Carey and Hopewell-Loudon Ready for One Last Week 1 Showdown Before League Play
Friday, August 22, marks the start of the 2025 high school football season, and few openers pack the history and energy of Carey vs. Hopewell-Loudon. The Chieftains will host the Blue Devils under the lights in Bascom for what has become one of the region’s marquee Week 1 traditions.
It’s also the first Featured Recap of the season for Heart of Ohio Sports. While we won’t be live on the call, we’ll have a sideline reporter in the thick of the action, capturing the atmosphere, postgame reactions, and sideline stories that go beyond the final score.
Hopewell-Loudon enters 2025 with confidence and continuity after an 11-1 season that included a deep playoff run. Two-time All-Ohio selection senior lineman Aiden Ewald anchors a veteran front. On offense, junior quarterback Jacoby Ellis returns after throwing for over 1,400 yards last year, joined by versatile all-purpose back Kellen Frankart, who accounted for over 700 rushing yards and nine scores. The receiving corps is led by Jack Colatruglio (52 receptions, 852 yards, five TDs), while the defense boasts tackling machine Mason Reinhart (93 tackles, five sacks).
The Chieftains will look to start fast, especially with this being the final non-conference edition of the rivalry before they join Carey in the Northern 10 Athletic Conference in 2026.
Coach’s Perspective:
Nate Mullins traveled to Bascom and caught up with head coach Brian Colatruglio after practice to get his take on this year’s squad and the challenge Carey presents right out of the gate.
Carey is coming off a 6-6 season that started with a heartbreaking 27-22 loss to these same Chieftains in Week 1 in a game decided on a touchdown pass with just 17 seconds left. Head coach Jonathon Mershman enters his ninth season with a 72-27 career record and a senior-heavy roster determined to reclaim bragging rights. Known for their physicality in the trenches and disciplined approach, the Blue Devils will look to control the line of scrimmage and limit H-L’s big-play ability.
With a year’s worth of motivation from last year’s loss, Carey is eager to start the season on a high note and send a message to the rest of the region.
Coach’s Perspective:
Our own Connor Roush caught up with Coach Jonathon Mershman to hear how his Blue Devils have prepared for what’s always a hard-hitting, backyard rivalry game.
This is more than just a season opener, it’s bit of an adieu to one of the area’s best Week 1 matchups. When Hopewell-Loudon joins the N10 in 2026, it becomes another mid-season conference game. Both coaches have said they’ll miss starting the season this way, knowing that the August version of this rivalry always sets the tone for the months ahead.
Last year’s meeting was a thriller, with Hopewell-Loudon stealing the win in Carey in the final seconds. This time, Carey won't have home-field disadvantage but they'll have a chip on their shoulder the size of a boulder. The key battles will be in the trenches, where both teams pride themselves on physical play, and in the turnover column where mistakes could decide it again.
As our first Featured Recap of 2025, Heart of Ohio Sports field reporter Connor Roush will be there on the sidelines to capture the pulse of the game... from live updates posted to his social media to crowd reactions, key turning points, and interviews with coaches and players after the final whistle. You’ll get a full postgame story, highlight clips, and the inside perspective on what really happened under those Friday night lights. Make sure to follow Connor on all of his social media pages!
Facebook : Connor Roush
Instagram: @connor_roushhoos
X (Twitter): @Connor_Roush
If this opener is anything like last year’s instant classic, fans are in for a treat. Carey wants payback. Hopewell-Loudon wants to keep the streak alive. Both want to start their season with a statement. On August 22, we’ll find out who gets the last word.
Whether you're planning on catching the Friday night vibes in Bascom or just following the score updates from home, you can stay plugged in all season long. Give us a follow on social media, or score some sweet HoOS Gear in our Heart of Ohio Sports Merch Shop!
