News Summary

The Ontario Warriors have officially advanced to Division III football after an impressive season last year. With a strong roster and record-breaking performances, the Warriors are set for an exciting new chapter in their athletic journey. As they join other local teams in Region 10, fans are eagerly awaiting their upcoming matchups, including a regional championship showdown against Perkins. This shift follows a successful season with standout players breaking multiple records, enhancing the anticipation for the future of the Warriors.

The Ontario Warriors Gear Up for a New Challenge in Division III Football

Exciting news for sports fans in Ontario! The Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) has recently released its divisional and regional alignments for the upcoming 2025 football season, and we have a thrilling change to talk about. The beloved Ontario Warriors are set to make a leap up to Division III after a stellar performance last season that saw them reach the Division IV, Region 14 championship game. It’s all about moving up and moving forward!

Why the Move?

So, what’s behind this big transition? Ontario has reported a male enrollment of 241 boys in grades nine through eleven as of October 2023. Thanks to the competitive balance rule, which was introduced back in May 2014, schools’ placements are adjusted based on their actual team rosters. Ontario’s competitive balance number, now standing at 29, brings their football enrollment up to 270, which is three more than the cutoff for Division IV. So, we’re officially cooking up a Division III recipe for success!

What Lies Ahead in Division III?

As Ontario steps into Division III, they will be joining a mix of other local teams in Region 10, including Mansfield Senior, Madison, and Lexington. This isn’t unfamiliar territory for the Warriors, who actually competed in the Division III playoffs back in 2022 and 2023 before making last year’s drop to Division IV. In the recent past, they had a heart-wrenching loss to Sandusky Perkins in the Division IV Region 14 championship game, keeping the score tight at 28-21.

A Look Back and Ahead

In further excitement, Region 14 will still see familiar faces with teams like Shelby, Clear Fork, and Galion each having advanced to the playoffs last fall. Meanwhile, Crestview is moving to Region 23 of Division VI, while Lucas and Crestline are heading to Region 27 after their own playoff appearances. Change is in the air, and each team will be gearing up for their best yet!

Record-Breaking Performance

Shifting gears to the current season, the Ontario Warriors have been dazzling on the field, breaking multiple program records already! They’ve set the bar high with single-season wins totaling 12, rushing yards sitting at an impressive 3,729, and have shattered the single-season scoring record with a whopping 467 points. Talk about a team on fire!

Among the standout players, quarterback Bodpegn Miller has been a force to reckon with. His stats are eye-popping, boasting 2,122 passing yards along with breaking the single-season rushing record with an astounding 1,909 yards. He’s not just making headlines; he’s on track to become the all-time rushing leader for Ontario! This guy knows how to play the game.

Thrilling Game Recap

During a nail-biting match against Shelby, the Warriors took the victory in a thrilling contest, edging out the competition with a score of 49-48. This victory propelled them into the regional championship where they would again face off against the Perkins Pirates. Who doesn’t love a showdown like that? Everyone is buzzing about this clash, deemed as possibly the biggest game in Ontario football history!

What’s Next for the Warriors?

Mark your calendars! The epic face-off between Ontario and Perkins is lined up for Friday night at Tiffin’s Frost-Kalnow Stadium. For those in the know, the regional finals are scheduled for November 22, with state semifinals arriving on November 29. And for fans dreaming of championship glory, the OHSAA state championship games are set for December 5-7 at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton.

With so much talent and hard work, it’s an exciting time to be a fan of the Ontario Warriors. As they step into the limelight of Division III, everyone is ready to cheer them on as they aim for glory. Here’s to a season filled with memorable moments!

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