News Summary

The Ohio High School Athletic Association has announced its first official weekly rankings for high school football, igniting excitement among fans and players alike. As 708 schools compete, updates will be provided weekly leading up to the playoffs, where only the top 12 teams from each region will qualify. This year marks a reduction in playoff spots from 16 to 12, promising an intense season ahead filled with riveting match-ups and potential surprises. Stay tuned as teams vie for glory and playoff spots in this thrilling sports season.

Excitement Builds as High School Football Rankings Drop in Ohio

Ohio is abuzz with high school football fever after the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) unveiled its very first official weekly computer ratings of the season on Tuesday, September 23. As teams gear up for an exhilarating season, these ratings provide a sneak peek into which schools are dominating the field and which ones are still trying to catch up.

A Closer Look at the Ratings

With a total of 708 schools participating in 11-player football, the ratings will be published weekly leading up to the playoffs, which will culminate in thrilling championship games from December 4-6 at the prestigious Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton. Mark your calendars, folks! The final report is due on Sunday, October 26, when excitement will peak as only the top 12 teams in each region qualify for the playoffs. This year, there’s a slight twist—the number of schools that qualify for the playoffs has been trimmed down from 16 to just 12.

Divisions Explained

The Ohio high school football teams are categorized into various divisions based on their size. The largest 72 schools belong to Division I, while other schools are evenly distributed among Divisions II through VII, each containing around 106 teams. This way, every school gets a fair shot at showcasing their skills!

Breakdown of the Top Teams by Region

Fans are buzzing with anticipation as the competition heats up across the state. Let’s dive into the current top-rated schools in each region, where thrilling match-ups and nail-biting finishes are on the horizon:

  • Region 1: Mentor (5-0), St. Edward (4-1), Berea-Midpark (4-1)
  • Region 2: Middletown (5-0), Troy (4-1), Findlay (4-1)
  • Region 3: Olentangy Orange (5-0), Pickerington Central (4-1), Upper Arlington (5-0)
  • Region 4: Cincinnati Elder (5-0), Cincinnati Moeller (4-1), Cincinnati St. Xavier (4-1)
  • Region 5: Uniontown Lake (5-0), Nordonia (5-0), Walsh Jesuit (5-0)
  • Region 6: Medina Highland (5-0), Wadsworth (5-0), Avon (4-1)
  • Region 7: Canal Winchester (4-1), Ashland (5-0), Louisville (4-1)
  • Region 8: Cincinnati Anderson (5-0), Kings Mills Kings (4-1), Trotwood-Madison (4-1)

Crunching the Numbers

The OHSAA assures football fans that these rankings are methodically calculated using a set formula that takes various factors into account. Head over to the OHSAA football page on their website for all the juicy details on how it all works. But you can bet your popcorn that stats like wins, losses, and points determine which teams rise and which ones fall.

What’s Next?

The excitement isn’t stopping here—each week will bring updates that reflect the current landscape of Ohio high school football. Teams are not just fighting for glory but also for that coveted first-round bye, awarded to the top four teams in each region.

As we approach the playoffs, the intensity will ramp up. The teams are not just playing to win; they’re battling to secure their spots in the playoffs and ultimately, to claim the ultimate title of state champion. From nail-biting finishes to surprising upsets, the stage is set for an unforgettable season. So rally behind your local teams and witness the drama unfold on the field!

With the hunt for playoff positions well underway, every game counts. So get your gear on, cheer loud, and make those Friday night lights shine brighter!

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