In a traditional season opener between Big 10 Conference rivals, Philip Barbour welcomes Grafton as both teams kickoff their respective 2026 campaigns at 7 p.m. in the first Friday MetroNews Television Game of the Week this season.
The Colts have started four consecutive seasons with a victory over the Bearcats and are nine months removed from their first state semifinal appearance in school history.
WATCH GRAFTON @ PHILIP BARBOUR ON METRONEWSTV
Three keys to watch for:
- Handle first-game jitters
Both teams need to play fast and with plenty of intensity, but can’t let emotions lead to mistakes, namely penalties that make for uncomfortable down and distance scenarios.
- Make smart substitutions
Depth almost always comes into focus, but particularly in an August season opener played with temperatures expected in the mid-70s around kickoff. While coaching staffs got a close look at their respective rosters throughout preseason camp, the best way to often discover who can and can’t contribute is to throw them into the fire, adding an emphasis on second-string players.
- Finish the drive
Field position will be pivotal, as will the ability to capitalize on it.
Last season’s clash between the Colts and Bearcats was scoreless at halftime after GHS failed to capitalize on prime field position on its first drive of the season, which ended with a failed attempt on fourth-and-goal from the PB 1-yard line.
Philip Barbour eventually pulled away for a 23-0 win thanks in large part to fewer mistakes and taking advantage of scoring opportunities in a matchup where neither team surpassed 200 yards of total offense.