DANVILLE — The Blue Devils are expected to reclaim the throne.

Danville was the overwhelming choice to win the Knox Morrow Athletic Conference championship in a preseason media poll, released Monday. Writers and reporters from 14 outlets across north central Ohio took part in balloting.

The Blue Devils, who reached the Division VII state semifinals last fall, received seven of nine first-place votes. Defending champ Northmor collected the other two first-place votes and was picked second. 

Fredericktown, under new coach Scott Spitler, was picked to finish third. East Knox and Centerburg tied for fourth in preseason balloting. Mount Gilead was picked to finish sixth, followed by Cardington and Loudonville.

Danville won an outright KMAC crown in 2023 and shared the title with Highland in 2017, the conference’s first year.

Mid-Ohio Athletic Conference

Until proven otherwise, the road to the Mid-Ohio Athletic Conference crown runs through Shelby.

Week 1

MOUNT VERNON — The high school football season kicks off Friday. Here’s a look at the Week 1 schedule:

Marion Harding at Mount Vernon

Danville at Worthington Christian

Northridge at East Knox

Highland at Fredericktown

Utica at Centerburg

The Whippets were the unanimous choice to defend their MOAC title. Shelby collected all 12 first-place votes. 

Clear Fork was picked to finish second, followed by Ontario. Galion and River Valley tied for fourth in preseason balloting, followed by Pleasant, Marion Harding and Highland.

Shelby has won five of six MOAC titles since joining the league in the fall of 2019.