The third week of the Ohio high school football playoffs brings the excitement of regional semifinals as 16 teams remain across the state’s divisions. With a win this weekend, each team moves one step closer to a state championship, and the intensity on the field is reaching a fever pitch.
Division I, Region 4 – #4 Moeller at #1 Princeton
Moeller earned a convincing victory over Winton Woods in the second round, limiting the Warriors to just three rushing yards and holding star running back Zeke Garrett to 23 yards. Quarterback Hunter McLaughlin threw for 187 yards and two touchdowns, while running back Juice Glover‑Brown added 65 yards and a score.
Princeton rebounded from a slow start to defeat GMC rival Middletown, rallying for 22 fourth‑quarter points to win 27‑6. Jordan Shall rushed for 156 yards and two touchdowns, and Monsanna Torbert contributed four catches for 66 yards.
Both teams have shown strong defensive play, and the previous week’s meeting was a close contest. Our pick: Princeton repeats its success and advances.
Division V, Region 20 – #6 Bishop Fenwick at #2 Williamsburg
Fenwick entered the postseason with a 5‑5 regular‑season record but has gone 2‑0 in the playoffs, outscoring opponents 68‑7. Quarterback McCaffrey Halcomb has amassed over 1,200 passing yards, with reliable targets Hudson Kreke and DJ Berning. The rushing attack, led by Berning and Micah O’Connor, totals more than 1,600 yards, and O’Connor also leads the team with 85 tackles.
Williamsburg sits at 10‑1 and is aiming for a regional final. Quarterback Landen Brandenburg has thrown for 950 yards and 11 touchdowns while rushing for 762 yards and 19 scores. He also recorded 48 tackles and 8.5 sacks, leading the SBAAC. Defensive standouts Jackson Kreimer, Kaydon Randall, and Zane Wright rank among the league’s top sack leaders.
Fenwick’s balanced offense and confident play give them an edge. Our pick: Fenwick pulls off the upset.
Division III, Region 12 – #3 McNicholas at #2 Tippecanoe
McNicholas, the GCL CO‑ED division champion, arrives with an 8‑game winning streak and a 9‑2 record. Quarterback Evan Sandfoss has been the offensive catalyst, while running back Joseph Reuss provides a steady ground game. Wide receivers Max Orlando and Connor Powderly add speed, and defensive end Max Hamilton led the conference with 13 sacks.
Tippecanoe boasts a versatile offense. Quarterback Larkin Thomas has thrown for over 2,000 yards and 26 touchdowns, adding 528 rushing yards and nine scores. Receivers Colston Atrz (804 yards, 12 TD) and Levi Jones (387 yards, 10 TD) complement a strong running attack featuring Bentley Heckman, Grant Titley, and Kam Hypes.
McNicholas looks to continue its deep playoff run. Our pick: McNicholas keeps its season alive with a win.
Game of the Week
The Blitz 5 Game of the Week heads to Price Hill for a regional‑semifinal showdown in Division I, Region 4. Additionally, No. 6 St. Xavier travels to face No. 2 Elder on Friday night. For full details on these featured matchups, see our complete preview.
These playoff games showcase the dedication of student‑athletes, coaches, and communities across Ohio. As the teams vie for a spot in the state finals, fans can expect hard‑fought battles, standout performances, and the kind of local pride that defines high school football in our great state.
Original reporting: WLWT Cincinnati — read the source article.
