News Summary

The Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) is gathering insights from football coaches, athletic directors, and school principals about the current playoff format through surveys. With the deadline for responses approaching, their feedback could influence changes ahead of the 2023 football state championships, where 448 schools will compete for glory. The OHSAA has operated under a 16-team-per-region system since 2021, a significant change from previous years. Coaches and fans eagerly await updates as the playoff season progresses.

Ohio High School Athletic Association Seeks Feedback on Playoff Format

Canton, OH

The Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) is putting the ball in the court of football coaches, athletic directors, and school principals by rolling out surveys to gather insights about the current playoff format. This initiative is gearing up ahead of the highly anticipated 2023 football state championships, which promise to be an exciting event for teams and fans alike!

On April 21, surveys were sent to various stakeholders at member schools, asking for their thoughts on the playoff structure. With the deadline for these responses coming up fast on April 28, it’s a crucial time for coaches and administrators to weigh in. After all, their perspectives matter when it comes to shaping the future of high school football in Ohio!

Since 2021, the OHSAA has been operating under a system featuring 16 teams per region. Yes, you read that right! There are four regions in each of the seven divisions of playoffs, which means that a total of 448 schools will eventually square off for a chance to claim the state title. How exhilarating is that?

For a bit of background, from 1999 to 2019, only the top eight teams in each region made the playoffs. However, things looked a little different in 2020, thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic. That year, all teams were granted eligibility for the playoffs after a shortened six-week regular season. But as we look ahead to this year’s championships, it seems the focus will be back on a more traditional format.

Currently, 28 schools are making their mark in the playoff season, and soon the anticipation will build as we inch closer to the state finals set for December 5-7 at the Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton. This will mark the fourth consecutive year that the championship games will occur at this grand venue. Fans can expect an atmosphere filled with excitement and nail-biting moments as teams vie for glory!

Now, when it comes to the playoff schedule, gaming action is expected to kick off on Friday, November 1, at 7 p.m. (unless otherwise noted). In the pairings, the designated home teams are listed first, making it easier for fans to follow who’s hosting the showdown. The full first-round playoff pairings will serve as a guide, detailing the seeds and who’s playing where in each region.

What’s remarkable about this playoff setup is that it’s designed to keep the excitement rolling. By having four regions in each division, the thrill of competition can reach nearly every corner of the state, showcasing the talents of high school athletes. The OHSAA continues to strive for improvement and enrich the experience for players, coaches, and spectators alike.

As the OHSAA gears up to analyze the feedback from their surveys, it will be fascinating to see how changes, if any, will come into play moving forward. Will the setup evolve, or will it remain the same? Whatever the outcome, one thing’s for sure: Ohio high school football is alive and kicking, and everyone is just counting down the days until the playoffs officially get underway.

In conclusion, it’s an exciting time for both young athletes and coaching staff, and the community is buzzing at the thought of possible changes to the playoff format. Whether you’re wrapped up in Friday night lights or following your favorite team from home, there’s no denying that the spirit of high school football in Ohio is as strong as ever. So, mark your calendars and prepare for a thrilling postseason filled with unforgettable moments!

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

LIVE BALL Resources

High School Baseball and Softball Scores from Monday
2025 High School Baseball Season Launches in Greater Akron Area
Cleveland’s ‘A New Era Summit’ Promotes Girls Flag Football
Walsh Jesuit Warriors Prepare for 2025 Football Season
Top Girls Lacrosse Stars to Watch in Stark County 2025
Ohio’s Top High School Basketball Players Recognized for 2024-25 Season
Wichita Swimmers Shine as 2025 Season Ends
Capital Sports High School Softball Rankings Released
Southwest Ohio High School Lacrosse Season Begins
Winter Sports Athletes Honored at Orange High School Board Meeting

Additional Resources