So, I’ve been getting really into high school football lately. It’s like, a whole world out there with its own rules and schedules. And honestly, I was kinda confused about when exactly each state kicks off its season. So, I decided to dig into it and figure out the “high school football start date by state.” Here’s what I did and what I found out.

First off, I started with a simple search. I just typed in “high school football start date by state” and scrolled through the results. I found out that the very first high school football game was back in 1875, between Norwich Free Academy and New London High School. Man, that’s a long time ago! It’s crazy to think how much the game has evolved since then.
Then I got into the details. I learned that Texas, Florida, and Ohio are like the big names in high school football, with Texas being especially passionate. I mean, their games attract thousands of people! And the structure is a bit different from college and pro football – each quarter is 12 minutes, not 15. Plus, kickoffs happen at the 40-yard line. It’s these little things that make high school football unique.
After getting a handle on the basics, I moved on to finding the actual start dates. I found some resources that listed the start dates for each state. It was super helpful to see it all laid out like that.
Here’s a little breakdown of what I found, organized by state:
- Texas: Known for massive crowds and a deep love for the game. The season usually starts in late August.
- Florida: Another football-loving state, with games starting around the same time, late August.
- Ohio: They’re right up there with Texas and Florida, kicking off their season in late August.
I kept digging, state by state, and started putting together a list. It was a bit of a process, going through each state’s info, but it was worth it. Now I’ve got this comprehensive list of when high school football starts across the country.

What I Learned
This whole thing was a learning experience. It’s not just about the dates; it’s about understanding how much high school football means to different communities. Plus, it gave me a better appreciation for the sport and all its quirks.
Knowing when each state starts its season is just the beginning. I’m thinking of diving deeper, maybe looking into the history of high school football in each state or checking out some local rivalries. There’s so much to explore!
And hey, if you’re into high school football too, or just curious about it, I highly recommend doing a little research yourself. It’s pretty cool to see how this sport plays out across the country. I’m definitely going to keep following high school football and maybe even catch a few games. It’s a whole different vibe from college or pro games, and I’m here for it!