give themselves a chance to finish Week 3 on a high note.
Conference Play Begins
While the Tigers would undoubtedly like to erase their 0-2 start, the beginning of OHC play gives the team another opportunity to make its mark.
Friday's matchup with Cedarville is the first of a stretch of conference games that will ultimately determine West Liberty-Salem's position in the OHC. Following Friday's game, the Tigers will travel to Catholic Central on Sept. 11 before returning home to face Greenon on Sept. 18. (
For a team searching for its first win, the message is simple: the season is far from over.
West Liberty-Salem has eight regular-season games remaining after Friday night. A victory over Cedarville would not only give the Tigers their first win of 2026 but also provide the kind of momentum that can change the direction of a season.
The Tigers will have their opportunity Friday night.
West Liberty-Salem vs. Cedarville
Friday, Sept. 4 — 7 p.m.
West Liberty-Salem High School
