Sixteen high school football teams from central Ohio are set to compete in the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) regional semifinals on November 14. Coverage will include key matchups such as Canal Winchester facing Big Walnut, Olentangy Liberty going up against Olentangy Orange, and Upper Arlington playing Pickerington Central.
As the third round of the playoffs unfolds, The Dispatch is providing extensive coverage of these regional semifinals, highlighting additional matchups like Dresden Tri-Valley against Watterson, Massillon Washington against DeSales, North Union taking on Carlisle, and Steubenville going up against Licking Valley. Live updates and scoring information are being made available to keep fans informed.
In the ongoing games, Nolan Buirley of Big Walnut has been a standout player, with four touchdowns, including an explosive 56-yard run to help his team extend their lead over Canal Winchester. As the first half drew to a close, Upper Arlington managed to pull within four points of Pickerington Central with a late touchdown pass from Luke Backes to Oliver Backes. At halftime, Orange leads Liberty 14-10 thanks to a strong performance by their offense.
The competition is intense across the board. Watterson has emerged as a dominant force, scoring multiple touchdowns against Tri-Valley, while DeSales is currently trailing Massillon after a series of turnovers.
This round of matchups is expected to deliver thrilling moments, with teams showcasing their skills and determination on the path to potential championship glory. Fans can anticipate not only close games but also exciting individual performances as these young athletes chase their dreams in high school football playoff action. With the stakes high and rivalries heating up, the excitement surrounding high school football in Ohio continues to grow.