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Fighter jet formation to fly over 7 Ohio high school football games in 15 minutes

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Published  September 12, 2025 4:38pm EDT
Military
FOX Local
article

Fighter jets will fly over 7 high school football games in 15 minutes Friday night (180th Fighter Wing)

The Brief

    • Four F-16s will fly over seven high schools in Ohio Friday night to honor their Purple Star status. 
    • Purple Star schools provide extra support for military-connected students and their families. 
    • It’s not common for high schools to get military flyovers because the Pentagon must approve each one. 

Ohio National Guard fighter jets will fly over seven high school football games in a span of 15 minutes Friday night to coincide with the schools’ military appreciation nights. 

The 180th Fighter Wing shared the news on their Facebook page Wednesday. 

Fright night football flyover

What they're saying:

The fighter wing said the flyover is a gesture to recognize the seven high schools’ Purple Star status. Purple Star schools meet certain requirements and provide extra support for military-connected students and their families. 

READ MORE: 'Heroic actions': Army football player saves driver from fiery crash

"We always say in Purple Stars that the kids are 'drafted,’" Christine Young, program coordinator and military families school liaison, told WTOL. "They don't get a choice and they just have to serve and make those adjustments."

It’s not common for high schools to get military flyovers, WTOL reports, because the Pentagon must approve each one. Typically, flyovers are reserved for college or professional sports and other events. 

"We've been working on a plan of attack for days. Coordinating with the band and athletic directors to help work with the national anthem so we hit the flyover right at the end," Ltc. Jon Ripple-Farragher told WTOL. "It's taken a lot of work, but definitely worth it."

Four F-16s will participate in the flyovers. For one of the pilots, it will be particularly special: His son plays football for one of the schools. 

Timeline:

According to WTOL, the route will start with an east-to-west pass, then pivot to a south-to-north path. From there, they will cross the state line and turn around to reach the rest of the schools. Here’s the schedule: 

  • Swanton High School - 6:40 p.m.
  • Springfield High School - 6:42 p.m.
  • Clay High School - 6:45 p.m.
  • Northview High School - 6:49 p.m.
  • Southview High School - 6:50 p.m.
  • Maumee High School - 6:51 p.m.
  • Anthony Wayne High School - 6:55 p.m.

The Source: This report includes information from the Ohio National Guard's 180th Fighter Wing and WOTL. 

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