(11-24-24) Celina and Ohio State grad Sam Houseworth shares his in-depth look at all of the OHSAA 7 divisions of football in the State Final Fours.

After correctly picking 21 of the 28 regional champions, it’s time to do a deeper dive into the state semifinals and state championship games. Regardless of how any of this plays out, all of these teams are Regional Champions (stop calling them State Semifinalists) and even a 50-0 loss this coming Friday doesn’t take that away from them.

Div. I

It’s easy to forget that Centerville were 2-3 halfway through the regular season. Since then, they have 9 straight en route to a regional championship. The Elks’ run probably ends when they face Moeller in the semifinals. In the other semifinal, St. Edward will be a slight favorite over Olentangy Liberty. St. Edward opened as the consensus D-I favorite, but opened a disappointing 5-5 in the regular season. The Eagles need a state championship to salvage this underwhelming season.

My Pick: Moeller def. St. Edward

Confidence (scale 1 to 10): 6

Div. II

Did anybody see Massillon getting upset in the regional championship? I sure didn’t. Big Walnut improved to 13-1 with their 14-7 win over the Tigers. Massillon shot themselves in the foot with 26 penalties for 175 yards, a tale that has plagued them all season long. But getting to next week, Big Walnut will be a heavy underdog against an undefeated Anderson team who is averaging 49 points per game. Hoban and Avon could be the best game in the state. Hoban has ended the Eagles’ season in 2 of the past 3 seasons, each time by a single possession.

My Pick: Anderson def. Hoban

Confidence: 3

Div. III

Without a doubt, this is the most balanced final four in the state. Each division has at least one team with a razor slim chance of winning it all. In Division III, that team does not exist. Toledo Central Catholic, the defending D-III champion, probably has the slimmest odds of winning it all. But between them, Bishop Watterson, Ursuline, and London, I’m not beating against any of those teams.

My Pick: Bishop Watterson def. Ursuline

Confidence: 1

Div. IV

Well, my state champion pick was knocked out in overtime in the regional championship. Glenville, the defending D-IV champion, knocked off Perry in overtime, 12-6. Indian Valley is a true dark horse. Despite being 14-0, they are a big unknown with one of the weakest schedules in all of D-IV. But in fairness, scheduling isn’t a strength for neither Taft nor Glenville. Perkins is, by far, the most battle tested team remaining in Ohio’s middle division.

My Pick: Perkins def. Taft

Confidence: 3

Div. V

Four weeks ago, I said that Region 20 was the most unpredictable. Both the semis and the finals saw games decided by one score. But West Liberty-Salem nor Indian Lake were on my radar in a region that featured Waynesville, Versailles, and Greeneview. That all said, Ironton will summon the running clock on Friday. The only question is when. Liberty Center and South Range, on the other hand, will be a barnburner. Liberty Center has won 43 of their last 45. South Range has won 42 of their last 44. Oh, and one of those Liberty Center losses? It came at the hands of South Range in the state semifinals in 2022.

My Pick: Ironton def. Liberty Center

Confidence: 8

Div. VI

As you get to these small school divisions, the talent difference just becomes greater and greater between the top teams. That is not the case this season as Coldwater, Bluffton, and Kirtland are as good as you will find among the small schools. Northmor comfortably mowed through Region 23. Look for them to be competitive against Kirtland, but beat them? I don’t know about that.

My Pick: Coldwater def. Kirtland

Confidence: 4

Div. VII

Hillsdale and Danville could be as competitive as we have seen in D-VII in years. Two balanced teams that should put on a great contest. The prize for the winner? Probably Marion Local and a running clock after halftime. I don’t want to dismiss Columbus Grove. The Bulldogs are a great team that would have a real chance in D-VI. But this ain’t D-VI.

My Pick: Marion Local def. Hillsdale

Confidence: 12