Sports Fans, it is Playoff Time for High School Football in the state of Ohio. Tonight, starts the 5-game second season to determine a state champion in six divisions. I have to say from experience both as a player and a coach that there is no feeling better than preparing for a state playoff game. You take extra time on every detail, run each play more, and study film constantly. Game day for a playoff game is a different feel. The butterflies in your stomach move a little quicker and you're more nervous than your first game. I wouldn't trade it for the world and I will be missing it this year as for the first time since 2000, the Brunswick Blue Devils will be sitting this postseason out.
However, there are 192 teams, 32 in each division, 8 in each region that being their title chase this weekend. Divisions II, IV, and VI begin tonight, whereas Division I, III, and V start tomorrow night. Regional Quarterfinal games are played at the higher seeds home field, with each game until the State Championship hosted at neutral sites. State Finals games are played at both Canton's Fawcett Stadium at the Pro Football Hall of Fame as well as the legendary Massillon Paul Brown Tiger Stadium. I have seen three state championship games in person: Brunswick's loss to St. Ignatius in the 1995 D-I State Championship in Massillon, Mogadore's 2002 D-VI win in Canton, and Maple Heights' loss to Cincinnati Winton Woods in last year D-II Title Game. There is an unbeliveable feeling being in the stadium for State Title game especially here in Ohio where high school football reigns supreme.
That said, I want to look at some local matchups this week and share my thoughts. For this round, I will choose selected local games. As the tournament progress, I will look at statewide matchups. And away we go.....
Division I, Region 1
#8 Brecksville-Broadview Heights Bees (7-3) @ #1 Solon Comets (10-0)
The Comets steamrolled through the Northeast Ohio Conference's Valley Division, save for a last second miracle last week against the Strongsville Mustangs. The Bees are led by Tom Tupa Jr. the son of former NFL Punter, Tom Tupa. They went 7-3 and qualified out of the Southwest Conference. I like Solon in this matchup.
#5 Willoughby South Rebels (9-1) @ #4 Austintown-Fitch Falcons (9-1)
Willoughby South runs a trememdous spread offense that has seen QB Ray Russ throw for 41 TDs. Austintown-Fitch is a qualifier from the rugged Federal League, which has mulitple playoff qualifiers. I like Willoughby to be able to outscore the Falcons and advance.
#6 Mentor Cardinals (7-3) @ #3 Lakewood St. Edward Eagles (10-0)
This is rematch of St. Ed's 35-28 win in the season opener at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Mentor won the Lake Erie League's Lake Division in their final season before heading over to the NOC Valley Division. St. Ed's went all over the state of Ohio gaining wins against Cincinatti's St. Xavier, Youngstown's Cardinal Mooney and their Holy War opponent St. Ignatius. St. Ed's is huge on the offensive line and can run and pass. Mentor continues to succeed, this year relying more on the run than in years past. It's a tough one, but I like St. Ed's here.
#7 Warren Harding Raiders (8-2) @ #2 Cleveland Glenville Tarblooders
This is an intriguing matchup. Glenville plays tough non-conference opponents in the first three weeks to make up for a softer Senate Athletic League schedule. Warren Harding competes with Mentor and other quality opponents in the LEL Lake Division. Something's gotta give when Warren Harding's consistent performances take on a Glenville team who's glided through the last 7 games. Glenville has talent oozing from all aspects of offense and defense. It will take a quarter or two for the Tarblooders to get going, but I like them to win this game over the Raiders.
Division I, Region 2
#8 Medina Battling Bees (8-2) @ #1 Canton McKinley Bulldogs (8-2)
Medina squeaked into the playoffs by defeating Medina County rival Brunswick last week 14-13. This is their second playoff berth in school history, the other year being 2006. The Battling Bees compete in the very tough NOC Valley Division and suffered setbacks only to Solon and Strongsville. Canton McKinley is coming off of a win against their rival Massillon Washington Tigers and another successful Federal League campaign. The Bulldogs are always tough in the playoffs, and I believe they will overwhelm Medina who will be getting back all-purpose threat Justin Letts for this game.
#7 Twinsburg Tigers (9-1) @ #2 Sylvania Southview Cougars (10-0)
Twinsburg won the NOC River Division, splitting with Hudson. QB Aaron Macer leads the attach going up to Lucas County to take on the undefeated Cougars. Admittedly I do not know much about Southview. I've seen Twinsburg play, but they also had a setback against Hudson. I'll go with chalk here and take the Cougars, but I wouldn't be surprised to see the Tigers win.
#6 Massillon Washington Tigers (7-3) @ #3 Toledo Whitmer Panthers (9-1)
Massillon is traditionally strong and Whitmer has been successful in recent seasons. I'll take Massillon here in an upset.
#5 Fremont Ross Little Giants (9-1)@ #4 Toledo St. John Jesuit Titans (9-1)
This should be quite the battle between these two teams. I'll take the Titans over the alma mater of former Heisman Trophy Winner Charles Woodson.
Division II, Region 5
#8 Kent Roosevelt Rough Riders (8-2) @ #1 Tallmadge Blue Devils (10-0)
The Suburban League's Tallmadge takes out the Riders at home.
#5 Aurora Greenmen (8-2) @ #4 Ashland Arrows (8-2)
Aurora brings their punishing run game against the aerial assualt of the Arrows. I like the Greenmen in an upset.
#7 Kenston Bombers (8-2) @ #2 Lake Catholic Cougars (9-1)
It's tough to bet against the Cougars, led by RB Richie Sanders. The Bombers sprung an upset in Week 10 to get in, but will not be able to do it twice in a row.
#6 Warren Howland Tigers (10-0) @ #3 Copley Indians (9-1)
The undefeated Tigers travel to the Suburban Leauge's Copley Indians. I don't know much about either team, so I like Copley here.
Division II, Region 6
#8 Sandusky Blue Streaks (6-4) @ #1 Avon Eagles (10-0)
This is a tough matchup for the Eagles, but their air attack should be able to hold off the Blue Streaks, returning to the playoffs after a long hiatus.
#7 Maumee Panthers (7-3) @ #2 Avon Lake Shoremen (8-2)
Avon Lake is the champion of the Southwest Conference and sports a rugged running game in addition to a hard-hitting defense. I like them over the Panthers.
#6 Cleveland John. F. Kennedy Eagles (7-3) @ #3 Olmsted Falls Bulldogs (7-3)
This is the Eagles' first OHSAA playoff game ever. Coming out of the Senate Athletic League, Cleveland JFK comes into this match up against the perennial power Olmsted Falls. The Bulldogs always play tough defense, and I anticipate that to end the dream season of JFK.
#5 Maple Heights Mustangs (10-0) @ #4 Toledo Central Catholic Fighting Irish (8-2)
Maple Heights returned all of their best skill players from last year's State Runner-up teams, which included a victory against the Fighting Irish in last year's Regional Semifinals. QB Shaq Washington, RB Devonte Ransom and WR Andre Stubbs roll helped the Mustangs roll through the LEL Erie Division. They haven't played the competition that Central Catholic has, but that talent can outplay most other teams. I like the Mustangs here.
Other Local Games
D3 Region 9 - #1 Padua Franciscan Bruins over #8 Hunting Valley University School Preppers
D4 Region 13 - #8 Perry Pirates over #1 Akron Manchester Panthers
#2 Chagrin Falls Tigers over #7 Garrettsville Garfield G-Men
D5 Region 17 - #2 Kirtland Hornets over #7 Independence Blue Devils
#3 Cuyahoga Heights Redskins over #6 Hanoverton United Golden Eagles
D5 Region 18 - #6 Columbia Station Columbia Raiders over #3 Hamler Patrick Henry Patriots
D6 Region 21 - #2 Mogadore Wildcats over #7 New Washington Buckeye Central Bucks
Good Luck to All Teams.Let me know what you think of the playoffs, my picks, or your favorite memory from the playoffs!
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