What Is the 2026 Salem-Keizer High School Football Schedule?

The 2026 Salem-Keizer football season kicks into full gear in September, with local teams including McNary, McKay, North Salem, South Salem, Sprague, West Salem, Blanchet Catholic and Salem Academy playing throughout September and October.

If you’re looking for one place to bookmark so you know who is playing, where they’re playing and when, this is it.

Below I’ve organized the schedules school by school so families can easily find their team.

Important: High school schedules can change because of weather, field availability, transportation or other circumstances. Always double-check with the school or the official OSAA football schedule before heading to a game.

McNary High School Football Schedule 2026 — Keizer

McNary is Keizer’s public high school football program and competes in 6A football.

McNary has several especially fun local games this season, including McKay at McNary on September 18, McNary at West Salem on October 9, North Salem at McNary on October 16 and South Salem at McNary on October 23.

If you’re newer to Keizer or coming to town for a McNary game, you may also enjoy my guide to the Best Neighborhoods in Keizer, Oregon (Where to Live in 2026). It’s a great way to get a feel for the different parts of Keizer and what makes each area unique.

McKay High School Football Schedule 2026 — Salem

McKay competes in 5A football for the 2026 season.

One game I would definitely circle is McKay at McNary on September 18. It gives Salem and Keizer fans a local matchup early in the season.

North Salem High School Football Schedule 2026

The South Salem vs. North Salem game on October 2 is one of the local Salem games to put on the calendar and is listed as the Mayor’s Cup Game.

North Salem then gets a run of local opponents with Sprague, McNary and West Salem later in October.

South Salem High School Football Schedule 2026

South Salem finishes its season with several local matchups, including Sprague, McNary and West Salem.

And that October 30 game — West Salem at South Salem — should be a fun way to wrap up the regular season.

If you’re attending a game in Salem and aren’t familiar with the different parts of town, I also put together a guide to the Best Neighborhoods in Salem, Oregon (Where to Live in 2026), including South Salem, West Salem, Northeast Salem, Southeast Salem and downtown.

Sprague High School Football Schedule 2026

Sprague’s October schedule is packed with local football. The Olympians play West Salem, North Salem, South Salem and McNary during the final five weeks of the regular season.

West Salem High School Football Schedule 2026

West Salem fans have plenty of local games to look forward to, especially the home stretch against Sprague, McNary and North Salem.

If you’re researching West Salem because you’re considering moving to this side of town, my Best Neighborhoods in Salem, Oregon guide can also help you compare West Salem with other areas around the city.

Blanchet Catholic Football Schedule 2026 — Salem

Private-school football is also a big part of the local schedule.

Blanchet Catholic competes in 3A football.

The matchup I’d especially watch is Blanchet Catholic at Salem Academy on October 16 — an all-Salem private-school football game.

Salem Academy Football Schedule 2026 — Salem

Salem Academy also competes in 3A football.

Salem Academy is also scheduled for preseason football activity before the regular season begins, so families should check the school or OSAA schedule for the most current jamboree information.

2026 Salem-Keizer Middle School Football

Now for the middle schools.

Salem-Keizer Public Schools offers football to seventh- and eighth-grade students, with football programs at several local middle schools.

These include:

• Claggett Creek Middle School
• Crossler Middle School
• Houck Middle School
• Judson Middle School
• Leslie Middle School
• Parrish Middle School
• Stephens Middle School
• Straub Middle School
• Waldo Middle School
• Walker Middle School
• Whiteaker Middle School

When Are the 2026 Middle School Football Games?

As of August 17, 2026, the complete game-by-game Salem-Keizer Public Schools middle school football schedule has not yet been fully published online.

Rather than put estimated or old games in this guide and risk sending families to the wrong field, I’m keeping this section limited to confirmed 2026 information until the official matchups are released.

Families should check their individual school athletics page or the Salem-Keizer Public Schools athletics information for the most current schedule.

For families, school schedules and extracurricular activities can also be a big part of deciding when to make a move. If that’s something you’re thinking about, you may want to read Should You Buy a Home Before School Starts in Salem-Keizer? Here’s What You Need to Know.

Private Middle School Football

Blanchet Catholic also has a middle school football program.

Salem Academy has offered middle school football as well, although a complete upcoming 2026 middle school schedule was not available when this guide was created.

I’ll update this guide as more middle school schedules become official.

Biggest Salem-Keizer Football Games to Circle in 2026

If you don’t follow one specific school but just want to experience some fun local football, these are a few dates I would put on the calendar:

September 18 — McKay at McNary

A Salem-versus-Keizer matchup at McNary.

October 2 — South Salem at North Salem

The Mayor’s Cup Game.

October 2 — Sprague at West Salem

Another Salem-area matchup on the same Friday night.

October 9 — McNary at West Salem

Keizer vs. West Salem.

October 16 — North Salem at McNary

Another great Salem-Keizer local matchup.

October 16 — Sprague at South Salem

Two South Salem-area programs facing off.

October 16 — Blanchet Catholic at Salem Academy

A local private-school matchup right here in Salem.

October 23 — South Salem at McNary

Salem heads north to Keizer.

October 23 — North Salem at West Salem

Another all-Salem matchup.

October 30 — McNary at Sprague

Keizer vs. South Salem.

October 30 — West Salem at South Salem

A great local game to close out the regular season.

If you love local sports, October is definitely the month to pay attention to.

What About Preseason Football and Jamborees?

Several Salem-Keizer schools participate in preseason jamboree events before the official regular season begins.

Because jamboree opponents, times and locations can change as schools finalize their schedules, I recommend checking directly with the school or OSAA shortly before attending.

Are There Salem Schools Without a 2026 Varsity Football Schedule?

Yes.

Not every private or specialty school in Salem offers varsity tackle football.

For example, Western Christian does not currently list football among its OSAA sports, so I have not included a football schedule for the school.

I also could not verify a current 2026 varsity football schedule for the Oregon School for the Deaf, so I have not added unconfirmed games.

Friday Night Football Is Part of Living in Salem & Keizer

One of the things I love about living in this area is how many community traditions are still truly local.

Friday night football is one of them.

You see parents and grandparents in the stands, students packed into the student section, younger kids watching the high school players they may someday grow up to play with, marching bands, cheerleaders and neighbors running into each other under the stadium lights.

It’s a small piece of what makes Salem and Keizer feel like a community rather than just a place to live.

And football is only one part of the lifestyle here. If you’re considering relocating to the area, my guide to Moving to Salem, Oregon: What You Should Know Before You Do covers everything from the pace of life and weather to outdoor activities and what everyday life here actually feels like.

For families who spend a lot of time outside, you can also check out my guide to the Best Parks in Salem & Keizer, Oregon.

And if Keizer is the area you’re most interested in, read What It’s Really Like Living Near Keizer Rapids Park in Keizer, Oregon. Keizer Rapids Park is one of those places that really shows off the community-focused lifestyle that makes Keizer special.

Planning to Attend a Game?

A few quick reminders before you head out:

• Double-check the date and kickoff time with the school or OSAA.
• Verify whether tickets are sold online or at the gate.
• Give yourself extra time for rivalry and homecoming games.
• September evenings can still be warm, but by October an extra layer or rain jacket is never a bad idea in Oregon.
• Bookmark this page so you can come back as middle school schedules and postseason games are added.

Thinking About Living in Salem or Keizer?

If you found this football schedule because you’re researching Salem or Keizer before a move, I have several other local guides that can help you get to know the area.

Start with my Best Neighborhoods in Salem, Oregon (Where to Live in 2026) if you’re comparing different parts of Salem.

If Keizer is on your list, check out Best Neighborhoods in Keizer, Oregon (Where to Live in 2026).

First-time buyers may also find my guide to the Best Neighborhoods in Salem & Keizer for First-Time Buyers helpful.

And if you’re relocating from outside the area, start with Moving to Salem, Oregon? Here’s What You Should Know Before You Do.

I share local events, community updates, things to do, neighborhood guides and real estate information here on SalemKeizerLiving.com to help both locals and people considering a move get to know Salem and Keizer a little better.

Reach out anytime to see if I might be a good fit for you! You can check out my reviews or schedule a time to talk—no pressure, just information.

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