The Ohio high school football playoffs are officially set after 10 weeks of intense competition, marking a shift in the dynamics of postseason qualification. This season, only the top 12 teams from each region have advanced to the playoffs, a reduction from the previous 16 teams allowed in recent years. This new format, unveiled by the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) in June, aims to enhance the competitiveness of the playoffs, with the top four teams in each region receiving first-round byes.
In neighboring Indiana, the postseason commenced in Week 10, though only South Dearborn participated among the local teams, as Lawrenceburg and East Central had byes. The conclusion of the regular seasons for high school football in Cincinnati and Indiana has set the stage for the upcoming playoff battles, while Northern Kentucky will wrap up its regular season in Week 11.
JoeEitel.com has released unofficial first-round playoff matchup projections for Cincinnati, although these matchups await official confirmation from the OHSAA.
In Division I, Region 4 of the Ohio playoffs, top seeds Elder, Moeller, St. Xavier, and Princeton will all receive first-round byes. Notable matchups include No. 12 Little Miami facing No. 5 Winton Woods and No. 11 Oak Hills against No. 6 Lakota East.
In Region 2, Middletown and Springboro also secured byes, with No. 9 Kettering Fairmont set to challenge No. 8 Lebanon.
For Division II, Region 8, the top seeds Anderson and Kings enjoy byes while No. 12 Turpin will go head-to-head with No. 5 La Salle.
Division III features No. 3 Badin with a bye while No. 10 Goshen takes on No. 7 Talawanda, and No. 9 Chillicothe faces off against No. 8 McNicholas.
In Division IV, Region 16, Indian Hill, CHCA, and Taft have all received byes, with several interesting matchups scheduled.
For Division V and VI, key games include No. 11 Mariemont against No. 6 North College Hill and No. 9 Portsmouth West clashing with No. 8 Summit Country Day.
As the playoffs approach, excitement brews among teams and fans alike, setting the stage for thrilling contests that could define the season. Meanwhile, high school football in Kentucky prepares for its final week of regular-season games, featuring compelling matchups that promise to keep fans engaged. With playoff momentum building, teams across the region are ready to take their shot at glory.