By John Kemmeter

The 2017 season is set to kick off for high school football teams throughout the state this weekend, with each of the five local teams playing at home against a playoff team from a year ago.

Back-to-back WIAA Division 5 State Champion Amherst will open with a nonconference game at home against Omro at 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 18, while Stevens Point Area Senior High School (SPASH) is set to play Neenah at Community Stadium at Goerke Field at 7 p.m. Friday, and Almond-Bancroft will host Fall River at 7 p.m. Friday.

Rosholt is scheduled to open at home against Oconto at 7 p.m. Friday, with PacelliCatholicHigh Schoolwrapping up the weekend schedule against Dodgeland at Community Stadium at Goerke Field at 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 19.

Amherst

Coming off its second consecutive State Title last season, Amherst is set to square off with Omro in its season opener Friday night.

“There’s nothing like playing games, especially under the lights on Friday nights,” said Amherst football head coach Mark Lusic. “We’re excited to go.”

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Senior Marcus Glodowski will start at quarterback for the back-to-back defending State Champion Amherst football team Friday night against Omro.
(John Kemmeter photo)

Senior quarterback Sam Simmons and the Stevens Point Area Senior High School (SPASH) open the season at home against Neenah Friday, Aug. 18.
(John Kemmeter photo)

Senior running back Daniel Mitch (center) and the Pacelli Catholic High School football team kick off the season Saturday afternoon at home against Dodgeland.
(John Kemmeter photo)

The Rosholt football team will host Oconto Friday, Aug. 18.
(Portage County Gazette photo)

Junior running back Zach Bunders (right) and the Almond-Bancroft High School football team will take on Fall River at home in the season opener Friday, Aug. 18.
(John Kemmeter photo)