(9-7-26) My editor begged me not to call Delta at Archbold the best small-school game in the state of Ohio in Week 4.

And to be fair, New Bremen gets a chance to take out its frustrations on Coldwater. Then you have a battle of undefeated Northwest Conference foes with Lima Central Catholic traveling to Columbus Grove.

But from where I stand, I like the story surrounding that NWOAL showcase, which I get into below.

DIVISION I

We have a new number one!

Upper Arlington jumped three spots to take over the top spot after a second-half surge against two-time defending state champion Avon. The Golden Bears went into halftime with a 15-14 lead before creating separation with three second-half touchdowns en route to a convincing 43-22 win.

Upper Arlington is led by quarterback Luke Backes, who is committed to playing at Cornell…

On the lacrosse team.

The Golden Bears host 2-1 New Albany this Friday.

DIVISION II

While the top of Division II is loaded, it is worth noting some teams in the next tier that could make noise.

Medina Highland saw its offense come alive in a 31-27 win over Strongsville, followed by a 55-20 clinic against Avon Lake. This week’s Suburban League opener against No. 15 Nordonia should tell us whether the Hornets are contenders or pretenders.

Further west, Trotwood-Madison has showcased a suffocating defense in back-to-back wins over Fairmont and Springfield.

With everybody focused on stopping Ohio State commit Jameer Whyce up front, Quintin Petty Jr. has amassed 24 tackles, including 14 for loss, through the Rams’ first three games.

Trotwood-Madison hosts No. 3 (D-III) and undefeated Alter this Friday.

Speaking of…

DIVISION III

Alter joins the top five after a 44-12 win at Taft in Week 3.

Senior Drew Cripps has picked up where he left off last season. The Knights’ star running back averaged 108 total yards from scrimmage per game in 2025 and is averaging 160 per game so far this season.

Bellbrook climbed four spots following a 22-0 win over Valley View on Friday. The Golden Eagles opened the season with a 27-14 victory over Miami Valley League favorite Tippecanoe and have not been seriously challenged since.

## DIVISION IV

There was no movement among the top seven in Division IV.

There is, however, one shocker worth talking about.

Going from zero to hero is rare, but not impossible.

Ottawa-Glandorf finished 2025 with an 0-10 record. The Titans opened this season by dismantling defending state champion Liberty-Benton, 52-7. Since then, they have established themselves as an early Western Buckeye League favorite with lopsided victories over Defiance and Kenton.

The biggest test comes this Friday when O-G heads south to face five-time defending WBL champion Wapakoneta.

DIVISION V

Perry trades places with preseason favorite Ironton to take over the top spot in Division V.

The Pirates have been ruthless against strong opposition early in the season. Their 3-0 start includes victories over programs accustomed to deep postseason runs, including Kenston and No. 2 (D-VI) Kirtland.

More impressive than the record itself is the margin: Perry has won by an average of 28.7 points per game.

Ironton will have plenty of opportunities to respond, though. The Fighting Tigers’ next four games come against undefeated Somerset (Ky.), No. 12 (D-III) Jackson, No. 7 (D-II) Big Walnut and undefeated Bloomington South (Ind.).

DIVISION VI

The big stories in Division VI all revolve around the Northwest Ohio Athletic League.

Liberty Center is, without a doubt, the team to beat in Division VI. The Tigers have outscored their opponents 155-31 through their first three contests.

They are also riding an 18-game winning streak, the second-longest active streak in the state behind Bishop Watterson’s 33-game run.

Within the NWOAL, Delta has emerged as a worthy challenger.

The Panthers turned heads with a 43-30 upset of Fairview in Week 2, then followed it with a 50-6 clinic at Gibsonburg this past Friday.

Delta opens conference play in Week 4 by traveling to No. 4 (D-V) Archbold in what is sure to be one of the best small-school games in the state.

Yes, I’m sticking with it.

DIVISION VII

This is where I beg the OHSAA to do the right thing.

Division VII looks like it has three tiers.

Marion Local occupies the first. I don’t think I need to defend that statement anymore.

Hopewell-Loudon occupies the second. After dropping from Division VI, the Chieftains have been every bit as dominant as advertised through three weeks.

Then there is everybody else.

The OHSAA does not determine state semifinal pairings until after the regional tournament begins, so here is my request: keep Region 28 and Region 26 apart.

Ohio has endured six consecutive running clocks in the Division VII state championship game. If there is a matchup capable of ending that streak, Marion Local versus Hopewell-Loudon appears to be it.

And if somebody knocks off either team before Canton? Fine. That team will have earned the opportunity instead.

Just give us the chance to find out.

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