As I did in previous years, I'll just keep a running thread for the playoffs leading up to championship weekend with final rankings at the end of the year. Lot of parity this year at the top with many good, but no great teams. Doesn't make good banter for the national landscape, but should make for an entertaining playoff. Brackets can be found here: https://www.maxpreps.com/oh/football/playoffs/. Here's how I have it at the end of the regular season:
1. Archbishop Hoban (8-1) (previously #1, beat St. Edward 24-20): There is no clear cut #1 in the Buckeye state this year but Hoban has, arguably, the three best wins over Walsh, Glenville and Ed's. None were in dominating fashion and the last one came with the assistance of the refs, but you have to give credit where it's due. The Knights have a suffocating run defense, a massive offensive front, and a bevy of running backs that can hurt you in different ways. Not sure if they will get their starting QB back after the first round bye, but Payton Cook gives them another rushing option in the backfield. A rematch with Walsh should await in the regional final before possible matchups with Avon, Massillon or Anderson. The D2 field is really good at the top.
2. Elder (10-0) (previously #2, beat Warren De La Salle (MI) 35-7): Elder has a strong case for #1 with wins over Moeller, X and a solid (albeit unspectacular) group of Kentucky and Indiana out-of-state programs. Now they have to run the R4 gauntlet with possible games against Princeton or Winton Woods followed by the winner of Moeller and X.
3. St. Edward (8-2) (previously #3, lost to Hoban 24-20): A much anticipated matchup with Hoban was marred by a number of questionable calls that seemed to negate nearly every explosive play from the St. Edward offense. That being said, the Ed's defense still showed its vulnerability against a physical running attack, which Hoban has in spades. QB Johnny Evanchick also doubled his season INT total throwing 4 picks that killed promising drives. Adding insult to injury, they lost two starters to injury in the first half, one of them being Mr. Football candidate Zack Hackleman. Hackleman should be okay moving forward and has an extra week to rest up. Losing starting DE Brayden Paulozzi is a big blow to a defensive line unit that lacks depth and size. A collision course with undefeated Mentor should be waiting in the R1 final.
4. Anderson (10-0) (previously #5, beat Loveland 42-7): Anderson has been downright dominant this year and came up just short last year against a really good Avon team. They looked poised to return the final and showed some grit last week in coming back to beat a very talented Winton Woods team that finally looks to have found their offense in recent weeks. They are a heavy favorite to come out of R8, but could see some interesting games against La Salle in round two and final against Kings or Trotwood.
5. Walsh Jesuit (8-1) (previously #6, beat Trotwood-Madison 31-17): After a cancelled game in week 8 and a virtual bye week against an awful St. Vincent-St. Mary team in week 9, Walsh did not show any signs of rust and taking care of a good Trotwood team. They have their sights set on a rematch with Hoban.
6. Olentangy Orange (10-0) (previously #4, beat Olentangy Liberty 26-14): I dropped Orange a couple spots this week, not so much because they did anything wrong (the road win at Liberty was solid), just because I like Anderson and Walsh better. The R3 playoff bracket should be a grind and they will be battle tested if they come out on top. Orange, Pick North and Pick Central are the top 3 in that region, but teams like Upper Arlington, Liberty or Olentangy could play spoilers.
7. Archbishop Moeller (7-3) (previously #7, beat Muskegon (MI) 56-13): The Crusaders jumped all over Muskegon and looked like the Moeller offense we saw for most of the year. Still, the recipe to beat Moeller is out there if you can pressure Ponatoski like Elder and Ed's did. Their path to the R4 final for a possible rematch with Elder will be a tough one. They could be looking at second round game with a talented (but inconsistent) Lakota West team and a semi-final game against St. X.
8. Avon (9-1) (previously #8, beat Elyria 47-7): One of the hottest teams in the state right now is looking primed for a repeat in D2, but R6 is looking pretty strong with undefeated Highland and Wadsworth snagging the top 2 seeds. Neither of those two teams have really been tested this year though, and I still think it's Avon's region to lose.
9. Bishop Watterson (9-0) (previously #9, beat 65-7): I think you can pretty much book Watterson's appearance in the state final. No team looks close to them at the moment in D3. TCC, who took a step back this year but played a very difficult schedule, is the only team that I can see matching up well with them.
10. Pickerington North (9-1) (previously #10, beat Gahanna-Lincoln 35-0): Another dominant defensive effort to wrap up a one-loss season and secure a first round playoff bye. I'm hoping to get an Orange/North R3 final to see their defense against the Orange offense, but that will take getting by a possible sleeper in Upper Arlington and a rematch with rival Pick Central who has dominated everyone else on their schedule since losing a close game to North back in week 3.
Others: Pick Central, Mentor, Glenville, St. X, Highland, Wadsworth, Massillon, Kings, Winton Woods, Canton McKinley, Big Walnut, Middletown, Princeton, TCC, Trotwood-Madison
Another concise and informative summary. And I wouldn't worry about national banter. Much of it is, well, forgettable.
With the new Ohio playoff format of reducing the field to 12 qualifying teams per region and giving the top four seeds byes, there aren't many games this week that have much appeal (at least in the top divisions). One game with a little intrigue is the Perrysburg/Ignatius matchup in R1. Ignatius had originally failed to qualify after finishing the season 1-9 (albeit against a very difficult schedule), but Cleveland city school John Marshall opted out of the playoffs despite qualifying and bumped Ignatius into the 12 spot. Perrysburg was 8-1 heading into week ten and poised for a top 4 seed and opening round bye, but got hammered by Whitmer and wound up with the 5th seed. They cannot be happy about having to play Ignatius, a team that despite their record, certainly has the talent to beat them.
Quote from: OdbCle on Oct 29, 2025, 07:17 AMWith the new Ohio playoff format of reducing the field to 12 qualifying teams per region and giving the top four seeds byes, there aren't many games this week that have much appeal (at least in the top divisions). One game with a little intrigue is the Perrysburg/Ignatius matchup in R1. Ignatius had originally failed to qualify after finishing the season 1-9 (albeit against a very difficult schedule), but Cleveland city school John Marshall opted out of the playoffs despite qualifying and bumped Ignatius into the 12 spot. Perrysburg was 8-1 heading into week ten and poised for a top 4 seed and opening round bye, but got hammered by Whitmer and wound up with the 5th seed. They cannot be happy about having to play Ignatius, a team that despite their record, certainly has the talent to beat them.
I would be shocked to see them win but I'm watching this game wondering myself.
Tuesday I was talking to some high up alumni & they all said time has run out
Iggy 10 Perrysburgh 3 halftime
Not much too see here other than a 1-9 team up
Perrsburgh 17-10 St Iggy start 4th
Perrysburgh wins in OT 24-17
Quote from: hardhit1 on Oct 31, 2025, 03:33 PMI would be shocked to see them win but I'm watching this game wondering myself.
Tuesday I was talking to some high up alumni & they all said time has run out
Don't know how they would justify keeping him. If they find the right guy Ignatius could turn things around in a relatively short period of time, but it no longer seems like football is a priority at the school (which has the alumni fuming).
After a largely chalky opening round the top seeds will be in action this week. Here are the top games in D1 and D2 this week.
D1R1:
Whitmer v. Perrysburg - These teams played two weeks ago with Whitmer winning comfortably. Perrysburg held off St. Ignatius in overtime and will be looking to avenge the loss.
D1R2:
Springboro v. Springfield - Another regular season rematch in which Springfield prevailed 14-7. Springfield started the year 0-3 before winning 6 of their next 7. Both of these teams a legit dark horses in a weak R2.
Findlay v. Wayne - Wayne was my preseason R2 favorite but have had an up and down season. They've got a lot a speed at the skill positions and a very promising freshman QB, but have struggled defensively. Findlay somehow got a 3 seed despite a 6-4 record, but lost to every decent team they've played.
D1R3:
Pick North v. Upper Arlington - North finished with the 3 seed but have what appears to be the toughest path the region final, having to go through UA and then most likely Pick Central. UA likes to slow things down offensively and North has one of the top defenses in the state. I expect a low scoring affair.
Olentangy v. Olentangy Liberty - A rematch of week one where Olentangy handled Liberty. Liberty started off 0-3 but are playing much better football as of late. I expect this one to be closer.
D1R4
Princeton v. Winton Woods - This looks to be the best D1 game of the weekend. A lot of talent on the field. If WW can keep their offensive momentum going I like them to pull off the "upset."
Moeller v. Lakota West - Moeller is a clear favorite but LW can match up from a talent perspective. Still, I think the LW defense will have to create turnovers to have a shot at winning.
St. Xavier v. Lakota East - LE had a solid regular season and finished on a high note beating rival LW. X hasn't played in two weeks as their week 10 game against Life Christian Academy was cancelled. I'm wondering how that might impact this game, at least in the early going.
D2R5:
Walsh Jesuit v. Nordonia - I'm not giving Nordonia much of a chance here, but they do have a nice QB and an offense that can put up points. However, they haven't seen a defense like Walsh all year.
Lake v. Hudson - Lake was kind of a D2 darling after a 6-0 start, but finished with losses to McKinley, Jackson and Green. Hudson's only losses were to a pair of undefeated's in Highland and Wadsworth. I like Hudson in this 4/5 matchup.
D2R6:
Avon v. Olmsted Falls - OF is a solid team and played Mentor tough back in week one, but they were held scoreless by Avon in a 28-0 game in week 5. Avon is a heavy favorite but this is still the most interesting game to me in R6 this week.
D2R7:
Massillon v. North Canton Hoover - Most of the federal league teams in Stark County - aside from rival McKinley - refuses to play Massillon in the regular season. For that reason, I'm always interested when they have no choice but to play them in the playoffs. Hoover actually had a really solid season with their only losses being a 21-20 defeat to McKinley and 20-14 to Lake. Paul Brown Tiger stadium should be packed for this one.
D2R8:
Xenia v. La Salle - Xenia earned the higher seed with an 8-2 record, but La Salle is unquestionably more tested having only lost to their GCL- South brethren. I like the lower seeded Lancers to prevail and get a shot at Anderson next round.
Quote from: OdbCle on Nov 01, 2025, 04:59 AMDon't know how they would justify keeping him. If they find the right guy Ignatius could turn things around in a relatively short period of time, but it no longer seems like football is a priority at the school (which has the alumni fuming).
It's official Iggy HC Franzinger resigns .
Quote from: hardhit1 on Nov 03, 2025, 06:43 PMIt's official Iggy HC Franzinger resigns .
Will be interesting to see if they go outside their typical comfort zone in the next hire. They did with the basketball program and it paid dividends (even though he bounced after last season).
St Edward 35 Midpark 7 halftime
Brandon White 232 yards 4 TD' s
Ed's 45 Midpark 14 running clock
Ed's plays 2& 3 rd team's great team performance
Ed's, Mentor, McKinley & Whitmer all in final 4 region 1 as expected
Division 1
Region 1:
Lakewood St. Edward def. Berea-Midpark, 45-14
Mentor def. Massillon Jackson, 52-6
Canton McKinley def. Medina, 30-7
Toledo Whitmer def. Perrysburg, 17-3
Region 2:
Troy def. Hilliard Bradley, 23-22
Middletown def. Lebanon, 31-0
Springfield def. Springboro, 21-3
Huber Heights Wayne def. Findlay, 34-10
Region 3:
Pickerington Central def. Groveport Madison, 42-7
Olentangy Orange def. Olentangy Berlin, 43-14
Olentangy Liberty def. Olentangy, 17-0
Upper Arlington def. Pickerington North, 30-27
Region 4:
Cincinnati Elder def. Fairfield, 27-7
Cincinnati St. Xavier def. Lakota East, 42-7
Cincinnati Moeller def. Lakota West, 33-14
Cincinnati Princeton def. Cincinnati Winton Woods, 23-22
Division 2
Region 5:
Akron Hoban def. Boardman, 38-0
Austintown-Fitch def. Uniontown Green, 28-25
Hudson def. Uniontown Lake, 14-12
Walsh Jesuit def. Nordonia, 49-18
Region 6:
North Ridgeville def. Anthony Wayne, 42-7
Medina Highland def. Brecksville-Broadview Heights, 38-7
Avon def. Olmsted Falls, 46-13
Wadsworth def. Toledo St. Francis, 34-6
Region 7:
Columbus DeSales def. Ashland, 33-29
Massillon Washington def. North Canton Hoover, 62-7
Big Walnut def. Walnut Ridge, 43-0
Canal Winchester def. Westerville South, 28-21
Region 8:
Harrison def. Kings, 35-31
Cincinnati LaSalle def. Xenia, 14-7
Trotwood-Madison def. Lima Senior, 55-12
Cincinnati Anderson def. Cincinnati Withrow, 29-6
Pick North biggest upset in D1. I said they had a tough path in a deep R3 and UA hit a FG to break the 27-27 tie with five seconds remaining. Princeton edged Winton Woods in a very close game that saw WW blow two double digit leads and miss a potential game winning FG.
In D2 Harrison stunned Kings 35-31 and Withrow gave Anderson a better game than expected.
How the top ten have fared so far through two weeks of playoffs:
1. Archbishop Hoban (#1 seed in D2R5): Beat Boardman 38-0 after the opening round bye. The Knights will take on 5 seed Hudson in the regional semi-final. Hudson is a solid team, but should not pose any real threat to Hoban.
2. Elder (#1 seed in D1R4): Beat Fairfield 27-7 after opening round bye. 4 seed Princeton is up next and is coming off an nice comeback win over Winton Woods that went down to the wire as WW missed a game winning FG. Princeton is always a very talented team, but has not fared well against the GCL teams in recent years.
3. St. Edward (#1 seed in D1R1): Beat Berea-Midpark 45-14 after opening round bye. The Eagles were without WR Hackleman and DE Paulozzi who both suffered injuries in the first half of the Hoban game, but it didn't make much of a difference in this matchup. Brandon White, fresh off his commitment to Kent State over the weekend, went off for 232 rushing and 4 TD's in the first half to put the game out of reach. 4 seed Whitmer is up next. We'll see if Hackleman returns this week or if they continue to be cautious with him.
4. Anderson (#1 seed in D2R8): Beat Withrow 29-6 after opening round bye. Withrow played well overall defensively, holding an explosive Anderson offense to their lowest output of the year. 5 seed La Salle is up next and they can play some defense too.
5. Walsh Jesuit (#2 seed in D2R5): Beat Nordonia 49-18 after opening round bye. This one was relatively close at half with WJ holding a 28-15 lead, but they blew it open in the second half. The bigger story was the injury to starting QB Ternosky in the second quarter. Not sure of the extent of the injury, but that could have implications moving forward in a potential rematch with Hoban. They will play 3 seed Austintown Fitch next.
6. Olentangy Orange (#1 seed in D1R3): Beat Olentangy Berlin 43-14 after opening round bye. Things get more interesting this week as Orange will host 5 seed and reigning D1 champion Olentangy Liberty. Liberty shut out 4 seed Olentangy and has been playing really well as of late. These two teams played just a few weeks ago with Orange prevailing 26-14.
7. Archbishop Moeller (#2 seed in D1R4): Beat Lakota West 33-14 after opening round bye. Up next is the big rematch with rival St. X who is coming off an impressive 42-7 win over Lakota East after not playing for the past two weeks. Moeller won handily the first time around, but if X has their offense back on track this will be an exciting game.
8. Avon (#3 seed in D2R6): Beat Olmsted Falls 46-13 after opening round bye. Avon will go on the road to take on undefeated 2 seed Wadsworth in this semi-final matchup. They took it Wadsworth last year in the playoffs, but this is an improved Wadsworth team with a really good rushing attack. Avon will still be the favorite despite being the lower seed, but this is one of the bigger games this week along with Moe/X up in D1.
9. Bishop Watterson (#1 seed in D3R11): Beat Granville 56-0 after opening round bye. Everyone in D3 is cannon fodder to this Watterson team aside from TCC. Up next is 4 seed Tri-Valley.
10. Pickerington North (#3 seed in D1R3): Lost to Upper Arlington 30-27 after opening round bye. PN was the only top 10 team to bite the dust this past weekend and we won't get the much anticipated re-match with Pick Central. The most consistent team defensively in R3 got behind early and trailed 17-7 at the half. PN stormed back in the second half and held a 27-24 lead in the 4th quarter but could not hold on.
Top games this week:
Moeller v. St. X
Elder v. Princeton
Avon v. Wadsworth
Pick Central v. Upper Arlington
Mentor v. McKinley
Middletown v. Springfield
Orange v. Liberty
Big Walnut v. Canal Winchester
Anderson v. La Salle
St. Edward v. Whitmer
Halftime or near
Ed's 31 Whitmer 6
McKinley 9 Mentor 3
Princeton 17 Elder 0
Rocky River 31 Buckeye 21
Avon 28 Wadsworth 14
Springfield 0 Middlettown 0
Orange 14, Liberty 10 Half
Moeller 10, X 10 Half
Anderson 35, La Salle 14 Half
Pick Central 10, UA 6 Half
Quote from: hardhit1 on Nov 14, 2025, 05:24 PMHalftime or near
Ed's 31 Whitmer 6
McKinley 9 Mentor 3
Princeton 17 Elder 0
Rocky River 31 Buckeye 21
Avon 28 Wadsworth 14
Springfield 0 Middlettown 0
That Princeton score surprises me. Were you expecting this?
Quote from: wosinc on Nov 14, 2025, 05:52 PMThat Princeton score surprises me. Were you expecting this?
Elder has historically struggled with athletic teams and Princeton has some dudes, but the shutout is surprising. Elders offense doesn't get held in check too often.
Quote from: wosinc on Nov 14, 2025, 05:52 PMThat Princeton score surprises me. Were you expecting this?
In Ohio it's best to lose before the playoffs since you won't go undefeated. Last time I believe Ed's 2010 Calpreps MNC 😀
St. Edward 38, Whitmer 6 Final
Hoban 35, Hudson 3 Final
Trotwood-Madison, 49, Harrison 0 Final
Massillon 48, Columbus DeSales 14 Final
Orange 21, Liberty 17 Final
McKinley 17, Mentor 17 3rd
Princeton 23, Elder 15 3rd
Moeller 13 X 10 mid 4th officials with a brutal call against C
Elder now down 23-15 begin 4th
Glenville 14, Lake Catholic 3 Final
Anderson 35, La Salle 28 4th
Avon 42, Wadsworth 21 4th
Pick Central 17, UA 16 4th
Pick Central 17, UA 16 Final
Elder ties it up 23 all with 6:31 left 23 unanswered points
Middletown 14, Springfield 0 Final
Anderson 35, La Salle 28 Final
McKinley with a scoop & score 96 yards now scores with 1:47 left up 24–17 over Mentor
McKinley 24, Mentor 17 late 4th
Mentor without Farley is a different team.
St X 17 Moeller 13 final
Quote from: hardhit1 on Nov 14, 2025, 06:51 PMSt X 17 Moeller 13 final
Moe went for it on 4th and goal on last possession and was denied. Should they have kicked the FG to go up 6?
Elder attempts 38 yard FG - blocked & returned TD Princeton 30-23 with 1:16 left WOW !
Quote from: hardhit1 on Nov 14, 2025, 06:55 PMElder attempts 38 yard FG - blocked & returned TD Princeton 30-23 with 1:16 left WOW !
Holy shit.
Mentor scores with 20 seconds left down 24-23
Two point attempt coming
It's good 25-24
Wow. Great games tonight. Elder just scored.
Elder misses 2 pt but gets onside kick
It's their year
Elder hits 25 yard FG to win 32-30
Will play X in regional final
Ohio playoffs crazy & off the charts tonight
Quote from: hardhit1 on Nov 14, 2025, 07:12 PMElder hits 25 yard FG to win 32-30
Will play X in regional final
That's gutsy
Regional final week and a lot of good games on the horizon.
D1R1:
St. Edward v. Mentor - These two teams were heavy favorites to meet in the final in a historically weak R1 field, and it has played out that way. The hype to this game has been dampened by a season ending knee injury to Mentor's star running back Jackson Farley, district co-offensive player of the year along with St. Edward's Zach Hackleman. Hackleman is also dealing with an injury suffered in the first half of the Hoban game in week 10, but suited up last weekend against Whitmer. With rain in the forecast and chilly temps this time of year, a superior running game should rule the day. Ed's certainly has that with Brandon White, but Mentor will be relying on backups.
D1R2:
Middletown v. Huber Heights Wayne - Not much belief that the R2 winner will be a serious threat to win it all, but this could be an interesting game. Middletown quietly put together a solid 8-2 season backed by a very solid defense. They are coming off a shutout over Springfield, a team that many were picking to win this region after getting healthy and picking up steam over the last few weeks of the season. Wayne was my pre-season favorite to win R2, but have been up and down all year. They can score points in bunches, but also give them up.
D1R3:
Olentangy Orange v. Pickerington Central - Really good matchup in R3. Orange was quite dominant in the early going this year, but have had some closer games in the later part against UA and Liberty. Nonetheless they still have an unblemished record and will be the odds favorite in this game. PC's only loss was to Pick North, but has otherwise been just as dominant as Orange. They did go the wire with UA last week in a low-scoring affair and will be facing by far their biggest challenge of the year with Orange.
D1R4:
Elder v. St. Xavier - Huge game pitting two GCL-S rivals that has already sold out the current venue. There might be push to move this to a larger capacity stadium to meet the ticket demand. Elder is here after an improbable comeback against Princeton which involved erasing a 30-point deficit and recovering two onside kicks in the closing 90 seconds. X looks to be playing their best ball all season and avenged a regular season loss to Moeller. Elder won the regular season game 23-13.
D2R5:
Hoban v. Walsh Jesuit - This is right up there with Elder/X for game of the week. Two rivals meeting in a regional final for a berth to final 4. Hoban won the regular season slug fest 19-14. Both teams have injuries to their starting signal-callers and I don't know if either is suiting up. Regardless, this game will be about who can establish the run game. Hoban has a trio of talented runners that they hit you with all game. Walsh will rely on their main guy Marty Tobin who has gone for almost 500 yards the past two playoff games.
D2R6:
Avon v. Highland - Another highly anticipated game to see if undefeated Highland is ready to make a statement and knock Avon off the R6 throne. They met in the regional final last year as well and gave Avon all they could handle. Avon's only setback this year was on the early season road trip in Florida, but have otherwise been dominant, including a convincing win over undefeated Wadsworth last week. Highland hasn't given up more than 10 points all year to any opponent and their smallest margin of victory has been 27 points, but that kind of speaks to a really weak schedule.
D2R7:
Massillon v. Big Walnut - Massillon will be looking for revenge against a Big Walnut team that pulled a massive upset against them last year in the regional final. Massillon committed an absurd amount of penalties in that game and still only lost 14-7. If Massillon plays up to their ability (which has been an issue in their losses this year), they should claim victory.
D2R8:
Anderson v. Trotwood-Madison - This game could be better than most think. T-M has played a really tough schedule this year resulting in three losses to Walsh, Center Grove (IN) and Cathedral (IN). They are battle tested. Anderson has looked very dominant most of the year but the regular season schedule was not that difficult outside of one or two games. They were challenged last week by an average La Salle team that also came into the game more battle tested. I expect Anderson to win but would not be surprised at all if T-M can keep this close and steal it late.
Quote from: OdbCle on Nov 18, 2025, 11:19 AMD1R4:
Elder v. St. Xavier - Huge game pitting two GCL-S rivals that has already sold out the current venue. There might be push to move this to a larger capacity stadium to meet the ticket demand. Elder is here after an improbable comeback against Princeton which involved erasing a 30-point deficit and recovering two onside kicks in the closing 90 seconds. X looks to be playing their best ball all season and avenged a regular season loss to Moeller. Elder won the regular season game 23-13.
https://www.fox19.com/2025/11/18/elder-vs-st-x-regional-championship-game-moved-paycor-stadium-sources/
Quote from: TheCompPoll on Nov 18, 2025, 12:34 PMhttps://www.fox19.com/2025/11/18/elder-vs-st-x-regional-championship-game-moved-paycor-stadium-sources/
Quite the jump from a 7,000 capacity stadium to 65,000. I'll be interested to see how many attend. 20 years ago a game like this could have reasonably drawn 20-30K fans. Overall interest/attendance at high school games in Ohio is far less these days and, with streaming options available, even the diehards often opt for the comfort of their couch. If this game gets 15K I'd be impressed.
Early scores:
St. Edward 7, Mentor 0
Hoban 7, Walsh 7
X 7, Elder 6
Anderson 7, Trotwood 7
Massillon 7, Big Walnut 7
Halftime scores:
St. Edward 14, Mentor 0
Walsh 14, Hoban 7
Middletown 0, Wayne 0
Avon 21, Highland 12
Glenville 28, Perry 7
Orange 14, Pick Central 7
Elder 27, X 21
Anderson 17, Trotwood 7
Hearing attendance at X-Elder is 20K or so. Lower bowl almost full. Elder led 27-7 before X scored off a pick and then had a blocked punt for TD.
https://x.com/stoolpresidente/status/1992029627007524967?s=48
Portnoy in the house for X-Elder.
3rd qtr scores (rain pouring across Ohio):
Walsh 28, Hoban 7
Elder 34, X 21
Avon 29, Highland 19
Middletown 7, Wayne 7
Orange 33, Pick Central 7
Anderson 28, Trotwood 7
St. Edward 14, Mentor 7
Walsh 35, Hoban 7 4th
Elder 34, X 28 4th
St. Edward 20, Mentor 7 4th
St. Edward 27, Mentor 7 Final
Walsh 35, Hoban 7 Final (Huge statement made for Walsh)
Avon 36, Highland 19 Final
Glenville 35, Perry 7 Final
Bishop Watterson 43, Steubenville 0 Final (BW looking real good)
Big Walnut 27, Massillon 21 Final (Ouch, two years in a row)
X leads Elder 42, 34 in the 4th. Big comeback.
Orange 39, Pick Central 7 Final
Anderson 38, Trotwood 7 Final
TCC 57, Rocky River 28 Final
X 42, Elder 34 Final
Marion Local lost to St Henry's 24-7 in D7 breaking ML 76 consecutive win streak the longest in the US and 7th longest ever. WOW
Quote from: hardhit1 on Nov 23, 2025, 10:51 AMMarion Local lost to St Henry's 24-7 in D7 breaking ML 76 consecutive win streak the longest in the US and 7th longest ever. WOW
The streak should have been broken against Versailles back in week six. ML got the benefit of a clear incompletion being ruled complete on a 4th down try late in the game and went on for the winning TD.
Quote from: OdbCle on Nov 24, 2025, 06:21 AMThe streak should have been broken against Versailles back in week six. ML got the benefit of a clear incompletion being ruled complete on a 4th down try late in the game and went on for the winning TD.
Yep but now it's official! Still a great accomplishment.
Semifinal slate:
D1:
St. Edward (11-2) v. Olentangy Orange (13-0) - If you asked me two weeks ago, I'd have said Ed's was a clear (albeit small) favorite. But after Orange destroyed a very good Pick Central team last week I'd say this game is a coinflip. Aside from that showing by Orange, St. Edward is banged up and not at full strength. Star receiver and return man Hackleman is playing through his leg injury but is sporting a brace that clearly hampers the fluidity that makes him special. He has comes up with some big catches the past few weeks but is not returning kicks and they appear to be limiting his route tree. DE Paulozzi is also sporting a brace and does not look as explosive off the edge. Lastly, it looks like MSU safety commit Brayden Thomas may be done for the year after coming down awkwardly on his shoulder/arm late in the Mentor game while trying to break up a pass in the pouring rain. Ed's usually relies heavily on the run game this late in the year, and they will need Brandon White to continue to be special to win this. Orange has the most dynamic QB left in the playoffs of any team in Levi Davis, and his ability to run is a constant threat that may temper how aggressive Ed's is with their blitz schemes. Davis isn't a one-man show and Orange has playmakers and size across the board.
St. Xavier (10-2) v. Middletown (11-2) - After coming out on top in R4 and avenging losses to rivals Moeller and Elder, it's presumed X has pretty much punched their ticket to the final going up against R2 winner Middletown. I tend to agree with that line of thinking and would have X a pretty heavy favorite in this game. Middletown does have a stifling defense, but I can't see their offense being able to generate much against the X defense. X just has to focus on regrouping after that emotional comeback last weekend and focusing on the task at hand.
D2:
Walsh Jesuit (11-1) v. Avon (12-1) - Really exciting matchup here among two talented and very well-coached programs. I've been really high on Walsh this year and they proved it was worth it after blowing out Hoban in the second half of last weekends regional final. The Warriors are a balanced team that can hurt you with Marty Tobin on the ground or Miami WR commit Milan Paris through the air. The return of QB David Ternosky was also a big spark for them against Hoban. Avon has just been downright dominant since their week 2 setback and is certainly capable of going back-to-back in D2. Undefeated Wadsworth and Highland were thought to be in position to dethrone Avon in R6, but both got beat convincingly.
Anderson (13-0) v. Big Walnut (12-1) - This is a rematch of last years semifinal which saw Anderson prevail 28-24. The Raptors will be the favorite again and are coming off a 38-7 win over a very talented Trotwood team. BW knocked off Massillon in the R7 final for the second year in a row despite being heavy underdogs. While lacking in star players, they execute their game plan well and don't hurt themselves. As long as Anderson can avoid excessive penalties or multiple turnovers I think they will win this one comfortably.
Walsh takes opening KO 99 yds 7-0
I'm watching Ed's- Orange & Avon- Walsh games
Avon ties it up at 7
Orange 7 Ed's 0
Avon 98 yd INT 14-7 Avon
About as bad a half from Ed's as you could have. Down just 7-0 thanks to the defense. Offense doesn't have any answers right now. Evanchick looks really off. Orange will get the second half kick.
Halftime scores
Avon 23 Walsh 7
Orange 7 Ed's 0
St X 14 Middletown 3
Avon 23, Walsh 7 Half. Wow.
Orange 14, St. Edward 0. Orange converts on a fake pooch kick on 4th down, gets a questionable PI call on another 3rd and long, and then punches it in.
Orange 21-0 Ed's O pathetic & QB tonight way off
Avon 35-7
Quote from: hardhit1 on Nov 28, 2025, 06:04 PMOrange 21-0 Ed's O pathetic
Lombardo is lost when his o-line can't dominate the opponent.
X 21-6 over Middletown
CVCA 20 TCC 14 with 3 left TCC ball
Quote from: OdbCle on Nov 28, 2025, 06:08 PMLombardo is lost when his o-line can't dominate the opponent.
We never have the slant over the middle. The one we can't defend
TCC scores with 1:55 left 21-20 TCC
CVCA aiding by a roughing the passer on 4th down tried a 29 yd fg
Wide right TCC wins
Glenville wins 26-21
Quote from: hardhit1 on Nov 28, 2025, 06:15 PMWe never have the slant over the middle. The one we can't defend
Never works the middle. He's as predictable as the tide. Worst loss in years. Need a creative OC.
Quote from: OdbCle on Nov 28, 2025, 06:50 PMNever works the middle. He's as predictable as the tide. Worst loss in years. Need a creative OC.
I agree. Next year looks to be very challenging to get this far although they can in region 1
The CVCA kicker that missed the game winning 29 yard FG tonight was his first attempt all year and it's week 15
A team like them winning big all the time possibly should have seasoned him with some kicks during the year? Any thoughts?
Quote from: hardhit1 on Nov 28, 2025, 06:58 PMThe CVCA kicker that missed the game winning 29 yard FG tonight was his first attempt all year and it's week 15
A team like them winning big all the time possibly should have seasoned him with some kicks during the year? Any thoughts?
Wow. First attempt of the year?!
Quote from: OdbCle on Nov 28, 2025, 07:05 PMWow. First attempt of the year?!
That's what the announcers said. On right hash & wide right.
TCC probably a better game against BW but tough sleighing uphill
Quote from: hardhit1 on Nov 28, 2025, 07:11 PMThat's what the announcers said. On right hash & wide right.
TCC probably a better game against BW but tough sleighing uphill
Watterson looks unbeatable.
Quote from: OdbCle on Nov 28, 2025, 07:44 PMWatterson looks unbeatable.
In the top 3 in the state IMO
@TheCompPoll Ohio final pick ems-
Thursday - D2- Anderson vs Avon
Friday- D1- St X vs Olentangy Orange
Quote from: hardhit1 on Nov 28, 2025, 07:47 PMIn the top 3 in the state IMO
Probably. The Columbus folk think they're better than Orange and we saw what Orange just did. Then you have Avon which just worked a really good Walsh team.
Archbishop Moeller took a severe nose dive this year........ I thought they were the sauce.
Quote from: OdbCle on Nov 21, 2025, 06:43 PMX leads Elder 42, 34 in the 4th. Big comeback.
That was a huge comback, Hoping its on NFHS so I can watch it on demand.
Quote from: hardhit1 on Nov 28, 2025, 06:58 PMThe CVCA kicker that missed the game winning 29 yard FG tonight was his first attempt all year and it's week 15
A team like them winning big all the time possibly should have seasoned him with some kicks during the year? Any thoughts?
Absolutely!!!!!!!
Championship week upon us. For the second year in a row, it appears the best team in the state will not be coming from D1. Olentangy Orange may have something to say about that if they can do to St. X what they did to St. Edward over the weekend, but both Avon and Bishop Watterson have been crushing the competition.
D1:
Olentangy Orange (14-0) v. St. Xavier (11-2): For the second year in a row an Olentangy school will be squaring off with a GCL-S opponent. This time it will be Orange and X. If anyone isn't taking the Columbus area schools serious anymore, they need to check themselves. The Olentangy district in particular has been flexing its muscles across the OHSAA landscape in all sports, and another high school may soon be on the horizon with the population growth in that area. I knew QB Levis Davis and RB Lucas Fickel were players to watch for Orange, but their defense was far more impressive than I anticipated. The game plan against Ed's was clear, take away Brandon White in the running game and play a two-high shell look on defense to eliminate the deep sideline routes Ed's likes to throw. They played it to perfection en route to a stunning 28-0 shutout. Rather than adjust at halftime with just a 7-0 deficit, Ed's continued to try and force their offensive philosophy against a team that had it figured out. The result was five turnovers and the first shutout St. Edward has had since 2009. Down in the southern bracket the game played out how I thought it would. A staunch Middletown defense was able to limit X offensively, but they could not muster any offense of their own against a stiff X defense. I think Olentangy is poised to bring the trophy back to Columbus. St. X lost one of their best skill players in Daniel Vollmer in the first quarter of the Middletown game and he did not return. Not sure of his status, but I think X will need all hands on deck.
D2:
Avon (13-1) v. Anderson (14-0): After letting the Spruce Creek (FL) game slip away from them back in week two, Avon has been on a tear. The playoff run has been the most impressive of any team with decisive wins over undefeated Wadsworth, undefeated Highland, and a Walsh team that manhandled the most talented team in the state the week before. I simply can't pick against them right now even with how talented this Anderson team is. Last year's final between these two was a tightly contested game that Avon won 20-13 in the cold and snow. Anderson has revenge on their mind and this game could be another classic.
D3:
Bishop Watterson (13-0) v. Toledo Central Catholic (11-4): This matchup seemed like a foregone conclusion after Youngstown Ursuline's season was cancelled in controversy. TCC got off to a terrible 0-3 start, but their losses were by narrow margins to Walsh, Michigan state runner-up Cass Tech, and Michigan state champ Detroit Catholic Central. They righted the ship and have found themselves back in the title game against a familiar opponent. With the exception of a narrow week two win over Middletown (DE), BW has simply destroyed everything in their path. The competition has not been good until late in the playoffs, but they have continued to dominate. The final between these two last year was close, with BW winning 19-14. TCC can match the size and talent of BW, but will have to play a very clean game against a disciplined and well-coached opponent.
D4:
Glenville (11-3) v. Shelby (14-0): The Tarblooders are right where I expected them with this talent-laden team, in the D4 final. They knocked off the defending D4 champion Indian Valley to get here with a 26-21 win. The Glenville defense is dripping with talent and has only given up more than 3 TD's once in losses to Avon and St. Edward. I honestly don't know much about Shelby other than they are undefeated and have a a high-scoring offense. They will not have seen anything like Glenville's defense all year, but we know that discipline and execution have prevailed over Glenville's talent in the past.
Quote from: hardhit1 on Nov 28, 2025, 06:32 PMCVCA aiding by a roughing the passer on 4th down tried a 29 yd fg
Wide left TCC wins
Avon 14 Anderson 0 2:39 1rst
Avon 21-0 9:32 2nd qtr
Anderson scores 21-7 Avon 5:18 2nd
27-7 Avon halftime
Avon 34-13 1:38 3rd
37-20 Avon 7 left Avon capitalizing on Anderson's gifts 3 weeks early
Avon 37-20 final
What a run for Avon through the playoffs. In contention for a #1 ranking.
Glenville 24, Shelby 7 Halftime
Quote from: OdbCle on Dec 05, 2025, 09:10 AMGlenville 24, Shelby 7 Halftime
Running clock now 38-7 mid 4th
45-7 Final. Glenville wins. Holds Shelby to 27 yards of offense.
Watterson taking TCC to the woodshed so far. Up 17-0 early in the 3rd.
Bishop Watterson 30, TCC 0 Final
Orange 28 St X 7 mid 3rd
Quote from: OdbCle on Dec 05, 2025, 06:13 AMWhat a run for Avon through the playoffs. In contention for a #1 ranking.
Orange
Orange wins D1 in total domination over St X 28-14
Orange was first team to go 15-0 in D1 since St Eds 2010
Quote from: OdbCle on Dec 05, 2025, 07:23 PMProbably them or Watterson.
Orange on my poll
I was not that impressed with BW Qb today but Diggs from Orange is real good
St Henry wins D7 37-3
Kirtland 14-0 halftime in D6 final
Kirtland wins 41-6 for their 8th title
Liberty Center wins D5 35-3
Championship week in the books. Three teams really stood out in Avon, Orange and Watterson. Arguments to be made for all three to stake a claim as Ohio's best, and I've gone back and forth thinking about it, but here is how I have it:
1. Avon (14-1, D2 State Champ): I give the nod to Avon as I felt they had the best post-season run in terms of quality of competition and margin of victory. R6 was tough this year and the Eagles simply buried the competition and then kept the freight train rolling with decisive victories over very good Walsh and Anderson teams.
2. Olentangy Orange (15-0, D1 State Champ): Orange's run was arguably just as impressive as Avon's, especially the last three weeks where they dominated Pick Central, Ed's and X. Levis Davis is a difference maker at QB, but I may have been more impressed with just how good their defense was. Shutting down Brandon White and the St. Edward offense is no small feat.
3. Bishop Watterson (14-0, D3 State Champ): There are folks in Columbus who believe Watterson is in fact the best team in that region of the state. Their regular season and playoff run were more dominant that Avon or Orange, but the competition was really not comparable and I can't put them over those two for that reason.
4. Walsh Jesuit (11-2, D2 State Semi-Finalist): I was higher than most on Walsh this year, and thought they were primed for a state championship after dismantling Hoban in the R5 final. Unfortunately, they ran into a buzz saw in Avon in the state semi-final.
5. Anderson (14-1, D2 State Runner-Up): Ditto Anderson on the buzz saw. Very talented team that dominated the regular season and most of the post-season but were simply outmatched against Avon.
6. Archbishop Hoban (10-2, D2 Regional Finalist): Always baffles me how Tim Tyrell's bunch doesn't win it every year with their talent. Substitute him with Avon's Mike Elder and the Knights would be working on at least 5 straight titles.
7. St. Edward (11-3, D1 State Semi-Finalist): Always a disappointment for the St. Edward program when they don't bring home the hardware. High standard these days with the recent history. They had the weapons this year with the school's all-time leading rusher and receiver, but a bad night from the QB and coach Lombardo's inability (or unwillingness) to adjust in game spelled doom against an Orange team that had them figured out. The defense actually played admirably given the 5 turnovers on offense.
8. St. Xavier (11-3, D1 State Runner-Up): Very memorable playoff run for the Bombers avenging their only regular seasons losses to Moeller and Elder. The rematch against Elder in front of 20K+ at Paycor Stadium was an instant classic and reminiscent of when Ohio high school football was at its peak in the early 2000's.
9. Elder (12-1, D1 Regional Finalist): Incredible regular season that saw Elder go undefeated for the first time in decades. They carried that magic into the post-season with an incredible comeback against Princeton before falling to X in the R4 final.
10. Glenville (12-3, D4 State Champ): Glenville gets my vote for the last spot in the top ten after taking home the hardware in D4. Moeller and others have an argument here, but this really was one of the best defensive teams in the state with real star power that could be playing on Sundays one day. Close losses to Avon, Ed's and Hoban in the regular season is nothing to be ashamed of. They went back to playing defensive back CJ Newell at running back and it paid dividends in the playoff run.
Quote from: OdbCle on Yesterday at 10:45 AMChampionship week in the books. Three teams really stood out in Avon, Orange and Watterson. Arguments to be made for all three to stake a claim as Ohio's best, and I've gone back and forth thinking about it, but here is how I have it:
1. Avon (14-1, D2 State Champ): I give the nod to Avon as I felt they had the best post-season run in terms of quality of competition and margin of victory. R6 was tough this year and the Eagles simply buried the competition and then kept the freight train rolling with decisive victories over very good Walsh and Anderson teams.
2. Olentangy Orange (15-0, D1 State Champ): Orange's run was arguably just as impressive as Avon's, especially the last three weeks where they dominated Pick Central, Ed's and X. Levis Davis is a difference maker at QB, but I may have been more impressed with just how good their defense was. Shutting down Brandon White and the St. Edward offense is no small feat.
3. Bishop Watterson (14-0, D3 State Champ): There are folks in Columbus who believe Watterson is in fact the best team in that region of the state. Their regular season and playoff run were more dominant that Avon or Orange, but the competition was really not comparable and I can't put them over those two for that reason.
4. Walsh Jesuit (11-2, D2 State Semi-Finalist): I was higher than most on Walsh this year, and thought they were primed for a state championship after dismantling Hoban in the R5 final. Unfortunately, they ran into a buzz saw in Avon in the state semi-final.
5. Anderson (14-1, D2 State Runner-Up): Ditto Anderson on the buzz saw. Very talented team that dominated the regular season and most of the post-season but were simply outmatched against Avon.
6. Archbishop Hoban (10-2, D2 Regional Finalist): Always baffles me how Tim Tyrell's bunch doesn't win it every year with their talent. Substitute him with Avon's Mike Elder and the Knights would be working on at least 5 straight titles.
7. St. Edward (11-3, D1 State Semi-Finalist): Always a disappointment for the St. Edward program when they don't bring home the hardware. High standard these days with the recent history. They had the weapons this year with the school's all-time leading rusher and receiver, but a bad night from the QB and coach Lombardo's inability (or unwillingness) to adjust in game spelled doom against an Orange team that had them figured out. The defense actually played admirably given the 5 turnovers on offense.
8. St. Xavier (11-3, D1 State Runner-Up): Very memorable playoff run for the Bombers avenging their only regular seasons losses to Moeller and Elder. The rematch against Elder in front of 20K+ at Paycor Stadium was an instant classic and reminiscent of when Ohio high school football was at its peak in the early 2000's.
9. Elder (12-1, D1 Regional Finalist): Incredible regular season that saw Elder go undefeated for the first time in decades. They carried that magic into the post-season with an incredible comeback against Princeton before falling to X in the R4 final.
10. Glenville (12-3, D4 State Champ): Glenville gets my vote for the last spot in the top ten after taking home the hardware in D4. Moeller and others have an argument here, but this really was one of the best defensive teams in the state with real star power that could be playing on Sundays one day. Close losses to Avon, Ed's and Hoban in the regular season is nothing to be ashamed of. They went back to playing defensive back CJ Newell at running back and it paid dividends in the playoff run.
Nice recap. I have the rankings slightly different:
Orange
Avon
BW
Elder
Hoban
Ed's
X
Glenville
Anderson
WJ
Unfortunately You & I were the only 2 regular Ohio guys here this year.
See you next year!
Quote from: hardhit1 on Yesterday at 12:56 PMNice recap. I have the rankings slightly different:
Orange
Avon
BW
Elder
Hoban
Ed's
X
Glenville
Anderson
WJ
Unfortunately You & I were the only 2 regular Ohio guys here this year.
See you next year!
I like your top 3, but I'm slightly different the rest of the way.
1. Orange
2. Avon
3. BW
4. St. X
5. Elder
6. Walsh
7. Hoban
8. St. Ed
9. Moeller
10. Anderson
Quote from: Omaha Vol on Yesterday at 03:59 PMI like your top 3, but I'm slightly different the rest of the way.
1. Orange
2. Avon
3. BW
4. St. X
5. Elder
6. Walsh
7. Hoban
8. St. Ed
9. Moeller
10. Anderson
Wouldn't argue with that either.