High school football fields across Ohio were the stage for intense drama during Week 10, as teams battled in crucial final regular-season matchups. The slate featured major upsets, one-point thrillers, and dominant performances, setting the final picture for the upcoming state playoffs. Among the highlights, Akron Hoban secured a significant victory over St. Edward, while Maria Stein Marion Local won a defensive classic against Coldwater by a single point.
Key Takeaways
- Akron Hoban defeated St. Edward 24-20 in a highly anticipated matchup between two of the state's top programs.
- Several games were decided by a single point, including Maria Stein Marion Local's 7-6 win over Coldwater and Berea-Midpark's 34-33 victory against Avon Lake.
- Dominant offensive displays were common, with teams like Carey and Sherwood Fairview scoring 71 and 70 points, respectively.
- The final week's results solidified league championships and finalized playoff seedings across all divisions in Ohio.
Nail-Biters and Rivalry Showdowns
The final week of the regular season delivered some of the most competitive games of the year, with several matchups coming down to the final play. In one of the state's most storied rivalries, Maria Stein Marion Local edged out Coldwater in a 7-6 defensive struggle. This low-scoring affair underscored the intensity and tradition behind the matchup, with every yard proving critical.
Another game that had fans on the edge of their seats was Berea-Midpark's narrow 34-33 victory over Avon Lake. The back-and-forth contest highlighted the parity in a competitive conference and likely caused significant shifts in the playoff picture for both teams. Similarly, Newark secured a 17-16 win over Lancaster, a result decided by the slimmest of margins.
Overtime was needed to settle the score between Green and Uniontown Lake, with Green ultimately prevailing 34-27. These tight contests demonstrate the high stakes of Week 10, where a single point can be the difference between extending a season and heading home.
The Importance of Week 10
For many teams, Week 10 is more than just another game. It represents the culmination of a season's work, often determining league championships, playoff qualification, and final seeding. The outcomes from this weekend directly impact the path teams will face in the postseason tournament.
Titans Clash in Northeast Ohio
One of the most-watched games in the state took place in Northeast Ohio, where Akron Hoban defeated St. Edward 24-20. This contest between perennial powerhouses was a showcase of top-tier talent and coaching, with both teams making critical plays throughout the game. The victory for Hoban serves as a major statement heading into the playoffs.
Elsewhere in the region, several other teams made their mark. Kirtland, a dominant force in Division VI, continued its impressive run with a convincing 42-7 victory over Rootstown. Fitch also posted a shutout, defeating Warren Harding 35-0, while Chardon earned a solid 34-13 win against Chagrin Falls Kenston.
Other Notable Regional Results
- Youngstown Boardman 22, Canfield 21: Another one-point game with significant local implications.
- Medina Highland 62, Cuyahoga Falls 0: A demonstration of offensive and defensive dominance.
- Painesville Riverside 43, Willoughby South 20: A strong performance to close out the regular season.
Offensive Explosions Light Up Scoreboards
While some games were tight defensive battles, others were high-scoring affairs where offenses ran wild. Carey delivered one of the most lopsided results of the week, defeating Bucyrus 71-0. The dominant performance left no doubt about the team's readiness for the postseason.
Sherwood Fairview was another team that put up huge numbers, securing a 70-22 victory over Hicksville. These types of high-powered offensive showings are crucial for building momentum heading into the single-elimination playoff format.
Scoring By the Numbers
Several teams across Ohio showcased their offensive firepower in Week 10, with many surpassing the 50 and 60-point thresholds. Notable high scores include:
- Carey: 71 points
- Sherwood Fairview: 70 points
- Ansonia: 66 points
- Bowerston Conotton Valley: 66 points
- Cols. Bishop Watterson: 65 points
- Grove City: 63 points
Key Results From Around the State
The action was not limited to one region, as important games played out across Ohio, from Cincinnati to Toledo.
In the Cincinnati area, several top programs closed their seasons with strong wins. Cincinnati Moeller defeated Muskegon, Michigan, 56-13, while Cincinnati Elder beat Warren De La Salle, Michigan, 35-7. Liberty Township Lakota East also won a high-scoring local matchup against West Chester Lakota West, 42-28.
In the Columbus area, Pickerington North shut out Gahanna Lincoln 35-0, and Dublin Jerome handled Thomas Worthington with a 35-7 victory. Hilliard Bradley also earned a key win over Dublin Coffman, 29-3.
Toledo Central Catholic continued its strong season with a 35-13 win over Muskegon Mona Shores from Michigan, and Whitehouse Anthony Wayne narrowly defeated Findlay 20-19, showcasing the competitive nature of football in Northwest Ohio.
As the regular season concludes, these results have finalized the brackets for the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) football playoffs, where teams will now begin their quest for a state championship.