The Ohio High School Football Playoffs are in full swing, with the Columbus area teams battling it out in the regional semifinals. Whether you’re cheering on your local high school team or just love the thrill of the postseason, there’s plenty of action to keep you on the edge of your seat. In this post, we’ll cover all the key matchups, score updates, and game highlights from the region.
Columbus Area High School Football Playoffs: What to Expect
The third round of the Ohio High School Football Playoffs has arrived, and it promises to be a night of intense competition. With several teams from Columbus and surrounding areas vying for a spot in the regional finals, here’s what you can expect:
- Big Walnut faces off against Ashland in a key Division II, Region 7 battle.
- Olentangy Liberty will try to overcome Upper Arlington in a highly anticipated Division I, Region 3 semifinal.
- The showdown between Pickerington North and Olentangy Berlin in the Division I, Region 3 will be a defensive slugfest.
But who will come out on top? Let’s dive into the live updates as the action unfolds.
Live Scores and Updates: OHSAA Regional Semifinal Games
Olentangy Liberty 17, Upper Arlington 13 (Final)
After a tense battle, Olentangy Liberty managed to hold off Upper Arlington with a late touchdown. The Patriots (11-2) clinch the victory thanks to a clutch 13-yard touchdown pass from Andrew Leonard to Geno Saccoccia, putting Liberty up 17-13 with less than a minute left.
- Liberty’s Key Play: The game-winning touchdown came just 54 seconds from the final whistle.
- Upper Arlington’s Season: Despite a solid performance, Upper Arlington’s season ends with a 10-3 record.
- Next Round: Olentangy Liberty will move on to the Division I, Region 3 final against Pickerington North.
Big Walnut 28, Ashland 10 (Final)
Big Walnut dominated in their regional semifinal, defeating Ashland 28-10. The Golden Eagles’ star running back, Nolan Buirley, was a game-changer, rushing for 322 yards on 24 carries, including a long 69-yard touchdown.
- Buirley’s Performance: Big Walnut’s offensive line paved the way for Buirley’s massive performance, cementing his place as one of the best running backs in the state.
- Big Walnut’s Record: The Golden Eagles advance with a 12-1 record and will play for the Division II, Region 7 title.
Pickerington North 10, Olentangy Berlin 7 (Final)
In a thrilling defensive battle, Pickerington North edged out Olentangy Berlin 10-7. The Panthers held off Berlin’s powerful offense with some key defensive stops, including a fourth-down stop and a blocked field goal.
- Key Defensive Play: Pickerington North’s defense stepped up in the second half, keeping Berlin from finding the end zone after halftime.
- Pickerington North’s Season: The Panthers now move to the Division I, Region 3 final with an 11-2 record.
Watterson 30, Licking Valley 0 (Final)
Watterson continued their perfect season with a 30-0 shutout victory over Licking Valley in the Division III, Region 11 semifinal. The Eagles’ defense was on fire, completely stifling the Licking Valley offense.
- Watterson’s Key Players: Running back Zack Weber rushed for a 34-yard touchdown, while Ben Uhlenhake added a long 70-yard run to help pad the lead.
- Next Game: Watterson (13-0) advances to the Region 11 final.
Teays Valley 14, Massillon 48 (Final)
Teays Valley couldn’t overcome Massillon in a tough matchup. Despite a strong defensive score by Tyler Tietz, who returned a fumble for a touchdown, the Vikings (8-5) fell 48-14 to the defending Division II state champions.
- Massillon’s Dominance: The Tigers’ special teams play, particularly from Tyler Hackenbracht, was explosive, with three special teams touchdowns.
What’s Next for These Teams?
The regional finals are right around the corner, and these teams are fighting to keep their championship dreams alive. Here’s a quick look at the next round:
- Olentangy Liberty vs. Pickerington North (Division I, Region 3 final): Liberty’s explosive offence will clash with North’s stingy defense. Can Liberty’s late-game heroics continue?
- Big Walnut vs. Region 7 Champion (Division II, Region 7 final): After a dominant performance against Ashland, Big Walnut will look to extend their postseason run and claim the regional title.
- Watterson vs. Region 11 Champion (Division III, Region 11 final): Watterson will aim for their second consecutive regional title after a dominant performance against Licking Valley.
OHSAA Playoffs: Central Ohio Teams to Watch
As the OHSAA playoffs continue, there are several teams from the Columbus area making waves. Here are some teams you should keep an eye on moving forward:
- Big Walnut: With a star player like Nolan Buirley, Big Walnut is a serious contender in Division II.
- Pickerington North: The Panthers’ strong defense is proving to be a difference-maker, and they’re set for a rematch against Olentangy Liberty in the regional final.
- Olentangy Liberty: After holding off Upper Arlington in dramatic fashion, Liberty looks poised to make a deep playoff run in Division I.
These teams have shown resilience and skill throughout the season, and it’s anyone’s game as we approach the final rounds of the OHSAA playoffs.
Where to Watch OHSAA Playoffs
If you want to catch all the action from the Ohio high school football playoffs, check out the NFHS Network for live streams of games. With the playoffs heating up, you won’t want to miss a minute of the excitement.
Special Offer: Use the promo code COL20 to get $20 off an annual NFHS Network subscription. Watch all the OHSAA playoff games and other high school sports throughout the year.
Conclusion: Stay Updated with OHSAA Football Playoffs
The Ohio high school football playoffs are heating up, and Columbus-area teams are giving fans plenty to cheer about. From thrilling finishes to dominant performances, the regional semifinals are delivering everything high school football fans love.
- Big Walnut and Olentangy Liberty are shaping up to be the teams to beat in their respective regions.
- As the teams head into the regional finals, there’s no telling what surprises await.
Stay tuned for more updates, and don’t forget to watch your favourite teams as they continue their pursuit of the state title!
Relevant Links for Further Reading
