A statewide media panel has at it...who we think wins in the Ohio high school football state finals.
Top 25 high school football rankings A look at this week's Xcellent 25 high school football rankings presented by the Army National Guard.
Who wins in Week 15? Man versus machine concludes. For the past nine years I've picked Ohio high school postseason games against
Drew Pasteur's Fantastic 50 formula. And I've done well. For the fourth year in a row,
Ned Freeman's CalPreps picks figured into the mix too. Now for the third year in a row we're adding even more flavor come the state finals. This week we extended an invite to several Ohio prep experts/personalities and solicited their picks for the state championships. Glad they
obliged. The insight is appreciated.
As for last week? I won. Finally. I picked 10 of 14 state semifinal winners, while Ned Freeman and Drew Pasteur's formulas picked eight games correctly.
Below is a comprehensive look at who the panle thinks wins this year's state finals.
Pickerington Central and senior quarterback Demeatric Crenshaw are looking to claim a second Division I state title in three years.
Photo by Jeff Harwell
* OHSAA Football Statewide StatsEric Frantz, MaxPreps Senior Writer, @EFrantzMPBefore the season started I ranked Pickerington Central among the
top three teams in the Great Lakes region. After the Tigers Week 4 gut-punch from
Groveport-Madison, that didn’t look like a wise call. Now it does again. Senior quarterback and first team All-Ohioan
Demeatric Crenshaw looks to cap a storybook career on the same canvas where it took off two years ago (record six touchdowns in a 2017 state final win over
Mentor). Elder counters with a first team All-Ohio single caller of its own in
Matthew Luebbe. The
Ohio big boy final is always one of the country’s top games and this year is no different as
two nationally ranked teams square off again. Buckle up.
Pickerington Central 28, Elder 24.
CalPrepsElder 34-27
Fantastic50.comElder by 2
Mark Porter, ScoutingOhio.com, @Mark_PorterElderScott Hennen, Sports Writer, ThisWeek Newspapers, @ThisWeekHennenPickerington CentralLee Cochran, Managing Editor, ThisWeek Newspapers, @TWLeeCochranFor years, this game would have been a state semifinal. There’s something different about the Tigers once they hit the playoffs. Maybe it’s the regular-season loss to Groveport; maybe it’s the 17 postseason games the senior class already has experienced. I don’t think Demeatric Crenshaw will rush for six touchdowns like he did in the 2017 final against Mentor, but
Pickerington Central will earn its second state championship. Let’s say 27-17.
Steve Helwagen, Senior Writer, 247Sports.com, @SteveHelwagenMust admit, I am biased. I went to high school with Pickerington Central coach Jay Sharrett at Circleville (much longer ago than either of us would care to admit). But I also did various articles covering Elder over the years with their coach Doug Ramsey and respect what he has done, too. It’s been a few years since Elder won its back-to-back state titles in 2002-03. Pick Central won it in 2017 with then-sophomore QB Demeatric Crenshaw. He is back for another crack at the championship. That experience could be big here. Give me
Pickerington Central 31-24.
Seth Staskey, Sports Editor, The Times Leader, @TLSportsSethPickerington Central has firmly established itself as one of the true giants in Ohio prep football. After seemingly having to deal with southwest Ohio yearly in the semifinal round, the Tigers took a slightly different path to Canton, having played there last week against Mentor in the semifinals, setting up this week's showdown with Elder. I think this game comes down to whichever team's quarterback plays the best. Elder's Matthew Luebbe was impressive in the semifinal win over Springfield with 114 yards rushing and 221 more through the air. On the other side, Central's Demeatric Crenshaw has been impressive since he burst onto the scene two seasons ago in the state title game. That experience and a whole lot of talent around him like Notre Dame commit
Lorenzo Styles Jr. and Ohio State commit
Ty Hamilton make the Tigers the pick to claim their second title in three years.
Pickerington Central wins 27-20.
Mark Hazelwood, Sports Editor, Norwalk Reflector, @SRNRHazelwoodAs one would expect in the big-school division, there will be no shortage of talent on the field when the Panthers and Tigers meet on Friday, as both sides feature recruits headed to Ohio State, Notre Dame and Louisville of note. This has “best game of the weekend” potential, as Pickerington Central beat a Mentor team I thought was destined for Week 15, and Elder’s path to get here included the usuals such as St. Xavier and Colerain, then Springfield last week. In what feels like a “flip a coin” game,
Pickerington Central 31, Elder 27.
Steve Blackledge, Writer, Columbus Dispatch, @BlackiePrepsThis appears to be an evenly matched big school title game. Both teams have played formidable competition to get here. Pickerington Central's seniors are playing in their fourth final four in a row and that big-game experience and confidence might provide the edge needed.
Pickerington Central 31, Cincinnati Elder 28.
Tim Rogers, Writer, GateHouse Media Ohio, @TimRogersCLEDespite Elder’s talent up front any team that beats Mentor and any team that has Demeatric Crenshaw at quarterback gets my attention and my vote. Two terrific coaches whose teams are always well prepared and come to the big dance wearing tuxedoes.
Pickerington Central wins.
John Kampf, Writer, The News-Herald and Lorain Morning Journal, @JKampf_NHThe ultimate unequalizer is Pick Central QB Demeatric Crenshaw. He's experienced in this big-game setting, physical enough to rarely go down on first contact, and makes plays in the crunch. If Elder can get Central in third-and-long situations all night, then that's their chance - but that's easier said than done.
Pickerington Central is my pick.
Gary Housteau, Photographer/Writer, 247Sports.com, @garyhouse2I'll go with the team in purple to win this one. The purple Tigers of
Pickerington Central. Staying with the Tiger/Tyger theme.
Kurt Stubbs, Contributor, MaxPreps, @ohiohshoopsPickerington Central will meet Cincinnati Elder for the big school championship. Pick Central is looking for its second title in three years. Senior quarterback Demeatric Crenshaw, as a sophomore, set a state finals record (in 2017) with six rushing touchdowns and is back to lead the Tigers. Crenshaw owns a 38-5 record in his three years as the starting QB for Jay Sharrett's club. The Tigers avenged their only loss of the year defeating Groveport-Madison in a regional final before knocking off previously unbeaten and No.1 ranked Mentor a week ago. Elder plays in the always tough Greater Catholic League South, which has two teams playing in finals this weekend (La Salle in D-II). Elder, which navigated a difficult path to Canton (
St. Xavier, last year's state runner-up
Colerain and
Springfield), counters with a very good signal caller of its own in Matthew Luebbe who has 2,000-plus yards passing and more than a 1,000 on the ground. This should be a great game, but championships are won by being able to run the football and stop the run in early December, and
Pickerington Central does both of those things quite well. I will take the Tigers to triumph 31-21.
Eric Frantz, MaxPreps Senior Writer, @EFrantzMPMassillon head coach Nate Moore led La Salle to its first state title in 2014 and now has a chance to lead the Tigers to their first OHSAA title against those same Lancers. Hollywood sends its approval. Led by an explosive offense that features weapons at every position, Massillon seems prime to secure the storied program’s 25th state championship and first since 1972 (when the OHSAA implemented bracketed finals). Don’t expect La Salle to share that sentiment. The Lancers have been lurking in the shadows this season as the Massillon-
Archbishop Hoban (Akron) rematch demanded attention. With that wrapped – Massillon beat Hoban 17-14 in a regional final – some consider Thursday’s state final a coronation for the Tigers. Not me. They’ll have to earn it. La Salle is looking for its fourth title since 2014 and will push Massillon to the brink. The Tigers, however, appear to have the needed moxie this season.
Massillon 35, La Salle 31.
CalPrepsMassillon 27-21
Fantastic50.comMassillon by 5
Mark Porter, ScoutingOhio.com, @Mark_PorterMassillon
Scott Hennen, Sports Writer, ThisWeek Newspapers, @ThisWeekHennenLa SalleLee Cochran, Managing Editor, ThisWeek Newspapers, @TWLeeCochranThis was the most difficult game for me to pick. Look at Massillon and you see an offense, led by quarterback
Aidan Longwell, averaging 40 points a game. Then you glance at the defense, which hasn’t allowed a second-half point in four playoff games. Now, there’s La Salle, which has reached the final four of the last six seasons. The Lancers also handled Toledo Central Catholic, which was my pick to win the title. My friend, Les, a Canton McKinley graduate, won’t be happy with this, but
Massillon wins 24-21.
Steve Helwagen, Senior Writer, 247Sports.com, @SteveHelwagenLaSalle is back in the state championship game, which it won for three straight years (2014-16). LaSalle took a win over D-I finalist Cincinnati Elder in Week 10, which is a huge feather in the Lancers’ cap. Massillon carries the weight of a tradition rich program that has never won a playoff championship. That’s a lot of pressure. But the Tigers are also 14-0 for a good reason. I think they finally get it done.
Massillon 27-20.
Seth Staskey, Sports Editor, The Times Leader, @TLSportsSethMany, including myself, believe the Division II state title game was actually staged two weeks ago in the Region 5 championship game when Massillon outlasted Akron Hoban. However, Cincinnati LaSalle is battle tested and that's clearly evident by the fact that it defeated Division I state finalist, Elder, in the regular-season finale. The Lancers, who won three consecutive state titles from 2014-16, are led by 14 seniors. The Tigers' lack of an on-field state championship is well-documented and add in the fact that their current coach Nate Moore led LaSalle to its first title in '14. The Tigers, who have been state runner-up four times on the field, have simply too much firepower, including quarterback Aidan Longwell and Ohio State commit
Jayden Ballard.
Massillon wins 35-20.
Mark Hazelwood, Sports Editor, Norwalk Reflector, @SRNRHazelwoodIs this finally the year? It’s been hard to ignore the results of the Tigers one year after they gave powerhouse Akron Hoban a run in last year’s championship game. After the Tigers edged out Hoban two weeks ago for the regional title, they responded by blasting a very good Avon team and program in convincing fashion. While the recent championship pedigree of LaSalle is hard to ignore with a fairly recent three-peat, I indeed think this is the year, though it may not be easy. The Tigers are beloved in my neck of the woods from afar, as coaching legend Paul Brown was born in Norwalk before his move to Massillon, and Norwalk St. Paul’s lone state title was won on the turf at Paul Brown Tiger Stadium.
Massillon 28, LaSalle 17.
Steve Blackledge, Writer, Columbus Dispatch, @BlackiePrepsDon't ever use the word "mythical" around a Massillon fan. Despite their storied history, the Tigers still haven't won an OHSAA state championship. This represents their best chance ever. LaSalle owns a 21-5 playoff record. Cincinnati
LaSalle 20, Massillon Washington 17.
Tim Rogers, Writer, GateHouse Media Ohio, @TimRogersCLETrivia question: Has it ever happened that a coach has won a state championship by beating one of his previous employers? Nate Moore’s success at LaSalle (winning a state title in 2014) no doubt paved the way to his hiring at Massillon. Despite LaSalle having beaten four playoff qualifiers during the regular season this will be the year the Tigers win a title on the field, rather than in the polls. I take exception to people diminishing Massillon’s state title boasts. It’s not the program’s fault that poll titles were all that were available before 1972. Aidan Longwell is a gamer at quarterback and he is surrounded by several outstanding weapons.
Massillon wins.
John Kampf, Writer, The News-Herald and Lorain Morning Journal, @JKampf_NHMassillon gets to play a virtual home game, which is a plus. Also getting denied last year will add fuel to the fire. When all else is equal, such intangibles can come into play.
Massillon in a close one.
Gary Housteau, Photographer/Writer, 247Sports.com, @garyhouse2The beat goes on for
Massillon Washington. The Tigers are a team of destiny this season and get first non-paper title in school history.
Kurt Stubbs, Contributor, MaxPreps, @ohiohshoopsThis should be a highly entertaining contest to open the weekend's event. Massillon is looking for its first state championship on the field and will have to defeat head coach Nate Moore's former team (Cincinnati LaSalle) to do so. Moore won a state championship with LaSalle back in 2014, which was the first of three-straight for the Lancers. Moore left after the 2014 season for Massillon, and will now face his former college teammate at Dayton – Pat McGlaughlin, who now leads the reigning GCL South Champions. Massillon has been mission-minded in 2019 following a loss in last year's title game to Akron Hoban. The Tigers avenged that loss two weeks ago in the regional final. LaSalle had little trouble getting out of the region defeating its opponents 122-15. Last week, the Lancers knocked off previously unbeaten Toledo Central Catholic advancing to Thursday night's showdown. This game is almost too hard to call. I think Massillon has the edge after tasting defeat in last year's title game in addition to the overflow crowd that will be there to back the Tigers. I will go with
Massillon 28-24.
Division III State Championship: Mansfield Senior - 13-1 vs. Trotwood-Madison - 11-3; Friday, Dec. 6, 3:00 PM* OHSAA Football Statewide Stats
Eric Frantz, MaxPreps Senior Writer, @EFrantzMPI watched a young Trotwood-Madison team get manhandled by
Winton Woods (Cincinnati) in Week 1. Turns out Winton Woods was pretty good. So is Trotwood. The Rams are playing in their seventh state final since 2010 and are looking for a third title to go along with 2011 D-II and 2017 D-III championships. Spending this season in the GWOC playing eight Division I schools (including Springfield, Springboro, Centerville, Wayne and Northmont) has benefited the Rams who will become an independent next season. Mansfield Senior is led by Mr. Football runner-up and Michigan State recruit
Angelo Grose (whose also the son of my former teammate at Ashland University - Ali Grose). The Tygers have survived overtime games the last two weeks to earn their first state finals appearance. Keep an eye on Trotwood freshman back
Hezekiah Hudson-Davis. He’s a difference maker. The Rams will flex enough defensive muscle to become just the fourth seventh seed (in any division) to win a state title.
Trotwood-Madison 28, Mansfield Senior 14.
CalPrepsTrotwood-Madison 26-19
Fantastic50.comTrotwood-Madison by 5
Mark Porter, ScoutingOhio.com, @Mark_PorterTrotwood-MadisonScott Hennen, Sports Writer, ThisWeek Newspapers, @ThisWeekHennenTrotwood-MadisonLee Cochran, Managing Editor, ThisWeek Newspapers, @TWLeeCochranThe Rams surprised me by beating Hartley in a state semifinal, but I think
Mansfield Senior might have surprised everyone this season. Expected to be good, the Tygers, led by a defense that is allowing 9.8 points a game, are in a state final for the first time and win by a score of 17-7.
Steve Helwagen, Senior Writer, 247Sports.com, @SteveHelwagenHard to believe, but Mansfield Senior makes its first-ever state championship game appearance. These are big times for the Tygers. Trotwood-Madison won state titles previously in 2011 and ’17. Mansfield has survived through overtime wins each of the last two weeks. Trotwood was a surprise to get this far with three regular season losses, although all three were to larger schools. Tough one … give me
Trotwood-Madison 27-26.
Seth Staskey, Sports Editor, The Times Leader, @TLSportsSethOne of the more under-the-radar matchups of the weekend. Trotwood Madison found itself on the bubble after dropping two straight to close the regular season. The Rams qualified as the seventh seed and rolled through the regional. That's what happens when a Division III team is battled tested eight times against Division I opponents during the course of the regular season. The Rams had to hold off a furious charge from Bishop Hartley in last weekend's semifinal to earn the date with Mansfield Senior. Speaking of battle tested and having to earn their way, the Tygers have played overtime games the last two weeks in the tournament, including last weekend's double-OT survival against Aurora. One of the premier matchups of the weekend could be the one-on-one battle between Mansfield Senior defensive back Angelo Grose, who is committed to Michigan State, and Trotwood's Sammy Anderson, who is bound for Cincinnati. Both had huge games in the semifinal.
Trotwood-Madison wins 27-21.
Mark Hazelwood, Sports Editor, Norwalk Reflector, @SRNRHazelwoodI saw first-hand in the season opener what the Mansfield Senior defense is capable of, led by all-everything Mr. Football finalist and Michigan State recruit Angelo Grose. The Tygers got the size and athleticism to cause havoc on defense, and have held nearly all their opponents under 10 points this season. Even their lone loss they allowed just 18 points to a Div. II playoff team. But Trotwood is Trotwood, a program that has been to eight state semifinals and seven state title games in the last 10 years. An equally impressive Rams defense will be the difference here, as the Rams win state titles in basketball and football within nine months of each other.
Trotwood-Madison 28, Mansfield Senior 14.
Steve Blackledge, Writer, Columbus Dispatch, @BlackiePrepsTrotwood-Madison owns a 41-12 playoff record and Mansfield is 6-8, with four of the wins coming on this unlikely run. Trotwood has superior athletes, but it suffered a few significant injuries during its semifinal win over Hartley.
Trotwood-Madison 24, Mansfield Senior 13.
Tim Rogers, Writer, GateHouse Media Ohio, @TimRogersCLEYou have to respect the coaching job that former OSU star Jeff Graham has done since replacing Maurice Douglass at Trotwood. You also have to respect the success Mansfield has had thus far, beating an outstanding and well-coached Aurora team. Mansfield and Trotwood might be the two most athletic squads in the tournament. And, I have to pick the team that eliminated the team my grandson played for.
Mansfield Senior wins.
John Kampf, Writer, The News-Herald and Lorain Morning Journal, @JKampf_NHAngelo Grose (Mansfield-Senior) is probably the best player on the field, but Trotwood-Madison has the best wealth of talent. That schedule was a bear.
Trotwood-Madison by 10.
Gary Housteau, Photographer/Writer, 247Sports.com, @garyhouse2I’m taking the Jamario O'Neal T-Y-G-E-R-S of
Mansfield Senior High! Before he played for Glenville, O'Neal was a Tyger!
Kurt Stubbs, Contributor, MaxPreps, @ohiohshoopsThis matchup will feature a team that is no stranger to the first weekend in December against a team, Mansfield Senior, who is making its first state finals appearance. The Trotwood-Madison Rams are playing in their eighth state championship game and seventh since 2010. The Rams will be looking for their third state title. The 'Wood' finished the year at (7-3) and seventh in the region, but found a way to arrive in Canton thanks to a daunting schedule. Trotwood nearly let a 24-point lead slip away last week against Bishop Hartley, but held on for the victory. The Tygers were able to outlast previously unbeaten Aurora in overtime in a game that was played in the Greenmen's backyard in Macedonia. Mansfield is certainly a great story, but I think the big game experience and the totality of the Rams schedule will be the difference in this one. Give me
Trotwood-Madison by the count of 35-14.
Massillon Washington is looking to win the program's 25th state title and first since the playoff system was implemented in 1972.
Photo by Jeff Harwell
Eric Frantz, MaxPreps Senior Writer, @EFrantzMPCan Clyde become the second eighth seed in state history to win a state title?
Keystone (La Grange),
Shelby,
Ottawa-Glandorf and defending champion
Wyoming (Cincinnati) are among the believers. Count me in as well. The Flyers are seasoned, having competed against playoff teams since Week 7. Despite opening the eight-game stretch 0-3, the Fliers are 5-0 since. I was introduced to head coach Randy Baughman and Licking Valley football in 2000 during my stint at the Lancaster Eagle-Gazette. Been a big believer in both ever since. Big believer in Clyde’s postseason run, though, as well. The Fliers join
St. Henry (2004) as the only eight seeds to end up on top.
Clyde 30, Licking Valley 21.
CalPrepsLicking Valley 31-24
Fantastic50.comLicking Valley by 11
Scott Hennen, Sports Writer, ThisWeek Newspapers, @ThisWeekHennenLicking ValleyLee Cochran, Managing Editor, ThisWeek Newspapers, @TWLeeCochranIt seems so logical to pick the Panthers, who were seeded first in Region 15 while Clyde was eighth in Region 14. The Fliers are intriguing because of their playoff run. They trailed top-seeded Keystone 14-0 in the playoff opener before winning 28-20 and last week gave Cincinnati Wyoming its only loss. The Panthers have been in this spot twice before, heading into a state final undefeated and lost both times. This time, left-handed quarterback
Logan Bragg helps Valley complete the task.
Licking Valley 31-17.
Steve Helwagen, Senior Writer, 247Sports.com, @SteveHelwagenLicking Valley is among the winningest programs in playoff history that have never won a state championship. That changes here as legendary coach Randy Baughman brings the hardware back home to Valley. Quarterback Logan Bragg and the Panthers get it done.
Licking Valley 28-19.
Seth Staskey, Sports Editor, The Times Leader, @TLSportsSethNewark Licking Valley was in the state semifinal last season and appeared to be on its way to checking out at that level again this season, but simply wasn't going to be denied. The Panthers rallied to defeat
Poland Seminary (Poland) Seminary and will now tangle with Clyde, which wasn't ranked in the final Associated Press Poll. The Fliers are one of the surprises of the tournament. Clyde entered as an eighth seed and hadn't beaten a team with a winning record until the first-round upset of Keystone. Clyde slayed the dragon last week when it knocked off defending champion and top-ranked Wyoming in the semifinals. Can Clyde find another week's worth of magic? I believe Cinderella's slipper still fits.
Clyde wins 28-27.
Mark Hazelwood, Sports Editor, Norwalk Reflector, @SRNRHazelwoodCindrella has nothing on Clyde, a program I’ve seen play yearly for the last 25 years. After I watched them get stopped on a two-point conversion attempt in overtime of a 41-40 loss vs.
Norwalk in Week 9, the Fliers were 11th in their region. Now, they play for a third state title after slipping in as the No. 8 seed and promptly overcoming two consecutive 14-point deficits in the first two rounds. That being said, Licking Valley has also made the most of its playoff run, as it trailed by two touchdowns midway through the fourth quarter of last week’s thrilling 25-24 win over Poland Seminary. Two playoff regulars for decades, give me the Fliers after their resounding 35-14 win over defending champion and state favorite Wyoming last week.
Clyde 24, Licking Valley 20.
Steve Blackledge, Writer, Columbus Dispatch, @BlackiePrepsEighth-seeded Clyde got into the playoffs by a mere 0.2 points, but shocked everyone with a 35-14 upset of top-ranked, unbeaten and defending champion Wyoming. Solid from top to bottom, Licking Valley has found ways to win close playoff games. This one won't be close, as classy coach Randy Baughman finally gets his first state title.
Licking Valley 30, Clyde 13.
Tim Rogers, Writer, GateHouse Media Ohio, @TimRogersCLEI’ve always been a sucker for the underdog and the Fliers are the Cinderellas of 2019. Unranked in the Associated Press poll, a fourth-place finisher in their conference and an eighth-seed after a win in Week 10 lifted them from 11th in their region to the playoffs, they have put together more comebacks than Michael Jordan or George Foreman. They have defeated the state’s top-ranked team in Wyoming and eighth-ranked Keystone, the top-seeded team in Region 14. My head says Licking Valley but my heart says Clyde. Blame it on the romanticism in me.
Clyde wins.
John Kampf, Writer, The News-Herald and Lorain Morning Journal, @JKampf_NHLicking Valley's defense vs. Clyde's offense. What a story it would be for an eighth-seed (Clyde) to win a state title. But Licking Valley's defensive speed gets the nod here.
Licking Valley by 7.
Gary Housteau, Photographer/Writer, 247Sports.com, @garyhouse2Clyde's eighth-seeded bubble will finally burst. Taking Storm Klein's
Licking Valley Panthers to put an end to Tim Anderson's Clyde Fliers' playoff run!
Kurt Stubbs, Contributor, MaxPreps, @ohiohshoopsThis could be one of the best games of the weekend. Undefeated Licking Valley will meet four-loss Clyde in what should be a hard-hitting contest. Coach Randy Baughman's Panthers are looking for their first state title after having finished runner-up in 2001 and 2007. LV erased a 24-10 4th quarter deficit to defeat Poland Seminary thanks to a gutsy 2-point conversion call. Clyde finished the regular season at just 6-4 and suffered through a three-game losing streak in October. The Fliers four losses were against larger schools that all qualified for the playoffs.. Clyde survived an underrated region before comfortably handling defending state champ and previously unbeaten Wyoming 35-14. This game is really hard to pick, but this Licking Valley team appears to be a squad of destiny. I'm not sure anyone had this penciled in as their D-IV championship. LV was in the state semis last year, but lost a ton to graduation and Clyde came into the dance with four losses. I'm going to take LV in a close contest thanks to its defense giving Coach Baughman a much-deserved state championship. Give me
Licking Valley 21-14.
Division V State Championship: Ironton - 13-1 vs. Kirtland - 14-0; Saturday, Dec. 7, 8:00 PM Eric Frantz, MaxPreps Senior Writer, @EFrantzMPHead coach Tiger LaVerde and the Kirtland community has constructed a football powerhouse. The Hornets are playing in their eighth state final since 2011 and looking for their fifth title and second straight. This after bumping up a division (from VI) and graduating a good chunk from last year’s squad that roughed up a tremendous Marion Local club. Thanks in part to a junior varsity program that plays a schedule of several larger schools, Kirtland finds itself needing new space in its trophy case again. The gold trophy, however, could end up along the river. Ironton boasts one of the country’s top junior prospects in Ohio State recruit and Ohio D-V defensive player of the year
Reid Carrico. A linebacker, Carrico doubles as a 1,000-yard rusher. The Tigers, Ohio royalty when it comes to the postseason (tied for second with Cincinnati Moeller with 35 trips), are looking for their third state title and first since 1989. Ironton was state-runner-up in 1999, which is its last state finals appearance. Years that end in nine – Ironton’s first state title was in 1979 – favor the Tigers. And so do I.
Ironton 24, Kirtland 22.
CalPrepsKirtland 24-17
Fantastic50.comKirtland by 10
Scott Hennen, Sports Writer, ThisWeek Newspapers, @ThisWeekHennenKirtlandMark Porter, ScoutingOhio.com, @Mark_PorterIrontonLee Cochran, Managing Editor, ThisWeek Newspapers, @TWLeeCochranThis is a game showcasing teams backed by impressive statistics. Ironton has outscored opponents by an average of 32 points a game, and Kirtland, which won the Division VI state title a year ago, has won 29 games in a row. The streak ends, and
Ironton captures its first state title since 1989 with a 35-31 victory.
Steve Helwagen, Senior Writer, 247Sports.com, @SteveHelwagenKirtland is going for back-to-back state titles after winning in D-VI last year. This would be Kirtland’s fifth title since 2011. Ironton has two playoff state titles way back in 1979 and ’89. Ironton’s coach is 26-year-old Trevon Pendleton, who played fullback at Michigan State for Mark Dantonio. It would be a great story if he somehow pulled off a state title in his first season as a head coach. Kirtland looks like a monster, but give me Ironton in a good one.
Ironton 36-34.
Seth Staskey, Sports Editor, The Times Leader, @TLSportsSethThis matchup is quite interesting. Ironton – one of Ohio's most storied programs – taking on Kirtland, which has developed into one of the state's premier programs, which is proven by the fact that it's making its eighth appearance in the title game in nine seasons under Tiger LaVerde. Quite simply, this game boils down to whether or not Kirtland's lights-out defense can slow down Ohio State-bound junior Reid Carrico, who has been dominant throughout the Tigers' tournament run. Carrico has rushed for more than 1,500 yards and 25 touchdowns, but it's on defense where he wreaks even more havoc for a unit that allows less than 200 yards a game. Ironton hasn't won a state championship since 1989 and Kirtland will extend the drought, while continuing its string of dominance.
Kirtland wins 23-7.
Mark Hazelwood, Sports Editor, Norwalk Reflector, @SRNRHazelwoodKirtland is the defending state champ (Div. VI) and on another lengthy winning streak (29 games). Ironton returns to the state title game for the first time in 20 years after a heartbreaking loss to Sandusky Perkins in a game that still gets talked about this way in Sandusky Bay Conference circles. The Tigers have outscored teams 548-104 this season, but it’s just too difficult to pick against a Kirtland program, which at one point had five consecutive shutouts and allowed just a single TD through the first seven games. I like the Hornets to win state championship No. 5.
Kirtland 21, Ironton 7.
Steve Blackledge, Writer, Columbus Dispatch, @BlackiePrepsIf you like defense, don't miss this one. Kirtland has allowed 86 points and Ironton 104. Ironton had its way with a high-powered
West Jefferson team in the semifinals. Kirtland is a four-time state champion for a reason, however.
Kirtland 17, Ironton 14.
Tim Rogers, Writer, GateHouse Media Ohio, @TimRogersCLEOnce sat next to Kirtland coach Tiger LaVerde at a banquet and I wanted to go out and play tackle football sans equipment after about 10 minutes. He’s that kind of guy, everything you would want in a high school football coach. These are two powerful teams that have given up points with the ferociousness of a junkyard dog giving up a chicken leg. Kirtland has scored 34 points a game while giving up 13. Ironton has scored 39 points a game while giving up a little more than seven. This could be the best game of the weekend.
Kirtland wins.
John Kampf, Writer, The News-Herald and Lorain Morning Journal, @JKampf_NHIronton will have a huge size advantage over Kirtland, but the Hornets have had that disadvantage all year. Kirtland coach Tiger LaVerde (in 14 years at the helm) is 173-17 overall and 42-8 in playoff games. It's hard to go against that ledger.
Kirtland wins Ring No. 5.
Gary Housteau, Photographer/Writer, 247Sports.com, @garyhouse2In the upset special of the weekend I'm taking the Fighting Tigers of
Ironton over the Hornets of Kirtland. Let someone else win Kirtland!
Kurt Stubbs, Contributor, MaxPreps, @ohiohshoopsThis has the makings of the game of the weekend when storied Ironton makes its return to the state finals for the first time since 1999 and will be looking for its first championship in 30 years meeting dominant Kirtland. The Hornets, under head coach Tiger Laverde, are making their eighth state finals appearance in nine years and will be looking for their fifth championship since 2011. Kirtland lost a ton off last year's D-VI state title team and moved up a division, but championship DNA has helped overcome the odds. The Hornets defense is stingy giving up just 34 totals points in the regular season. After a tough first round game with
Sandy Valley (Magnolia) (38-24), Kirtland's defense returned to form allowing just 28 points over the next three weeks. The Tigers defense is just as daunting allowing no more than 21 points in any one game this season, which was last week against an explosive West Jefferson team, who came into the game averaging 49 points a game. In the regional final, the Tigers gave up just 14 points to previously undefeated
Ridgewood (West Lafayette) who came into the encounter scoring at 48.5 points a night. I'm a huge proponent of big game experience and Kirtland certainly has that, but something is pulling me towards Ironton. This goes against all my protocol for picking games, but I'm taking
Ironton in this one 17-14.
LaSalle (Cincinnati), led by senior running back and Northwestern recruit Cam Porter, is looking to claim its fourth D-II state championship since 2014.
Photo by Andrew Miller
Eric Frantz, MaxPreps Senior Writer, @EFrantzMPFor years Anna seemed primed for a break-through and for years, it just didn’t happen. Playoff trips were common for the Rockets, but postseason wins weren’t. Until now. What a ride. And well deserved. Newbie programs don’t often throw themselves to the wolves, but that’s what Anna did in 2005 when it joined the Midwest Athletic Conference. This – the program’s first trip to the state finals – is the payoff. Springfield is making its first trip to the state finals too and presents a formidable challenge. Sophomore quarterback
Beau Brungard is a star.
Anna 35, Springfield 24.
CalPrepsAnna 40-21
Fantastic50.comAnna by 6
Scott Hennen, Sports Writer, ThisWeek Newspapers, @ThisWeekHennenAnnaMark Porter, ScoutingOhio.com, @Mark_PorterAnnaLee Cochran, Managing Editor, ThisWeek Newspapers, @TWLeeCochranIn a matchup of the top two teams in the final state rankings, neither of whom has won a state title, the difference is
Springfield dual-threat sophomore quarterback Beau Brungard. In a shootout, the Tigers win 38-33.
Steve Helwagen, Senior Writer, 247Sports.com, @SteveHelwagenTough call, but I like the duo of quarterback
Bart Bixler and running back
Riley Huelskamp for Anna. Anna’s one loss was to D-VII finalist Marion Local.
Anna 33-25.
Seth Staskey, Sports Editor, The Times Leader, @TLSportsSethAs it pertains to the smaller divisions, this – on paper – looks like the premier game. Other than a loss to Division VII state finalist Marion Local, Anna – from the powerful MAC – has been dominant this season, including last week's 36-6 romp over
Mechanicsburg. Anna is led by its senior class and tailback Riley Huelskamp and quarterback Bart Bixler have been impressive throughout the season. New Middletown Springfield had its toughest tournament test in a second-round game with
Trimble (Glouster). Sophomore quarterback Beau Brungard has been spectacular during the tournament, including a three-touchdown effort last week against
East Knox (Howard). Springfield's defense will be tested early and often and I just don't think it will be able to hold up enough. The MAC rarely disappoints in these games.
Anna wins 34-13.
Mark Hazelwood, Sports Editor, Norwalk Reflector, @SRNRHazelwoodTwo first-time regional champions square off in this one, but the results for Anna –the AP poll champs – as members of the Midwest Athletic Conference are simply too hard to ignore. Springfield’s surge in football and basketball is duly noted, anchored by a stout defense. However, give me the running game led by Riley Huelskamp, who has helped the Rockets not just beat traditional powers such as
Coldwater,
Minster and
Archbold – but in convincing fashion.
Anna 42, Springfield 20.
Steve Blackledge, Writer, Columbus Dispatch, @BlackiePrepsWe've come to expect a Midwest Athletic Conference team or two to play in the state title game each year, but Anna is the new kid on the block. Anna hasn't had a game within three touchdowns since a 17-14 loss to Maria Stein Marion Local. New Middletown Springfield also is a first-time regional champ. How do you pick against the mighty MAC?
Anna 33, New Middletown Springfield 21.
Tim Rogers, Writer, GateHouse Media Ohio, @TimRogersCLEAs much as Springfield has been impressive in its playoff run it is tough to pick against any team that has won even a share of the rugged Midwest Athletic Conference. I like teams that can run the ball and Anna can do that.
Anna wins.
John Kampf, Writer, The News-Herald and Lorain Morning Journal, @JKampf_NHAnna's only loss is to Division VII state finalist Marion Local - by a mere field goal. The Rockets beat playoff-qualifying
New Bremen and Coldwater by a combined score of 93-8. Playing in the MAC is a season-long test that Springfield didn't have.
Anna by 20.
Gary Housteau, Photographer/Writer, 247Sports.com, @garyhouse2An easy one for me. I'm going with my hometown and the multifaceted offense of the
Springfield Tigers led by sophomore quarterback Beau Brungard. Finesse over power.
Kurt Stubbs, Contributor, MaxPreps, @ohiohshoopsI thought all year this was the Anna Invitational and nothing has changed my mind to this point. The Rockets lone loss in the regular season came to Marion Local (17-14), who is playing for the D-VII State Title. Anna thumped Minster, a team that may have been the second best team in the field, in the first round (47-21). New Middletown Springfield comes into the game undefeated having survived a deep region with the likes of Trimble and Mogadore. Both teams are playing in their first title game. I would be surprised if Springfield has seen anyone as good as
Anna or as explosive on offense. I'm going to take the Rockets in this one 42-14.
Division VII State Championship: Lucas - 12-2 vs. Marion Local (Maria Stein) - 12-2; Saturday, Dec. 7, 10:00 AM Eric Frantz, MaxPreps Senior Writer, @EFrantzMPKudos to head coach Scott Spitler for what he’s been able to do at Lucas in 11 seasons. The Cubs have reached the playoffs six years in a row and have 55 wins over that span. Playing as an independent, Lucas faced a wide array of opponents including D-II
St. Charles (Columbus), which it beat 20-8. Close wins in the playoffs – three by single-digits – shows the Cubs penchant for making plays when it matters. Marion Local has been making plays for decades. Despite several new faces, the Flyers are playing in their ninth straight state final and 14th since 2000. Marion Local is looking for its 11th championship. As a collective, the Midwest Athletic Conference has won 33 state titles in football and 134 in all sports. Expect those numbers to inflate.
Marion Local 24, Lucas 14.
CalPrepsMarion Local 28-8
Fantastic50.comMarion Local by 15
Mark Porter, ScoutingOhio.com, @Mark_PorterMarion Local
Scott Hennen, Sports Writer, ThisWeek Newspapers, @ThisWeekHennenMarion LocalLee Cochran, Managing Editor, ThisWeek Newspapers, @TWLeeCochranThe Flyers have the tradition, winning 10 of their 13 state final appearances. Lucas just won its first regional title, but the regular-season win over Division II St. Charles sticks in my mind. In a year of first-time state champions, I’ll take
Lucas 24-18.
Steve Helwagen, Senior Writer, 247Sports.com, @SteveHelwagenMarion Local is back and looking to tie the state record of 11 state titles set by
St. Ignatius (Cleveland). Marion Local was denied in its bid for the D-VI state title last year. That would have been an eighth straight title. Lucas has certainly overachieved to get this far. But this is Marion Local’s playground.
Marion Local 44-20
Seth Staskey, Sports Editor, The Times Leader, @TLSportsSethRealizing games aren't played on paper, but this one appears to be a total mismatch. That's no disrespect to Lucas, which has been on the cusp of this point for the last handful of seasons, but Marion Local is that good. The Flyers are making their 14th appearance in the title game, which is an OHSAA record (tied with
Newark Catholic). They're quite simply a juggernaut. Lucas had an impressive come-from-behind win over Harvest Prep, but the Cubs won't be able to keep up.
Marion Local wins 42-13.
Mark Hazelwood, Sports Editor, Norwalk Reflector, @SRNRHazelwoodThe proverbial Big Bad Wolf of small-school football in Ohio for the past two decades roughly returns to Div. VII, and have to be an absolute overwhelming favorite in this game. The Flyers dismantled a very good Patrick Henry team that I had seen up close two weeks earlier and felt had the players to compete. Marion Local may have two losses, but they are also the only team to defeat Anna this season. Seeing the Cubs join Mansfield for two Richland County schools in the championships has been a great story, and that program has made tremendous strides … but Marion Local is a 10-time state champion for a reason, as most have been in dominating fashion. The Flyers get No. 11 in the same way:
Marion Local 42, Lucas 7.
Steve Blackledge, Writer, Columbus Dispatch, @BlackiePrepsLucas is a bit of a Cinderella story, having pulled out its share of close wins in the playoffs. Marion Local is Ohio royalty with 10 state titles and unbelievable 80-11 record in the postseason.
Marion Local 31, Lucas 6.
Tim Rogers, Writer, GateHouse Media Ohio, @TimRogersCLESee Division VI and the MAC. Ten state championships happen for a reason.
Marion Local wins.
John Kampf, Writer, The News-Herald and Lorain Morning Journal, @JKampf_NHDivision VI teams threw a parade and Division VII teams sighed when perennial powerhouse Marion Local dropped from Division VI to Division VII this year.
Marion Local by 21.
Gary Housteau, Photographer/Writer, 247Sports.com, @garyhouse2You have to go with
Marion Local whenever they're in it. The odds are in your favor!
Kurt Stubbs, Contributor, MaxPreps, @ohiohshoopsMarion Local, who seems to be a yearly entrant, locks up with Lucas, a team making its first state finals showing. Marion Local is playing in its ninth consecutive state title game. The numbers are absolutely staggering for the small school located in Mercer County. The Flyers are looking for their 11th state title since 2000 after being denied by Kirtland a year ago. The crazy thing is Marion Local lost almost every starter from last year's team and was still able to return to Canton. The Flyers needed overtime to outlast
Fort Loramie, but it's been a pretty clear path since. Lucas, on the other hand, scratched and clawed its way to state final needing overtime to escape
McDonald in the first round, surviving a good
Cuyahoga Heights (Cleveland) team and coming from behind late to knock off
Harvest Prep (Canal Winchester) a week ago. Marion Local usually has its way with first time entrants, and I don't see that changing this weekend. I look for coach Tim Goodwin and
Marion Local to bring home No. 11 by the tune of 35-7.
The Past...
Eric Frantz vs Drew Pasteur vs CalPreps Playoff Picking History
State FinalsEF Picks 2018: 5-2 (71%)
EF Picks 2017: 6-1 (86%)
EF Picks 2016: 3-4 (43%)
EF Picks 2015: 3-4 (43%)
EF Picks 2014: 3-4 (43%)
EF Picks 2013: 4-3 (57%)
EF Picks 2012: 5-1 (83%)
EF Picks 2011: 3-3 (50%)
EF Picks 2010: 4-2 (67%)
DP FAN 50 Picks 2018: 5-2 (71%)
DP FAN 50 Picks 2017: 6-1 (86%)
DP FAN 50 Picks 2016: 5-2 (71%)
DP FAN 50 Picks 2015: 4-3 (57%)
DP FAN 50 Picks 2014: 4-3 (57%)
DP FAN 50 Picks 2013: 3-4 (43%)
DP FAN 50 Picks 2012: 5-1 (83%)
DP FAN 50 Picks 2011: 5-1 (83%)
DP FAN 50 Picks 2010: N/A
CalPreps Picks 2018: 3-4 (43%)
CalPreps Picks 2017: 6-1 (86%)
CalPreps Picks 2016: 4-3 (57%)
State Semifinal HistoryEF Picks 2019: 10-4 (71%)
EF Picks 2018: 12-2 (86%)
EF Picks 2017: 13-1 (93%)
EF Picks 2016: 11-3 (79%)
EF Picks 2015: 11-3 (79%)
EF Picks 2014: 13-1 (93%)
EF Picks 2013: 11-3 (79%)
EF Picks 2012: 7-5 (58%)
EF Picks 2011: 9-3 (75%)
EF Picks 2010: 8-4 (67%)
DP FAN 50 Picks 2019: 8-6 (57%)
DP FAN 50 Picks 2018: 11-3 (79%)
DP FAN 50 Picks 2017: 13-1 (93%)
DP FAN 50 Picks 2016: 9-5 (64%)
DP FAN 50 Picks 2015: 9-5 (64%)
DP FAN 50 Picks 2014: 10-4 (71%)
DP FAN 50 Picks 2013: 9-5 (64%)
DP FAN 50 Picks 2012: 6-6 (50%)
DP FAN 50 Picks 2011: 6-6 (50%)
DP FAN 50 Picks 2010: 7-5 (58%)
CalPreps Picks 2019: 8-6 (57%)
CalPreps Picks 2018: 12-2 (86%)
CalPreps Picks 2017: 11-3 (79%)
CalPreps Picks 2016: 10-4 (71%)
Regional Final History
EF Picks 2019: 21-7 (75%)
EF Picks 2018: 17-11 (61%)
EF Picks 2017: 21-7 (75%)
EF Picks 2016: 23-5 (82%)
EF Picks 2015: 24-4 (86%)
EF Picks 2014: 24-4 (86%)
EF Picks 2013: 24-4 (86%)
EF Picks 2012: 16-8 (67%)
EF Picks 2011: 20-4 (83%)
EF Picks 2010: 17-7 (71%)
DP FAN 50 Picks 2019: 23-5 (82%)
DP FAN 50 Picks 2018: 17-11 (61%)
DP FAN 50 Picks 2017: 21-7 (75%)
DP FAN 50 Picks 2016: 21-7 (75%)
DP FAN 50 Picks 2015: 23-5 (82%)
DP FAN 50 Picks 2014: 22-6 (79%)
DP FAN 50 Picks 2013: 25-3 (89%)
DP FAN 50 Picks 2012: 19-5 (79%)
DP FAN 50 Picks 2011: 18-6 (75%)
DP FAN 50 Picks 2010: 16-8 (67%)
CalPreps Picks 2019: 23-5 (82%)
CalPreps Picks 2018: 17-11 (61%)
CalPreps Picks 2017: 20-8 (71%)
CalPreps Picks 2016: 19-9 (68%)
Regional Semifinal History
EF Picks 2019: 42-14 (75%)
EF Picks 2018: 39-17 (70%)
EF Picks 2017: 46-10 (82%)
EF Picks 2016: 43-13 (77%)
EF Picks 2015: 43-13 (77%)
EF Picks 2014: 44-12 (79%)
EF Picks 2013: 40-16 (71%)
EF Picks 2012: 39-9 (81%)
EF Picks 2011: 31-17 (65%)
EF Picks 2010: 35-13 (73%)
DP FAN 50 Picks 2019: 45-11 (80%)
DP FAN 50 Picks 2018: 42-14 (75%)
DP FAN 50 Picks 2017: 45-11 (80%)
DP FAN 50 Picks 2016: 42-14 (75%)
DP FAN 50 Picks 2015: 45-11 (80%)
DP FAN 50 Picks 2014: 42-14 (75%)
DP FAN 50 Picks 2013: 41-15 (73%)
DP FAN 50 Picks 2012: 39-9 (81%)
DP FAN 50 Picks 2011: 35-13 (73%)
DP FAN 50 Picks 2010: 37-11 (77%)
CalPreps Picks 2019: 47-9 (84%)
CalPreps Picks 2018: 44-12 (79%)
CalPreps Picks 2017: 45-11 (80%)
CalPreps Picks 2016: 43-13 (77%)
Regional Quarterfinal HistoryEF Picks 2019: 92-20 (82%)
EF Picks 2018: 84-28 (75%)
EF Picks 2017: 92-20 (82%)
EF Picks 2016: 87-25 (78%)
EF Picks 2015: 94-18 (84%)
EF Picks 2014: 94-18 (84%)
EF Picks 2013: 93-19 (83%)
EF Picks 2012: 72-24 (75%)
EF Picks 2011: 76-20 (79%)
EF Picks 2010: 72-24 (75%)
DP FAN 50 Picks 2019: 93-19 (83%)
DP FAN 50 Picks 2018: 89-23 (79%)
DP FAN 50 Picks 2017: 91-21 (81%)
DP FAN 50 Picks 2016: 91-21 (81%)
DP FAN 50 Picks 2015: 89-23 (79%)
DP FAN 50 Picks 2014: 94-18 (84%)
DP FAN 50 Picks 2013: 89-23 (79%)
DP FAN 50 Picks 2012: 72-24 (75%)
DP FAN 50 Picks 2011: 82-14 (85%)
DP FAN 50 Picks 2010: 77-19 (80%)
CalPreps Picks 2019: 93-19 (83%)
CalPreps Picks 2018: 86-26 (77%)
CalPreps Picks 2017: 92-20 (82%)
CalPreps Picks 2016: 94-18 (84%)
