Cooper: Week 13 is full of intriguing matchups

Springfield defensive players and Wayne offensive players eye a loose football in the first half on Friday, Oct. 3, 2025, at Heidkamp Stadium in Huber Heights. The play was rule dead, so there was no fumble. David Jablonski/Staff

Credit: David Jablonski

Credit: David Jablonski

Springfield defensive players and Wayne offensive players eye a loose football in the first half on Friday, Oct. 3, 2025, at Heidkamp Stadium in Huber Heights. The play was rule dead, so there was no fumble. David Jablonski/Staff

Good morning, and welcome to another Friday edition of the Dayton Daily News Sports update!

If you love high school football, it doesn’t get much better than this weekend’s regional semifinal matchups.

There are so many intriguing matchups tonight, especially in Region 2 where one local team - Middletown, Troy, Wayne or Springfield - will battle its way to a state semifinal game.

The stakes are so much higher with the season on the line. With tonight’s expected forecast, it’s the perfect time to go watch high school football.

Here’s what you need to know heading into this weekend:

High School Football: 5 things to know before Week 13

Springfield defensive players and Wayne offensive players eye a loose football in the first half on Friday, Oct. 3, 2025, at Heidkamp Stadium in Huber Heights. The play was rule dead, so there was no fumble. David Jablonski/Staff

Credit: David Jablonski

icon to expand image

Credit: David Jablonski

Marion Local is still streaking, ticket prices and streaming information and more.


📺3 to watch

  • UCLA at Ohio State (7 p.m., Saturday, NBC/Peacock): Can Nico Iamaleava knock off the top-ranked Buckeyes?
  • Bethune-Cookman at Dayton men’s basketball (7:30 p.m., Saturday, WHIO-TV): Can the Flyers rebound from a lackluster shooting night against UC?
  • Cincinnati at Pittsburgh (1 p.m., Sunday, CBS): Can Cincinnati’s Joe Flacco beat the Steelers for the second time this season? Can it possibly get any worse than that Bears game?

🏈3 to see (in person)

  • Springfield at Middletown (7 p.m., Friday): The Wildcats will meet the Middies for the first time since 2013.
  • Badin at Tippecanoe (7 p.m., Friday): The Red Devils will meet the Rams in a playoff game for the third time in six seasons.
  • Moeller vs. St. Xavier (7 p.m. Friday, Welcome Stadium): The GCL rivals will travel to Dayton to face off in Week 13. They’re likely expecting a capacity crowd, but this one is worth it.

ICYMI: All Southwest District football teams released

Lakota East's Ryder Hooks carries the ball during their football game Friday, Sept. 6, 2024 at Hamilton's Virgil M. Schwarm Stadium. Lakota East won 27-24 in overtime. NICK GRAHAM/STAFF

Credit: Nick Graham

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Credit: Nick Graham

Who are the area’s top football players in their respective divisions?


WHERE TO FIND OUR COVERAGE

For the latest, most up-to-date high school football news and scores from the Dayton Daily News, visit daytondailynews.com/sports.

Want to find the latest news on your smartphone? Download the new and improved Dayton Daily News app from your app store.

Readers can also get our coverage sent right to their inboxes each Saturday morning by subscribing to our High School Football newsletter.

We’ll also be posting content throughout the season on the Dayton Daily News Sports Facebook page.

I want to hear from you. Reach out to me directly at michael.cooper@coxinc.com with your questions and feedback.

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