High school football in Columbus, Ohio, is off to a thrilling start in the 2024 season. As schools return to session, the gridiron action is heating up across central Ohio. Here’s a snapshot of what’s happening:

### Season Kickoff
The 2024 high school football season officially began on August 1 with the start of practice, marking the beginning of an exciting journey for teams and fans alike. The first Friday night games took place on August 23, setting the stage for a season filled with rivalry matches and standout performances.

### Featured Games
Week 1 saw some notable matchups, including Pickerington Central facing off against Harvest Prep, and Grandview Heights battling Briggs. Other highlighted games included Upper Arlington vs. Cleveland Grenville, Olentangy Berlin vs. St. Francis DeSales, and Olentangy Braves vs. Olentangy Liberty.

### Divisional Breakdowns
The Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) has announced the divisional breakdowns for the 2024 season. The largest 70 schools are placed in Division I, while the remaining schools are divided into Divisions II through VII, with approximately 106 schools per division. This divisional structure ensures competitive balance, with adjustments made based on competitive balance data from the previous season.

### Practice and Scrimmage Rules
High schools can schedule scrimmages after one full day of contact practice. For 7th and 8th grade teams, scrimmages are allowed after three full days of contact practice. Additionally, these younger teams can now play eight games regardless of the number of preseason scrimmages they have.

### Playoff Schedule
The regular season will conclude on October 26, with playoff qualifiers announced the following day. The regional playoffs will kick off on November 1, leading up to the state semifinals on November 29 and the state championships from December 5-7 in Canton.

### Competitive Balance
The OHSAA uses a competitive balance formula to ensure fair competition. This formula combines base enrollment data from the Ohio Department of Education with competitive balance data from the previous season. This approach helps maintain a level playing field across different divisions.

### Summer Training
From May 15 to July 31, schools are permitted to have 13 days of practice without pads or hitting. An additional five days are allowed starting July 15 for the mandatory five-day acclimatization period. There is no limit on physical fitness training and conditioning workouts during the summer.

As the season progresses, fans can expect intense rivalries, impressive performances, and the excitement of playoff competition. With detailed schedules, divisional breakdowns, and rules in place, the 2024 high school football season in Columbus, Ohio, promises to be an unforgettable ride.