COLUMBUS, Ohio – High School Football Playoffs Are Here

With the regular season officially wrapped up, high school football in Ohio now shifts its focus to the playoffs. The Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) has announced the first-round pairings, setting the stage for a thrilling postseason starting this Friday, November 1, at 7 p.m.

For the third year running, the top 16 schools in each region will enter the playoffs, providing a spot for 448 schools to compete in the postseason. Notably, the top eight seeds in each region will host the first-round games, creating an exciting environment for fans and players alike.

Tickets for all playoff games will be available starting on Mondays at www.ohsaa.org/tickets. The second round will take place on November 8, with games hosted by the better-seeded teams. As the tournament progresses, neutral sites will be utilized starting from the third round on November 15, leading up to the regional finals on November 22.

The highly anticipated state semifinals are set for November 29, with the ultimate showdowns—the state championship games—scheduled to take place at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton from December 5-7.

Below are some of the key first-round matchups:

  • Division I Region 1: Cleveland St. Ignatius at Mentor
  • Division II Region 5: Willoughby South at Cuyahoga Falls Walsh Jesuit
  • Division III Region 10: Rocky River Lutheran West at Toledo Central Catholic
  • Division IV Region 14: Akron Buchtel at Perry
  • Division V Region 18: Johnstown Northridge at Milan Edison

As teams gear up for the playoffs, excitement is palpable. Players, coaches, and fans can anticipate an entertaining month of Ohio high school football, showcasing some of the best talent in the state.