Friday night in St. Clairsville isn't just about a game. It's basically a town ritual. If you’ve ever walked down Woodrow Avenue toward Red Devil Stadium on a crisp September evening, you know exactly what I’m talking about. The smell of popcorn, the roar of the crowd, and that specific tension that only Ohio high school football can create.
But keeping track of the st clairsville football schedule can be a bit of a headache if you aren't paying close attention to the OHSAA brackets and the Buckeye 8 movements. Honestly, following the Red Devils isn't just about showing up; it’s about understanding the gauntlet Coach Brett McLean puts these kids through every single year.
The 2025 Campaign: A Wild Ride Through the Region
The 2025 season was a rollercoaster. If you missed a week, you missed a lot. People often think the schedule is just a bunch of local blowouts, but that couldn't be further from the truth. St. Clairsville finished the regular season with a strong 8-4 record, but those four losses tell a story of a team that refuses to schedule "cupcakes."
They started the year with a brutal trip to Creston to face Norwayne. Losing 47-27 in the opener was a gut punch, sure. But look at what happened next. They went on a tear. They dismantled Brownsville (PA) 49-13 and then shut down Beaver Local 38-7. By the time they hit the mid-season mark, the Red Devils were looking like a Division V powerhouse.
The schedule is designed to test them. Coach McLean, who actually celebrated his 200th career win during the Beaver Local game this past September, doesn't believe in easy wins. He wants his boys ready for the Week 11 and Week 12 pressure.
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Key Matchups and Results
- The Linsly Battle (Home): A tight 24-14 win that proved the Red Devils' defense could hold up under pressure.
- Wheeling Park (Away): This is always a grudge match. The 24-7 loss in late September was a reality check, but it’s the kind of game that builds character for the playoffs.
- The Bellaire Rivalry: You can't talk about the St. Clairsville schedule without mentioning Bellaire. It was a dogfight, a 21-14 victory that felt way closer than the score suggests.
- Bloom-Carroll (Home): This 24-15 loss in October was probably the most frustrating game of the year for fans. It was a slugfest, but it showed that St. C could hang with the elite programs in the state.
Breaking Down the Playoff Push
When the calendar flips to late October, the atmosphere in Belmont County changes. The st clairsville football schedule shifts from "local pride" to "state aspirations."
In 2025, the Red Devils entered the Region 17 playoffs with a massive target on their backs. They opened up at home against Pymatuning Valley. Red Devil Stadium was electric. St. Clairsville took care of business with a 35-13 win, moving them into the next round.
But then came the Garrettsville Garfield game.
Look, sports are cruel sometimes. Despite a valiant effort, the season ended on November 7th with a 48-31 loss. It wasn't the ending anyone wanted, especially for the seniors like Sam McLean and Ollie Muhly, but it solidified St. Clairsville’s reputation as a team that belongs in the conversation every single November.
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Why the Schedule Matters More Than You Think
A lot of folks just look at the wins and losses. That's a mistake. You've got to look at the "strength of schedule." Because St. Clairsville plays in the Buckeye 8 and crosses over into the OVAC (Ohio Valley Athletic Conference), they are constantly playing teams from different divisions and even different states.
Going to West Virginia to play Wheeling Park or hosting a powerhouse like Bloom-Carroll from the Columbus area is what earns those crucial computer points. These points determine home-field advantage in the playoffs. Without a tough st clairsville football schedule, the Red Devils wouldn't have the "battle-hardened" edge they need when they face teams from the northern part of the state.
The Roster That Made It Happen
It wasn't just about the dates on the calendar; it was about who was on the field.
- Sam McLean (QB): The coach's son had a phenomenal year, particularly in that Beaver Local game where he was nearly perfect in the first half.
- Ollie Muhly (RB): A consistent threat who found gaps where there shouldn't have been any.
- Colten Florence (DE): A nightmare for opposing offensive lines.
- Mason Wilt (OL): The anchor of a line that paved the way for those high-scoring games against Cambridge and East Liverpool.
Planning for the Next Season
If you're a fan looking ahead to the 2026 st clairsville football schedule, you need to keep a few things in mind. The OHSAA often tweaks divisional assignments, and while St. Clairsville has been a staple in Division V, Region 17, those numbers can shift based on enrollment.
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Expect the rivalry games to stay. Bellaire, Martins Ferry, and Union Local are the heart of the schedule. These aren't just games; they are the dates that get circled in red ink on kitchen calendars all over town.
To stay on top of the latest changes, the best move is to keep an eye on the official St. Clairsville Athletics site or the OHSAA's "Joe Eitel" rankings. Things change fast—kickoff times move for TV, or games get rescheduled due to weather—so having a reliable source is key.
Actionable Steps for Red Devil Fans
If you want to make the most of the next season, don't just show up at 7:00 PM. Here is how you actually do it right:
- Get Your Tickets Early: For games like Bellaire or playoff rounds, Red Devil Stadium sells out. Use the HomeTown Fan app or whatever digital ticketing system the school district is currently using to avoid the long lines.
- Check the Computer Rankings: Starting around Week 5, start looking at the Division V, Region 17 standings. It tells you exactly who the Red Devils need to root against to secure a home playoff game.
- Support the Boosters: The atmosphere—the lights, the tunnel, the spirit—is largely funded by the community. Join the booster club if you want to ensure the program stays at this elite level.
- Follow the Local Press: Reporters from the Wheeling Intelligencer and the Times Leader live and breathe this stuff. They often get the schedule changes before they hit the national sites.
The st clairsville football schedule is the heartbeat of the community from August to November. Whether they are winning 52-0 against Cambridge or fighting through a muddy overtime win against Indian Creek, the Red Devils represent the grit of the Ohio Valley. Keep those Friday nights open. You're going to need them.