Ohio Playoffs: State Championships 2023

[OdbCle]

The Ohio state championships will commence this week, with a highly anticipated DII final kicking things off on Thursday. Divisions VI, III and I will take place on Friday (in that order), with VII, V and IV wrapping up the weekend on Saturday. I won't get into much detail on the lower divisions (primarily because I don't really know shit about most of those teams 😂), but it is worth noting that small-school powerhouses Marion Local (DVII) and Kirtland (DVI) are going for their 14th and 7th state championships respectively. I'd confidently put those two teams against any similarly-sized rural schools in the country.  Excellent programs.  Now onto the big boys.

D1: St. Edward (14-1) v. Springfield (10-5):

My pre-season top two found a way to meet in the finals for the third year in a row. Ed's was certainly expected with the bevy of talent that they returned, combined with a down R1. Springfield had a more difficult path, weathering injuries that saw them drop 5 regular season games only to get healthy and go on an impressive playoff run. They can thank the expanded playoff format for that opportunity. Also for the third year in a row, they beat a favored Moeller in the semi's.  Coach Douglass nearly screwed the pooch by not running out the clock on his team's last possession in regular time. Luckily his defense bailed him out in OT with a 4th and goal stand. Moeller lost all-star RB Jordan Marshall to injury again, otherwise you have to imagine he is able to get them across the goal line. Ed's had a bit of an odd game against Hilliard Bradley, dominating yards and time of possession but "only" winning 26-3.  Far too many penalties that killed big gains and poor redzone execution are largely to blame for that. HB was without Mr. Football candidate Brayden Fleharty ay QB, otherwise the game could have been far more interesting.  Likewise, the Eagles were without two of their biggest offensive and defensive playmakers in Kyan Mason and Loghan Thomas. Those two are also questionable heading into this weekend. 

In terms of the matchup this week, it's no secret what St. Edward will look to do. Impose their will up front, pound the football, and eat up the clock. Sophomore RB Brandon White has been on a tear in the playoffs, running for over 200 yards on three occasions. Senior QB Casey Bullock returned to action a few weeks back and will look to be the only St. Edward signal caller to win multiple titles. It looked like he was getting his legs back under him with a few nice first down runs against Bradley, and his mobility will be crucial for Ed's to effectively operate their read-option. The approach to the passing game lately has been "all or nothing," taking the occasional deep shots with little in the way of short to intermediate throws. Bullock's accuracy is hit or miss with these.  That approach will be challenging against a talented Springfield secondary featuring the top cover corner in the state, Buckeye commit Aaron Scott. We'll see if Lombardo has any wrinkles for the offense this time around or sticks with his bread and butter. For Springfield's offense, they have a lot of big play capabilities with RB Jayvin Norman and WR Daylen Bradley.  The QB Upshaw is a pocket guy, but they will also put the electric Scott behind center to run wildcat looks.  You have to defend the entire field when playing these guys. Ed's defense has been lights out all post-season, but this will be the biggest challenge in terms of limiting the big plays. They can likely get by without Mason on offense, but there's a big drop-off in pass rush and edge setting with Thomas out of the lineup. It was the edge duo of Kilbane and Gedeon that wreaked havoc on Springfield last year, so DC Pete Pappas may need to use his LB's to blitz more often than he'd like if Thomas can't go. 

DII: Massillon (15-0) v. Archbishop Hoban (13-1): 

These two teams have been on a collision course the entire year. They've played one common opponent (St. Edward), with Massillon prevailing 15-13 and Hoban losing 14-7. At full strength, those three teams are coin flips for tops in the state and all do it with stifling defense.  Hoban is coming off a thrilling and hard fought victory against Avon, another great DII team that put up an incredible effort despite not having their star QB. Massillon has pretty much running-clocked every opponent since their week 7 victory over St. John's (DC).  The biggest difference for the Tigers this year has been the dynamic play of dual-threat QB DaOne Owens. Ed's had no answer for his running abilities, and Hoban has struggled in recent years defending running QB's as well.  Keeping Owens contained must be priority number one for the Knights. Points will be coming at a premium this game, and if Owens gets cooking, Hoban could be in trouble. Also, Massillon finally has explosive RB Mylen Lenix back in the lineup after missing most of the season with injury. The Tigers have playmakers everywhere that can make you pay.

All that being said, Hoban has had Massillon's number in recent years, beating them soundly in 2022 and 2020. In those games, Hoban won the turnover battle and capitalized on Massillon's mistakes. This is as loaded a Hoban defense as they've had, especially at the LB positions. If any team can put the clamps on Owens, this would be the one. The question for the Knights will be if they can generate enough offense against a very stout Massillon defense. The Tigers have been nothing short of dominant on that side of the ball, and that has continued despite losing star LB Dorian Pringle to a injury a few weeks ago. I don't know if he is able to go this week, but that could be a difference maker as well. The Hoban offense will want to pound the rock using a multitude of different style running backs, but must challenge Massillon through the air to keep them honest. If there is any weakness in Massillon's defense, it would be their secondary. 

DIII: Toledo Central Catholic (15-0) v. Bishop Watterson (14-1):

TCC is a clear favorite in this game and, while Watterson had a nice season, I'd be shocked if they were able to keep this close. They do have once common opponent in Chardon. Watterson beat them 14-10 in a close week 5 battle while TCC beat them last week 35-7. Chardon had been playing very well coming into that game, but TCC was just far more talented to overcome the gap. I see a similar fate for Watterson as TCC looks to claim their 5th title. 

DIV: Glenville (12-3) v. Kettering Archbishop Alter (12-3): 

Like TCC, the gap in talent that Glenville has over it's DIV opponents should be too much to overcome. However, Alter is a program with championship pedigree and has been playing very good defense throughout the playoffs. If they can limit the big plays and keep it close heading into the fourth quarter, then they may have a puncher's chance. For Glenville, they just have to avoid the costly penalties and mental errors that have often plagued their program.  Play up to their talent level and ride the workhorse back Jones to back-to-back championships. 

 

[Omaha Vol]

Always love your breakdowns!

 

[Atticus Finch]

I might actually have to watch the DII game just so I can confirm that it doesn't have two teams in the top 0.2% of the country like Omaha Vol claims.

[Omaha Vol]

3 minutes ago, Atticus Finch said:

I might actually have to watch the DII game just so I can confirm that it doesn't have two teams in the top 0.2% of the country like Omaha Vol claims.

I, along with everyone else on here, are anxiously waiting to see who you think belongs in the top .2% of teams.

 

[reggid]

BTW, OHSAA and the Hall of Fame just announced a 3-year extension on their deal, which will keep the title games at Tom Benson Stadium through at least 2026.  Smart move,  

[reggid]

The Massillon - Hoban game should be epic.  Old and new powers meeting for a title.  Should be a tight game.  Maybe too close to call.

For St. Eds, as it has the past two years against Springfield, the difference should be in the trenches.  Springfield is clearly talented, and has been finding ways to win against some really good teams since they have been healthy, but St. Eds O-line and D-line are a different animal.  If Eds can control the line and pound the run at Springfield with success, then I don’t see them losing.  If Bullock is healthy, or at least healthy enough, then his RPO game makes them almost unstoppable when the line is opening holes for the running game.

Cold, wet weather could be a factor, but that might further favor St. Eds and its ability to pound the ball on the ground.

I don’t see a blowout, but as long as they don’t turn the ball over, I think Eds will control the ball and the clock and ground out TD drives to win by a couple scores.  It has worked the past couple years, and I don’t see Springfield being able to stop it now.

[Las Vegas_JC]

On 11/27/2023 at 8:31 AM, OdbCle said:

The Ohio state championships will commence this week, with a highly anticipated DII final kicking things off on Thursday. Divisions VI, III and I will take place on Friday (in that order), with VII, V and IV wrapping up the weekend on Saturday. I won't get into much detail on the lower divisions (primarily because I don't really know shit about most of those teams 😂), but it is worth noting that small-school powerhouses Marion Local (DVII) and Kirtland (DVI) are going for their 14th and 7th state championships respectively. I'd confidently put those two teams against any similarly-sized rural schools in the country.  Excellent programs.  Now onto the big boys.

D1: St. Edward (14-1) v. Springfield (10-5):

My pre-season top two found a way to meet in the finals for the third year in a row. Ed's was certainly expected with the bevy of talent that they returned, combined with a down R1. Springfield had a more difficult path, weathering injuries that saw them drop 5 regular season games only to get healthy and go on an impressive playoff run. They can thank the expanded playoff format for that opportunity. Also for the third year in a row, they beat a favored Moeller in the semi's.  Coach Douglass nearly screwed the pooch by not running out the clock on his team's last possession in regular time. Luckily his defense bailed him out in OT with a 4th and goal stand. Moeller lost all-star RB Jordan Marshall to injury again, otherwise you have to imagine he is able to get them across the goal line. Ed's had a bit of an odd game against Hilliard Bradley, dominating yards and time of possession but "only" winning 26-3.  Far too many penalties that killed big gains and poor redzone execution are largely to blame for that. HB was without Mr. Football candidate Brayden Fleharty ay QB, otherwise the game could have been far more interesting.  Likewise, the Eagles were without two of their biggest offensive and defensive playmakers in Kyan Mason and Loghan Thomas. Those two are also questionable heading into this weekend. 

In terms of the matchup this week, it's no secret what St. Edward will look to do. Impose their will up front, pound the football, and eat up the clock. Sophomore RB Brandon White has been on a tear in the playoffs, running for over 200 yards on three occasions. Senior QB Casey Bullock returned to action a few weeks back and will look to be the only St. Edward signal caller to win multiple titles. It looked like he was getting his legs back under him with a few nice first down runs against Bradley, and his mobility will be crucial for Ed's to effectively operate their read-option. The approach to the passing game lately has been "all or nothing," taking the occasional deep shots with little in the way of short to intermediate throws. Bullock's accuracy is hit or miss with these.  That approach will be challenging against a talented Springfield secondary featuring the top cover corner in the state, Buckeye commit Aaron Scott. We'll see if Lombardo has any wrinkles for the offense this time around or sticks with his bread and butter. For Springfield's offense, they have a lot of big play capabilities with RB Jayvin Norman and WR Daylen Bradley.  The QB Upshaw is a pocket guy, but they will also put the electric Scott behind center to run wildcat looks.  You have to defend the entire field when playing these guys. Ed's defense has been lights out all post-season, but this will be the biggest challenge in terms of limiting the big plays. They can likely get by without Mason on offense, but there's a big drop-off in pass rush and edge setting with Thomas out of the lineup. It was the edge duo of Kilbane and Gedeon that wreaked havoc on Springfield last year, so DC Pete Pappas may need to use his LB's to blitz more often than he'd like if Thomas can't go. 

DII: Massillon (15-0) v. Archbishop Hoban (13-1): 

These two teams have been on a collision course the entire year. They've played one common opponent (St. Edward), with Massillon prevailing 15-13 and Hoban losing 14-7. At full strength, those three teams are coin flips for tops in the state and all do it with stifling defense.  Hoban is coming off a thrilling and hard fought victory against Avon, another great DII team that put up an incredible effort despite not having their star QB. Massillon has pretty much running-clocked every opponent since their week 7 victory over St. John's (DC).  The biggest difference for the Tigers this year has been the dynamic play of dual-threat QB DaOne Owens. Ed's had no answer for his running abilities, and Hoban has struggled in recent years defending running QB's as well.  Keeping Owens contained must be priority number one for the Knights. Points will be coming at a premium this game, and if Owens gets cooking, Hoban could be in trouble. Also, Massillon finally has explosive RB Mylen Lenix back in the lineup after missing most of the season with injury. The Tigers have playmakers everywhere that can make you pay.

All that being said, Hoban has had Massillon's number in recent years, beating them soundly in 2022 and 2020. In those games, Hoban won the turnover battle and capitalized on Massillon's mistakes. This is as loaded a Hoban defense as they've had, especially at the LB positions. If any team can put the clamps on Owens, this would be the one. The question for the Knights will be if they can generate enough offense against a very stout Massillon defense. The Tigers have been nothing short of dominant on that side of the ball, and that has continued despite losing star LB Dorian Pringle to a injury a few weeks ago. I don't know if he is able to go this week, but that could be a difference maker as well. The Hoban offense will want to pound the rock using a multitude of different style running backs, but must challenge Massillon through the air to keep them honest. If there is any weakness in Massillon's defense, it would be their secondary. 

DIII: Toledo Central Catholic (15-0) v. Bishop Watterson (14-1):

TCC is a clear favorite in this game and, while Watterson had a nice season, I'd be shocked if they were able to keep this close. They do have once common opponent in Chardon. Watterson beat them 14-10 in a close week 5 battle while TCC beat them last week 35-7. Chardon had been playing very well coming into that game, but TCC was just far more talented to overcome the gap. I see a similar fate for Watterson as TCC looks to claim their 5th title. 

DIV: Glenville (12-3) v. Kettering Archbishop Alter (12-3): 

Like TCC, the gap in talent that Glenville has over it's DIV opponents should be too much to overcome. However, Alter is a program with championship pedigree and has been playing very good defense throughout the playoffs. If they can limit the big plays and keep it close heading into the fourth quarter, then they may have a puncher's chance. For Glenville, they just have to avoid the costly penalties and mental errors that have often plagued their program.  Play up to their talent level and ride the workhorse back Jones to back-to-back championships. 

 

Thank you!

Do you have a link for where these games can be watched online? 

[alsime1]

21 minutes ago, Las Vegas_JC said:

Thank you!

Do you have a link for where these games can be watched online? 

https://www.ohsaa.org/Sports-Tournaments/Football/Football-2023/2023-OHSAA-Football-on-Spectrum-News-1

[reggid]

Forecast for Canton tomorrow is cold and rainy all morning but likely stopping by early afternoon.  Slight chance of rain in the evening.  Temps rising slightly in the afternoon and evening from high 30s at mid-day into the mid or upper 40s by evening kickoff.  So for now at least, unless the rain returns, weather may not be huge factor tomorrow night.

[hardhit1]

42 minutes ago, reggid said:

Forecast for Canton tomorrow is cold and rainy all morning but likely stopping by early afternoon.  Slight chance of rain in the evening.  Temps rising slightly in the afternoon and evening from high 30s at mid-day into the mid or upper 40s by evening kickoff.  So for now at least, unless the rain returns, weather may not be huge factor tomorrow night.

I remember 2010 sitting through the snow squalls.

Looking forward to tonight’s game also. 

[reggid]

2 hours ago, hardhit1 said:

I remember 2010 sitting through the snow squalls.

Looking forward to tonight’s game also. 

That snow game was awesome!  Watching Kevin Burke out-duel Braxton Miller in the snow was great. Burke was unreal in that game and that whole year, and went on to have a great career at Mount Union — in fact, he’s the all-time Div. III leader in total yards and total TDs.   Miller, of course, went on to star at Ohio State, but Burke totally outplayed him that night.  He made a ton of tough throws, and some of his zig-zagging runs in the snow were crazy.   I still check out the highlights of that game on YouTube every now and then just to remember the fun.  I remember a lot of old timers literally crying tears of joy after waiting so many years for the first title in football.  Good times.  LOL.

[hardhit1]

7 minutes ago, reggid said:

That snow game was awesome!  Watching Kevin Burke out-duel Braxton Miller in the snow was great. Burke was unreal in that game and that whole year, and went on to have a great career at Mount Union — in fact, he’s the all-time Div. III leader in total yards and total TDs.   Miller, of course, went on to star at Ohio State, but Burke totally outplayed him that night.  He made a ton of tough throws, and some of his zig-zagging runs in the snow were crazy.   I still check out the highlights of that game on YouTube every now and then just to remember the fun.  I remember a lot of old timers literally crying tears of joy after waiting so many years for the first title in football.  Good times.  LOL.

Yeah, Burke outplayed Miller with heart. 
He was totally determined to carry the team on his shoulders as the leader although it was a total team effort.

Great game, took me forever to drive home. Snow plowers must have been at the game 😂

[reggid]

22 minutes ago, hardhit1 said:

Yeah, Burke outplayed Miller with heart. 
He was totally determined to carry the team on his shoulders as the leader although it was a total team effort.

Great game, took me forever to drive home. Snow plowers must have been at the game 😂

After all the years of waiting and coming close a few times, it’s hard to believe they’re playing for their 7th title in 14 seasons tomorrow.  It’s also hard to believe that game was 13 years ago!

[hardhit1]

4 minutes ago, reggid said:

After all the years of waiting and coming close a few times, it’s hard to believe they’re playing for their 7th title in 14 seasons tomorrow.  It’s also hard to believe that game was 13 years ago!

When I run into other teams parents they say Lombo is by far the best HC in the state and maybe the country 

[reggid]

Hoban and Massillon about to kickoff for the Div. II title.

[Nolebull813]

Has Massillon won a title since the playoff system was adopted? 

[hardhit1]

3 minutes ago, Nolebull813 said:

Has Massillon won a title since the playoff system was adopted? 

No, 24 paper zero on the field 

[reggid]

Hoban takes the opening kickoff and drives into the red zone, but fumbles on a 3rd and 1.

Massillon takes over at their own 19.

[hardhit1]

D’ Owen’s special 

[reggid]

Now Massillon has driven into the red zone, but then they, too, stall and get stopped on 4th down. 

Hoban gets the ball back at their own 22.

[hardhit1]

They predicted a D game

but there will be some explosions 

[reggid]

Fast-moving game.  End of 1Q.  0-0.  Hoban punting.

[hardhit1]

Mass might need to bring in back up QB Slaughter for change of pace next series . He can sling it 

[reggid]

Mass gets stuffed — 3 and out.  Punting right back to Hoban.

[reggid]

Hoban gets decent field position, but goes 3 and out itself.  Punting again — and it’s blocked!  Mass takes over in the red zone!