RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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The 2026 Somerset County high school football schedule is full of intriguing matchups. For teams like Berlin Brothersvalley, Meyersdale, North Star and Windber, the programs each have to find a nonconference matchup due to an uneven number of squads in the Inter-County Conference South.
Conemaugh Township and Somerset face challenges nearly every Friday night.
Here's a look at the top 10 high school football games to watch this season involving Somerset County squads:
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10. Somerset at Greater Johnstown
There has not been a lot of wins produced by these two programs in recent history. The Golden Eagles last winning season came in 2015, while the Trojans last successful campaign came in 2017. The game will be big for first-year Somerset coach Braden Fochtman. The Golden Eagles are seeking their seventh straight win over the Trojans.
9. Wheeling Central Catholic at Windber
This will be the third challenging game in a row on Windber's schedule, when the Ramblers host the Maroon Knights in a nonconference matchup Friday, Oct. 2, in Week 6. Wheeling Central Catholic went 10-2, playing teams from West Virginia, Ohio and Pennsylvania. With only four seniors on the roster — three of which will see the field — the underclassmen will need to step up, especially against a program that has won at least nine games every year but twice, dating back to 2015.
8. Wilmington at Meyersdale
Wilmington is a perennial playoff team. The Greyhounds won 11 or more games five straight seasons from 2016-20. The Friday, Oct. 16, Week 8 game will be a good test for the Red Raiders ahead of the postseason. Regardless the outcome, Meyersdale will be better suited for what lies ahead after playing a team the caliber of Wilmington.
7. Marion Center at Conemaugh Township
The Week 6 matchup Friday, Oct. 2, will be a measuring stick game for Conemaugh Township. Marion Center won 10 games a season ago before falling to Bishop McCort Catholic Academy in the District 6-2A semifinals. Conemaugh Township had its best season in the Heritage Conference a season ago, winning six games, along with a District 5-1A playoff win over Windber. If Conemaugh Township wants a game to hang its hat on, this is certainly one that could go a long way.
6. Our Lady of the Sacred Heart at Berlin Brothersvalley
OLSH produced winning seasons from 2016-22. The Chargers have played sub-.500 ball two of the last three seasons in the WPIAL. However, this should be a good nonconference matchup for the Mountaineers Friday, Sept. 18, in Week 4. If Berlin Brothersvalley can get by Juniata Valley in Week 1, the Mountaineers have a great chance to be undefeated entering this contest.
5. Conemaugh Township at Cambria Heights
Conemaugh Township has yet to defeat Cambria Heights in its three Heritage Conference matchups. Conemaugh Township nearly pulled an upset last season, falling 34-26. Both teams are expected to be playoff teams again this year. Conemaugh Township fell in the District 5-1A title game a season ago. The Highlanders moved to Class 3A this year and will likely contend for a title. The squads tangle Friday, Oct. 16, in Week 8.
4. Windber at North Star
First-year coaches Frank Tallyen and Shane Smith clash Friday, Sept. 25, in Week 5. This game will be emotionally charge. Two former Windber players enrolled at North Star at the end of the school year, following their involvement in a hazing scandal. The teams have split the last four matchups.
3. North Star at Berlin Brothersvalley
Berlin Brothersvalley has dominated North Star over the years. The Cougars have not earned a win over the Mountaineers since Sept. 16, 2011. North Star returns nearly everyone in 2026 and has lofty goals despite a coaching change in the offseason. If the Cougars are serious about winning a District 5-2A title, they better take care of business Friday, Oct. 23, in Week 9.
2. Meyersdale at Windber
Windber has won the last two regular season matchups against Meyersdale by a combined three points. Both teams have explosive players. Both defenses have starred in the previous two contests. The most points scored by either team was 24 by the Ramblers a season ago. Expect another low-scoring dog fight Friday, Sept. 18, in Week 4.
1. Berlin Brothersvalley at Meyersdale
Meyersdale bested Berlin Brothersvalley for the first time since 2019 in the annual Backyard Brawl. The Red Raiders are coming off a District 5-1A title, while the Mountaineers fell in the District 5-2A championship game. Meyersdale lost a bevy of talent, while Berlin Brothersvalley returns nine starters. The teams square off Friday, Oct. 2, in Week 6.
Rip's Picks Week 1
Berlin Brothersvalley 28, Juniata Valley 20
Conemaugh Township 24, Purchase Line 13
Meyersdale 31, Glendale 19
North Star 27, West Branch 12
Moshannon Valley 21, Windber 14
Penn Cambria 35, Somerset 22
Adam Ripple is the Daily American sports editor. He can be reached at 814-444-5926. Follow him on X @ARipple_DAsport. Follow Daily American Sports on Facebook and @dailyamericanmedia on Instagram.
This article originally appeared on The Daily American: Counting down the top 10 football games to watch in Somerset County
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