This Friday night, Cincinnati will be packed with excitement as high school football playoffs take center stage.
In Northern Kentucky, the first round of the KHSAA five-round tournament kicks off, while in Southwest Ohio, area teams are gearing up for the second round of the OHSAA six-round tournament heading toward Canton. Meanwhile, Southeastern Indiana sees local rivals Lawrenceburg and East Central face off for sectional championships in their own third round, heading towards Indianapolis.
The Centerville Elks, seeded second with an 8-3 record, are set to face the seventh-seeded Springboro Panthers (7-4) in a rematch of a previous clash where Centerville triumphed 28-10. The Elks’ strong rushing game, netting 230 yards last time, is highlighted by Shane Cole, who has rushed for over 700 yards, while Parker Johnson leads the tackling effort with 946 rushing yards and 23 touchdowns. Predictions lean toward a close game, expected to end with Centerville edging out Springboro 21-14.
Next, the Lebanon Warriors, seeded sixth, are looking for more postseason success against the Coffman Shamrocks who pulled off an upset against a higher seed last week. The Warriors’ Daniel Wallace has accumulated 845 rushing yards and nine touchdowns, while Luke Faler has thrown for 1,765 yards and 15 touchdowns. Predictions suggest a nail-biter with Lebanon slightly favored at 28-27.
Moving on to another thrilling matchup, the number eight seed Thunderhawks (8-3) will face the top-seeded Crusaders (10-1). Both teams have shown explosive offenses, creating the potential for a high-scoring game. Predictions favor Moeller to take the victory 35-24 against Lakota East.
The West Firebirds, seeded second and boasting an impressive 10-1 season, will lock horns with the seventh-seeded Elder Panthers (6-5). The Firebirds’ strong defense will put their skills to the test against the Panthers, predicted to finish at 31-17 in favor of West.
Lastly, the number five seed Hamilton Big Blue (9-2) is coming off a dominant victory against Princeton and aims to keep their success rolling against the fourth-seeded Princeton team. With Gracen Goldsmith continuing his MVP season, predictions point towards Hamilton winning 21-14.
As the playoffs progress this week, all eyes will be on these talented teams as they strive for glory and a shot at state championship titles. Don’t miss the action on Friday night!
