SHELBY — Until proven otherwise, the road to the Mid-Ohio Athletic Conference championship runs through Shelby.

The Whippets were the unanimous choice to defend their MOAC title in a preseason media poll, released Monday. Writers and reporters from 14 outlets across north central Ohio took part in balloting.

Shelby collected all 12 first-place votes. Clear Fork was second and Ontario was third.

Shelby has won five of six MOAC titles since joining the league in the fall of 2019.

Week 1

MANSFIELD — The high school football season kicks off Friday. Here’s a look at the Week 1 schedule:

• Hilliard Davidson at Mansfield Senior

• Shelby at Madison

• Ontario at Lexington

• Bay at Ashland

• Perkins at Clear Fork

• St. Marys Memorial at Galion

• Crestview at Seneca East

• Plymouth at Lucas

• Mapleton at Loudonville

• Hillsdale at Black River

• Danville at Worthington Christian

• Northridge at East Knox

• Highland at Fredericktown

• Utica at Centerburg

• Marion Harding at Mount Vernon

• Buckeye Central at Crestline

Ohio Cardinal Conference

While not unanimous, defending Ohio Cardinal Conference champion Ashland was the overwhelming choice to defend its title. The Arrows received nine of 11 first-place votes. Lexington had two first-place votes and was picked to finish second. Madison was picked to finish sixth and Mansfield Senior was picked to finish seventh.

Firelands Conference

St. Paul and Monroeville shared the Firelands Conference crown last fall and are atop the preseason poll.

The Flyers garnered seven first-place votes and were picked to win the title. Monroeville (three first-place votes) was picked to finish second and Western Reserve (one first-place vote) was picked to finish third.

Crestview was picked to finish fourth. Mapleton was picked to finish fifth and Plymouth was picked to finish seventh.

Knox Morrow Athletic Conference

Danville is expected to unseat reigning champ Northmor in the chase for the Knox Morrow Athletic Conference crown.

The Blue Devils, who reached the Division VII state semifinals last fall, received seven of nine first-place votes. Northmor collected the other two first-place votes and was picked second. Fredericktown was picked to finish third, while East Knox and Centerburg tied for fourth in preseason balloting. Loudonville was picked to finish eighth.

Wayne County Athletic League

Defending Division VII state runner-up Hillsdale was tabbed as the preseason favorite in the chase for the Wayne County Athletic League title. The Falcons received eight of 11 first-place votes.

Defending WCAL champ Norwayne gathered two first-place votes and was picked to finish second. Dalton claimed the other first-place vote and was picked to finish third.