(10-13-25) I know this isn’t a new hot take, but it’s years like this that make seven divisions feel like way too many. With the top team overall coming from Division III, plenty of top-10 teams coming from Division II, and both Divisions V and VII represented in the top 20, enrollment clearly isn’t the most important factor in building a state-championship-caliber team. Nonetheless, we have a brand-new No. 1 overall. I guess I already spoiled who it might be.

Division I – Springfield Climbs Into the Top Ten

The Wildcats had one of the worst starts in recent memory. However, Springfield has clawed its way back, winning five straight, and appears to be the favorite to come out of Region 2. The biggest questions they face are whether they’ll win their first GWOC title since 2022 and whether they’ll hold on to a first-round bye in the state playoffs.

Division II – Highland Takes Top Spot

The Hornets leapfrogged Anderson to claim the No. 1 spot going into Week 9. Highland is coming off a 58–7 win at Kent Roosevelt, a team that was 4–3 entering Week 8. Canal Winchester squeaked into the top 15 after a 72–14 win over Logan, with its lone loss coming against 7–1 Pickerington Central.

Division III – Watterson Is Number One Overall

The Eagles have been in a league of their own since a 14–13 win over Middletown (Delaware) in Week 2. Since then, Watterson has outscored opponents 254–27, including a 42–7 win over St. Francis DeSales. While London, Tippecanoe, Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy, and Wapak have great résumés, Watterson is head and shoulders above the field.

Division IV – Top Teams Hold Steady

Very little movement here, as the only change in the top 10 was Indian Hill and Perkins trading places. One bright spot about Division IV: each region is represented in the top five, meaning the state semifinals should be a true showcase of Ohio’s best. That’s not the case in our next three divisions.

Division V – Cardinal Mooney Making a Run

The Cardinals are one of the hottest teams in Division V, riding a four-game winning streak—each against solid Division II and III competition. Mooney also owns résumé-boosting wins from early in the season over Mentor Lake Catholic and Villa Angela–St. Joseph. The Cardinals add to an already deep Region 17, which also includes Poland Seminary, Girard, and South Range.

Division VI – Anna Climbs Over Coldwater, Finally

The Rockets haven’t caught Coldwater in the ratings yet. However, they turned heads by taking Marion Local—and its 71-game winning streak—into double overtime Friday night. The only bad news for Anna is that it sits 11th in the Region 24 Harbin rankings. Their upcoming game against Fort Recovery is a must-win if they want to stay at home in the first round.

Division VII – Marion Local Still Tops, but Vulnerable

Staying in the MAC, Marion Local has survived three scares this season in the form of St. Henry, Versailles, and Anna. The Flyers remain the team to beat in Division VII—but how vulnerable are they? Marion Local will likely see St. Henry again in Region 28. After that, Columbus Grove and New Bremen rate ahead of Versailles. Then there’s Lima Central Catholic, which would likely avoid a running clock against the Flyers. Outside western Ohio, though, the competition just isn’t there.