RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 1 sourcesIn the lead up to the start of the 2026 high school football season, USA TODAY Sports is taking a look at all aspects surrounding the game entering the new year.
From the release of the preseason Super 25 , the top teams in every state , the top player in every state and much more, there's no shortage of storylines as we hurdle towards the new season.
One thing that is on everyone's mind with just a few weeks remaining until games are played: what are the best games to go to?
Every state has its top matchups but some standout amongst the rest. The Midwest in particular has several massive in-state matchups that will define playoff runs. What are the best in-state matchups for each of the states in the Midwest?
The Midwest region includes programs and athletes from Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, West Virginia and Wisconsin.
Illinois: Mount Carmel at East St. Louis
Date: August 22, 7 p.m. CT
The Caravan and Flyers play tough out-of-state matchups this season, but when it comes to in-state games, there is none bigger than their Week 1 showdown. Mount Carmel enters this game on a 19-game winning streak that Auburn four-star running back commit Myson Johnson-Cook and Florida four-star cornerback pledge Raheem Floyd will be looking to snap.
Indiana: Westfield at Brownsburg
Date: Sept. 25, 7 p.m. ET
These two programs have become the standard in Indiana's Class 6A field the last two seasons, playing both in the regular season and in the state championship. Brownsburg is 4-0 in those matchups, but the Shamrocks have not made it easy. In the wins, Brownsburg has only won by an average of five points per game.
Iowa: Dowling Catholic at Valley
Date: Aug. 28, 7 p.m. CT
Separated by less than three miles, this game is considered by many as one of the best rivalries in the country and a look back at the recent results show why. Since 2024, the teams have traded wins back and forth with one side winning the regular season game and the other winning the 5A state semifinal in November. Last year, Valley won the season-opener by one, only for Dowling Catholic to answer back in the postseason with a 14-10 win.
Kentucky: Trinity at St. Xavier
Date: Sept. 25, 8 p.m. ET
Simply known as "The Game" in Louisville, Kentucky's premier programs face off in front of thousands at L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium. Trinity won both meetings last year, including a 50-7 postseason drubbing. Given how lopsided that postseason game was, this year's regular season showdown should have some fireworks as St. Xavier looks to bounce back.
Michigan: Catholic Central at St. Mary's Prep
Date: Oct. 9, 7 p.m. ET
While Catholic Central holds a 5-0 series lead in this matchup, St. Mary's Prep may be the team that gets one over on the Shamrocks in Michigan's Catholic High School League. This has become a game everyone in the area now circles on their calendar when schedules are released as everyone is now trying to supplant Catholic Central at the top.
Minnesota: Maple Grove at Eden Prairie
Date: Sept. 10, 7 p.m.
Eden Prairie plays its fair share of big-time games in 2026, but their first major test comes in their Week 2 matchup against Maple Grove. Last year, Maple Grove won this meeting at home by a score of 28-14. With both expected to make deep postseason pushes, a win here sets the tone for the season.
Missouri: Blue Springs at Blue Springs South
Date: Sept. 11, 7 p.m.
Many expect Blue Springs South to be a state contender this year and a Week 3 matchup against Blue Springs will give them an opportunity to see if that's true. These teams met twice last season with the Jaguars cruising to a 35-7 win in the regular season. However, they met again just a few weeks later in a game that saw Blue Springs cruise to a 29-10 victory.
Nebraska: Omaha Westside at Millard South
Date: Oct. 23, 7 p.m.
Millard South rolled through its 2025 schedule, including a dominant 62-21 semifinals win over Westside. This year, the teams will get the chance to play a little earlier as they'll face off in the regular season finale. Many expect Millard South to roll to another state championship, but Westside appears to be one of the teams that could spoil that three-peat.
North Dakota: Bismarck Century at Bismarck High
Date: Oct. 22, 7 p.m.
In the state capital, there is nothing bigger than when the Patriots and Demons get together. Bragging rights are on the line and Bismarck hopes to enact some revenge against a Century side that's beat them by single digits each of the last two seasons. Last year it was a 14-13 win for the Patriots.
Ohio: Massillon Washington at St. Edward
Date: Sept. 18, 7 p.m. ET
There's no shortage of massive matchups in the Buckeye State this year but the Week 4 matchup between the Eagles and Tigers is considered by most as the premier matchup in the state this season. Washington won this game 21-14 last season and the programs have won a combined 32 state championships.
South Dakota: Lincoln at Brandon Valley
Date: Oct. 16, 7:30 p.m. CT
A rematch of last year's Class 11AAA championship that Brandon Valley won 34-27, these two teams actually played twice last season. Lincoln handed the Lynx their only loss of the regular season with a 35-30 game in early October. If 2026 is anything like 2025, these two are in line for another pair of classic showdowns.
West Virginia: Martinsburg at Morgantown
Date: Oct. 9, 7 p.m. ET
While last year's regular season meeting between these two wasn't much to talk about after a 34-6 win for Martinsburg, the rematch in the Class AAAA championship was. Morgantown won that game 28-21 and fans are hoping a game of that caliber is what they're treated to again this year when they meet up in early October.
Wisconsin: Muskego at Arrowhead
Date: Oct. 2, 7 p.m. CT
A team that won a state title last season against ...
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