High School Football Playoffs - Regional Semifinals

Sports fans, we're steam-rolling into Round 2 of the Ohio High School Playoffs. The Regional Semifinals are about to kickoff in about an hour with Divisions 2, 3, and 5 battling for a spot in the Regional Finals. Let's take a look at the local matchups.

Division 1 Region 1 - Saturday 7pm

#1 Mentor Cardinals (10-1) vs. #5 Solon Comets (10-1) at Parma Byers Field

This is a rematch of Northeast Ohio Valley Division co-champs. Solon was soundly defeated at home against the 5-wide passing attack of the Cardinals, 44-20. It's going to be a tough go for the Comets to stop Mitch Trubisky and his ring of receivers. It's hard to beat a team twice in the same season, but Mentor's high-powered offense will outscore Solon's rushing attack.

Prediction: Mentor

#2 St. Ignatius Wildcats (9-2) vs. #6 St. Edward Eagles (8-3) at Brunswick Judy Kirsch Field

The Holy War Part Deux comes two week after their annual Week 10 battle, won by the Wildcats 20-17. St. Ed's is the defending state champs and are chomping at the bit to get another shot. The Eagles have a monstrous OL to help QB Kevin Fallon and TB Dwayne Aaron. The Wildcats counter with TB Tim McVey and QB Eric Williams. This will be a tremendous battle, and I think the champs get revenge.

Prediction: St. Edward

Division 1 Region 2

#3 Hudson Explorers (10-1) vs. #7 Wadsworth Grizzlies (10-1) at Canton Fawcett Stadium

The champions of the NOC River, Hudson, takes on the Suburban League's Wadsworth Grizzlies in a battle between two exciting RBs. The Grizzlies have 2,250 rusher Jack Snowball going against the multi-talented TB Ben Gedeon, who has over 1300 yards of offense. This will be a rough and tumble matchup at the Pro Football Hall of Fame. PrimeTime Sports will be there to provide highlights and analysis. The winner of this game takes on either Toledo Whitmer or Canton McKinley.

Division 2 Region 5 - Friday 7:30pm

#2 Tallmadge Blue Devils (9-2) vs. #3 Aurora Greenmen (10-1) at Solon Stewart Field

Prediction: Tallmadge

#1 Walsh Jesuit Warriors (9-1) vs. #4 Kent Roosevelt Rough Riders (10-1) at Twinsburg Tiger Stadium

Prediction: Walsh Jesuit

Division 2 Region 6 - Friday 7:30pm

#1 Avon Eagles (10-1) vs. #4 Toledo Central Catholic Fighting Irish (8-3) at Fremont Ross Harmon Field

The champions of the West Shore Conference led by QB Justin O'Rourke, Avon Eagles will battle RB Amir Edwards and the Fighting Irish. Avon's only loss is to perennial state power Lake Catholic. Toledo Central Catholic is battle-tested against Northeast Ohio teams in the playoffs. I like the Eagles to win this one.

#6 East Cleveland Shaw Cardinals (7-3) vs. #7 Tiffin Columbian Tornadoes (9-2) at Sandusky Strobel Field.

Prediction: East Cleveland Shaw

Division 4 Region 13 - Saturday 7pm

#1 Girard Indians (10-1) vs. #4 Sullivan Black River Pirates (9-2) at Uniontown Lake Alumni Field

The Pirates of Black River claimed the first playoff victory of the Patriot Athletic Conference defeating Akron Manchester. Andrew Vaughn heads up the Wing-T attack with 1,579 yards and 21 TDs, along with Austin Phillips and his 1,000 plus yards. John Guilford and Austin Jones head up the defense. Girard has a great talent at QB in Dan Graziano, who has passed for 1,400 yards and 19 TDs and run for 1,573 yards and 16 TD. The Indians can score with the best of them, but I'll take Medina County's Pirates. The winner of this game gets Orrville or Creston Norwayne.

That's a quick look at the playoffs this weekend. Tune in over the weekend for all of the scores. Better yet, check out the games live and enjoy the atmosphere! We'll be live at Canton Fawcett Stadium for the Wadsworth-Hudson game!

Prediction: Avon Eagles