Rootstown and Southeast football match underway on opening night

Rootstown and Southeast are currently competing in their first matchup since 2023, marking the opening of the Portage County high school football season. The game is taking place at Freedom Field. Both teams have a storied history, having faced each other regularly in recent years, with Rootstown winning the last three contests. This season, Rootstown aims to improve upon their 6-4 record from last year, bolstered by the return of key players including defensive lineman Peyton Simms. Southeast, on the other hand, looks to build on their experience after two consecutive 3-7 seasons, fielding a roster that includes 22 returning letterwinners.

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