Opening Night Week: Game Day Is Almost Here!

Two weeks ago, fall sports practices kicked off across Ohio. Now, after two weeks of two-a-day practices, scrimmages, and roster decisions, it is game week. The helmets are strapped. The cleats are laced. And across Clinton County, booster clubs are making sure everything is ready for Friday night.

Rooted in Wilmington, Glasshouse Realty proudly serves Clinton County and surrounding communities. We live here, our kids go to school here, and we believe in the organizations that invest in our students. Here is your opening night week update — including the full schedule, booster club events, early season results, and every way you can show up for Clinton County student-athletes.

Opening Night: August 21 Matchups Across Clinton County

Friday, August 21 marks the official start of the 2026 Ohio high school football regular season, and all four Clinton County schools are in action. Here is where every team lines up:

CM Band Boosters Meeting This Tuesday

The Clinton-Massie Band Boosters will hold their next meeting this Tuesday, August 19 at 6:30 PM in the band room at Clinton-Massie High School. This is a critical meeting as the marching band prepares for its first Friday night performance of the season.

Uniform fittings, halftime show coordination, travel logistics, and volunteer assignments are all on the agenda. The band boosters play a vital role in supporting the students who bring the energy and pageantry to every home game. All parents and community supporters are welcome to attend. (Source: Clinton-Massie Band Boosters)

Clinton-Massie Athletics: Golf Season Underway, Boosters Keep Building

While football gets the headlines this week, other Falcon fall sports are already in action. The Clinton-Massie boys golf team opened the season with a decisive 209-231 win over McClain on August 5, led by Renni Sagraves. The Falcons are chasing a sixth straight SBAAC American Division championship and are showing early-season depth. (Source: Wilmington News Journal)

Meanwhile, the Clinton-Massie Athletics Boosters continue their "4 Quarter Drive" campaign to raise funds for track and turf replacement projects. With the boosters' new 501(c)(3) nonprofit status, all donations are now tax-deductible. Memberships start at $50 per year and directly support every Falcon athlete. Visit cmathleticsboosters.org to join.

Fall Sports Beyond Football: Volleyball, Soccer & Cross Country Schedules

Football is not the only game in town this week. Across Clinton County, fall athletes in volleyball, soccer, and cross country are preparing for their own opening competitions. Here is what is on the schedule for the week of August 17:

Game Week: The Busiest Time for Booster Clubs

This is the week that booster club volunteers have been preparing for all summer. Here is what is happening behind the scenes as game day approaches:

• Concession stand prep. Every booster club is finalizing inventory, pricing, and volunteer schedules for opening night. From hot dogs and popcorn to pizza and Gatorade, the concession stand is a major fundraiser that supports every team.
• Team meal coordination. Many boosters organize pre-game meals for players and coaches. This requires parent sign-ups, meal planning, and coordination with the school kitchen.
• Spirit wear sales. New t-shirts, hoodies, and gear hit the stands at opening night. Many boosters sell spirit wear as a year-round fundraiser.
• Chain gang and field crew assignments. Volunteer parents run the chains, manage the clock, and help with field maintenance on game day. Every role matters.
• Senior night and special event planning. Booster clubs are already laying groundwork for senior night celebrations in October, though the first priority is a successful opening night.

Upcoming: Ohio's Hospice Golf Classic — August 28

While not a school-specific fundraiser, the Ohio's Hospice Annual Golf Classic on Friday, August 28 at Elks 797 Golf Course (2593 Rombach Ave., Wilmington) is a community-wide event that benefits hospice programs serving Clinton County families. Registration opens at 11:00 AM, lunch at 11:30 AM, shotgun start at noon, and awards at 5:00 PM. Cost is $95 per golfer or $350 per team of four. (Source: Ohio's Hospice)

Quick Reference: Key Dates This Week

Booster Club Directory: How to Get Involved

Whether you have a student on the team or you just want to support the community, every booster club in Clinton County welcomes new members and volunteers. Here is where to connect:

Why Opening Night Matters More Than the Score

Yes, the scoreboard matters. Players have trained all summer for this moment. Coaches have put in countless hours installing systems and building relationships. But opening night is about something bigger than wins and losses. It is about community identity.

When the stands fill up at Wilmington's Hurricane Stadium, when the Clinton-Massie faithful make the trip to Waynesville, when Blanchester and East Clinton families pack the bleachers for a rivalry opener — that is the sound of a community investing in its young people. Every ticket sold, every hot dog bought at the concession stand, every booster membership purchased reinvests in programs that teach discipline, teamwork, and resilience.

And that investment pays dividends far beyond the final whistle. Student-athletes who feel supported by their community are more likely to stay engaged, stay motivated, and stay in Clinton County after graduation. Supporting high school athletics is supporting the future of this community.

5 Ways to Support Clinton County Student-Athletes This Week

• Attend the CM Band Boosters meeting. Tuesday, August 19 at 6:30 PM. The marching band is an essential part of Friday night magic.
• Buy your athletic season pass. Wilmington City Schools athletic passes for the 2026-27 school year are still available through the athletic department.
• Join the CM Athletics Boosters. With their new 501(c)(3) status, memberships and donations are tax-deductible. Memberships start at $50/year.
• Show up on opening night. Pick a game, bring your family, buy a hot dog, and cheer loud. A packed stadium changes everything for the kids on the field.
• Register for the Ohio's Hospice Golf Classic. August 28 at Elks 797. $95/golfer or $350/team — support hospice care while enjoying a day on the course.