Beloit, OH -- In the small town of Beloit, Ohio, Friday night football runs deep, and the West Branch Warriors are at the heart of it. With a storied tradition and a program built on excellence,
Tim Cooper, who had previously served on the West Branch coaching staff under
Ken Harris, became head coach for the 2022 season. Since 2020, the Warriors have gone 55-8 overall and an impressive 26-0 in Eastern Buckeye Conference play. Under Cooper, the team has posted a 33-5 record.
This season, West Branch will lean on a number of key players. Senior Jeremiah Thomas, last year's Co-Offensive Player of the Year in the Northeast Inland District, First Team All-Ohio, and Eastern Buckeye Conference Player of the Year, will move back to wide receiver after a stellar season at quarterback. Junior dual threat Grady Hirst steps in under center, bringing size, arm strength, and the ability to make plays with his legs. Toledo commit Gavin Gregory, a 6'7 wide receiver and tight end who earned Honorable Mention Northeast Inland District and Eastern Buckeye Conference Second Team honors, will be a major weapon in the passing game.
Other seniors Jake Weingart, Grady Close, Lukas Black, Gavin Hang, Zach Coffee (Honorable Mention Northeast Inland District, EBC Second Team), Clayton Day (EBC Honorable Mention), Jude Corallo, Nick Scofinsky, Carson Wike, Chase Gee, and Brett Weisel will provide leadership and playmaking on both sides of the ball. The Warriors will also count on talented underclassmen to step up, adding depth and speed to a team looking to continue its dominance.
2025 Football Schedule
West Branch opens the 2025 season at Canfield on August 22nd. The marquee matchup has been selected as the WKBN High School Football Game of the Week, highlighting the significance of this season opener. West Branch beat Canfield last year 27-7.
The home opener is set for August 29th against North Philadelphia, followed by road contests at Struthers (September 5th) and Chaney (September 12th). West Branch hosts Howland on September 19th before Eastern Buckeye Conference play begins September 26th at Minerva. The program has posted a perfect 26-0 conference record since 2020.
October features home games against Marlington (October 3rd), Alliance (October 10th), and Carrollton (October 17th). The regular season concludes October 24th at Salem.
All games kick off at 7:00 PM.
