Week 11 marks the start of the Ohio high school football postseason, and families across Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky are gearing up for a slate of exciting playoff games. Below is a concise preview of the key matchups, player highlights, and betting angles for each contest.
Division I, Region 4 – #9 Middletown at #8 Lebanon
Middletown finished third in the GMC with a 6‑4 record. The team has won six of its last eight games, highlighted by a 63‑6 victory over rival Hamilton. Offensively, the Middies have amassed 1,473 passing yards and 905 rushing yards this season. Quarterback Kolby Morgerson has thrown seven touchdowns, while running back Memphis Driscol contributed 500 rushing yards and seven scores. Wide receivers Ka’Leem Taylor, Julius Reed, Will Gibson and Elijah Jones have been reliable deep threats.
Lebanon also finished third in the ECC and has shown a balanced attack. Running back Logan Schmenk led the conference with 1,471 rushing yards and 24 touchdowns. Quarterback Mason Reed posted 1,498 passing yards and 13 touchdowns, adding 402 rushing yards. Wideout Wyatt Lassen recorded 43 receptions for ten touchdowns, and linebacker Brook Cummings led the defense with 72 tackles.
Both teams have struggled against the top two conference opponents, but Middletown’s home‑field advantage and balanced offense give it a slight edge. Our recommendation: back Middletown to stay alive.
Division II, Region 8 – #9 Withrow at #8 Badin
Withrow entered the playoffs with an 8‑3 record after a six‑game winning streak. Quarterback/receiver Sa’Vion Davis has been a dual‑threat, throwing for 1,299 yards and 19 touchdowns while rushing for 805 yards and seven scores. His top target, Charles Alexander Jr., posted 569 receiving yards and seven touchdowns. Running back Dion Clardy added 711 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns, and defensive end Chris Barnes recorded 10 sacks.
Badin, the GCL Co‑Ed champion, relies heavily on junior running back Chase Even, who leads the league with 1,315 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns. The Rams’ passing game has been limited, focusing on ball control and a stout defense anchored by linebacker Jackson Turner (88 tackles) and defensive end Balin Wong (8 sacks).
The game appears evenly matched, but Withrow’s more diversified offense gives it a slight advantage. Our pick: Withrow to pull through in a close contest.
Division III, Region 12 – #11 Alter at #6 Indian Hill
Alter finished third in the GCL Co‑Ed behind McNicholas and Badin. Running back Drew Cripps has been the offensive engine with 1,153 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns. The Knights have leaned heavily on the ground game, and defensive leader Jake Botti contributed 100 tackles.
Indian Hill captured a CHL crown in a three‑way tie and is looking to repeat its deep playoff run. The Braves’ rushing tandem of Jacob Alexander (1,093 yards, 17 touchdowns) and quarterback‑runner Devlan Daniel (912 yards, 14 touchdowns) has been difficult for opponents to stop. Defensively, Topher Wachtel and Joey Jernigan have been active tacklers and pass rushers.
Given Indian Hill’s balanced attack and recent success, we recommend backing the Braves.
#10 Goshen at #7 Hughes
Goshen enters the postseason with a 9‑1 record and a well‑rounded offense. Running back Gage Croley leads the SBAAC with 1,286 rushing yards and 20 touchdowns. Quarterback Caden Slusher has thrown for 1,148 yards and 15 touchdowns while adding 604 rushing yards and six scores. Linebacker Brian Miller tops the team with 84 tackles.
Hughes suffered its only loss to Withrow but remains a formidable opponent. Quarterback Faheem Muhammad has posted 830 passing yards and nine touchdowns. Running back Omantae Smith contributed 654 rushing yards, and defensive end Kannen Adams recorded 12.5 sacks.
Hughes’ strong defense and balanced offense make this a tough matchup, but Goshen’s high‑powered rushing attack gives it the edge. Our suggestion: Hughes to continue its strong season.
Game of the Week Preview
For a deeper look at the featured matchup of the week, see the full preview of #11 Lakota East at #6 Winton Woods, which promises another thrilling playoff showdown.
All scores and updates will be posted live as the games progress. Stay tuned for the latest results and post‑game analysis.
Original reporting: WLWT Cincinnati — read the source article.
