MASON, Ohio — Big Moe is back.

The Moeller High School football team defeated Lakota West 21-17 in a Division I, Region 4 final Friday in front of 4,300 at Atrium Stadium.

Moeller (11-3) advances to play Springfield (12-1) in a state semifinal Nov. 26 at a neutral location to be announced Sunday. This is Moeller's first regional title since 2014 and 17th trip to the state semifinals in the storied history of the program.

"It means the world to those kids," Moeller coach Mark Elder said.

Moeller, the winner of nine state titles, put recent adversity in the rearview mirror. The Crusaders had a 3-6 record in 2020 and 2-8 record in 2019, but the 2021 Crusaders are different. Moeller was the No. 1 seed in Region 4 and defeated four consecutive Greater Miami Conference opponents to reach the state Final Four.

Dyer: Moeller defies odds as regional champs

RELATED: Coverage of local high school football quarterfinal action

"It's crazy," Moeller senior quarterback Noah Geselbracht said. "Nobody expected us to be in this spot. You look at the beginning of the season and everyone predicted us to be 5-5, 4-6, maybe second round of the playoffs and that's it. This group of seniors, we've been doing this since we were freshmen. This is what we've been working for. It feels great."

The Crusaders were confident this past summer in Elder's second season as head coach at Moeller.

"You know at Moeller there is a lot of high expectations and that senior class before this year won five games in two years," Elder said. "It's hard to walk the hallways when there is an expectation level like that. They believed in themselves and they believed in each other. Worked their tails all offseason, all preseason. I couldn't be more proud of a group of young men than these guys."

Moeller proved to be one of the state's elite teams with a rugged regular-season schedule that included back-to-back overtime wins over Cleveland St. Ignatius and Lakewood St. Edward in October.

"That just prepared us," said Geselbracht, who was 14-of-20 passing for two touchdowns. "We were ready for big moments like this."

The Crusaders were led by several players Friday night including sophomore running back Jordan Marshall who rushed for 123 yards and a fourth-quarter touchdown that helped Moeller rally from a three-point deficit.

Marshall also caught a touchdown pass. Senior wide receiver Brandon White had two receptions for 63 yards.

Lakota West (11-2) completed its season as a regional runner-up for a second straight year.

"It's a tough one," Lakota West coach Tom Bolden said. "I feel for these kids. I feel for the seniors. Great group of kids. Special group."

RELATED: Lakota West senior linebacker Aden Miller is 'what you want in a football player'

Welcome to the football regional finals week around Ohio.

Seven Greater Cincinnati high school football teams are still playing this week with opportunities to reach the state semifinals Nov. 26.

On this week's High School Insider podcast, you will hear from several high school head football coaches including:

These coaches reflect upon their teams and how the school communities have expressed significant support during this postseason.

The Ohio high school boys basketball season is right around the corner and you will hear from Triple Double Prospects analyst Corey Albertson about some of the top teams and players to watch this winter.

Listen to this episode in the podcast player below:

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SHARONVILLE, Ohio — Lakota West senior running back Cameron Goode was a bit worried on the sideline down the stretch of Friday night's Division I regional semifinal.

The Firebirds remembered a narrow loss to the Bombers in the 2020 regional final. This time, in the regional semifinal, history would not repeat itself.

Goode scored a fourth-quarter touchdown and junior Tyler Bohn made two field goals (32 and 38 yards) as the Firebirds defeated the Bombers 12-2 at Princeton High School.

Lakota West (11-1) plays Moeller (10-3) in a Division I regional final Nov. 19 at a neutral location to be determined later.

"We know we had to grind to get to where we are now," said Goode, who rushed for 106 yards. "And then we've got three more games and we've got to finish."

Junior quarterback Mitch Bolden rushed for 82 yards and the Firebirds led 6-0 at halftime after the field goals.

The Lakota West defense had three interceptions, two by junior Joshua Fussell. Senior Jyaire Brown had an interception in the second quarter. Junior Malik Hartford had a team-leading 10 tackles while senior Aden Miller had seven tackles. Sophomore Elijah Davis had six tackles.

"I tell you we've got something really special going on in West Chester up at Lakota West," Lakota West coach Tom Bolden said. "I'm telling you right now. In three years where we're at right now, a big statement win like this I couldn't be any more proud of these kids, this community. I mean everything."

The Firebirds lost to host St. Xavier 31-14 in the season opener Aug. 20 but these teams were much different after 12 weeks.

"We played there," Bolden said. "We just got healthier, we got better. These kids believe, this community believes. We aren't done yet obviously but it's a big step."

The Bombers completed a memorable season. St. X captured the Greater Catholic League South division title outright for a second straight season.

St. X was ranked No. 10 nationally in late September and started the season with a six-game win streak. Bombers running back Charles Kellom rushed for 121 yards and completed the season with 1,443 yards and 29 touchdowns overall, according to St. X football statistician Kelby Siler.

The Bombers had several other standouts this entire season including senior quarterback Brogan McCaughey and multiple other GCL South all-stars.

This was the third time that St. X and Lakota West played in the past 15 games.

"They played better tonight," St. X coach Steve Specht said. "They're a good football team, that defense of theirs is special, but I thought ours was too. I think our kids played hard."

Find more high school football scores here.

WEST CHESTER TWP., Ohio — Lakota West senior linebacker Aden Miller exemplifies what it means to be a captain for the Firebirds this season.

"I honestly think he's probably he's one of the most underrated high school football players here in Cincinnati," Lakota West coach Tom Bolden said. "He's a 5-foot-11 mike backer [middle linebacker] that if he was probably two to three inches taller he'd probably have multiple D-I scholarship offers."

Miller, a three-year starter, has a team-leading 80 tackles (44 solo) for the Firebirds (10-1) who play St. Xavier (10-2) in a Division I regional semifinal Friday night at Princeton.

Lakota West is meeting St. X for a second time this season after the Bombers won 31-14 at home in the season opener Aug. 20.

"Man, I can't wait," Miller said. "I don't even know how to put it into words. Like I'm extremely excited. It's probably the biggest game of my life considering it could be my last but I don't plan on it being my last so been up all night thinking about it."

The Firebirds don't have to say much around practice this week in order to be motivated. They know about the task ahead of them and what's at stake for the program.

St. X defeated Lakota West 10-7 in the 2020 regional final before the Bombers went on to win the Division I state title.

The Firebirds have waited for another opportunity to play St. X in the regional tournament.

"We just know we need to handle business or we're done," Miller said. "Especially on my level because I don't have that many offers so I know that this really could be my last chance of playing football so I know what I got to do."

Jenny Walters Photography

Miller, 17, would like to play football at an NCAA Division I or II level. He'd like to earn a degree in kinesiology or exercise science and eventually become a physical therapist.

Bolden said a college program would benefit from having Miller in its program.

Miller has improved the Lakota West program by being a student-athlete who is a leader in the classroom, weight room and football field, Bolden said.

"He does everything you ask," Bolden said. "In the weight room, in the off-season, in the weight room during the season. He is strong. I mean it's impressive what he can do in the weight room. He's explosive. He never gets hurt, he never complains. He's just that guy."

Miller said he's grateful to be a captain with some of the most talented football players in the state and the nation.

That includes All-American Bowl commitments Jyaire Brown (defensive back/wide receiver) and Tegra Tshabola (offensive lineman) — both of whom are Ohio State verbal commitments — along senior defensive back/wide receiver Alex Afari (Kentucky), senior offensive lineman Lathan McComis and senior defensive lineman Bryan Henderson (Buffalo).

The chemistry among Miller and his teammates has been significant. That coincides with a family connection within the Lakota West football program. His elder brother, 2013 graduate Adam Miller, played defensive line for the Firebirds and is an avid follower of the team.

"It's been a fun season," Aden Miller said. "Just taking it one step at a time enjoying my last year. It's meant a lot to me in my life."

CINCINNATI — Welcome to the playoffs.

The Ohio High School Athletic Association football playoffs start Friday night with 57 Cincinnati-area teams in action during the first round this weekend.

The WCPO High School Insider delves into the postseason with interviews with Lakota West coach Tom Bolden, Moeller coach Mark Elder, Kings coach Alex Garvin and Wyoming coach Aaron Hancock.

These coaches reflect upon the success of the regular season and how they approach the playoffs with their respective teams.

Listen to this episode in the player below:

Subscribe to High School Insider with Mike Dyer podcast:

The Ohio High School Athletic Association announced the final computer points ratings for football teams across seven divisions in Ohio.

There are 448 schools qualifying for the 50th annual postseason tournament.

The schedule is for the first round of the postseason Oct. 29-30.

During the playoffs, the first- and second-round games are hosted by the better-seeded team. Neutral sites will be used beginning with the third round (regional semifinals).

Divisions I, II, III and IV play on Friday nights, while Divisions V, VI and VII play on Saturday nights. All playoff games begin at 7 p.m.

The state football finals are scheduled from Dec. 2-5 at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton.

In Division I, Region 4, Moeller (7-3) is the No. 1 seed and will host Oak Hills (0-10) Friday night at Shea Stadium in Norwood.

The Crusaders, who defeated Cleveland St. Ignatius and Lakewood St. Edward in overtime in back-to-back weeks, continue a significant turnaround under head coach Mark Elder in his second season at the school.

"I'm proud of our guys for what we've done thus far, but we've just got to have a little more consistency," Elder said.

St. Xavier (8-2), the Greater Catholic League South division champion and 2020 Division I state champion, is the No. 2 seed and will host No. 15 Hamilton (2-6).

No. 3 Lakota West (8-1) will host West Clermont (2-8) in a rematch of an Aug. 27 game the host Firebirds won 45-7.

Princeton, which has a 9-1 record for the first time since 1993, is the No. 4 seed and will host Walnut Hills (2-8). Walnut Hills head coach James Crook is a former Princeton assistant coach.

Colerain (5-5), the No. 10 seed, will travel to No. 7 Elder (4-5).

In Division II, Region 8, Kings (10-0) is the No. 2 seed and will host No. 15 Lima Senior (3-6) Friday night.

The Knights captured the Eastern Cincinnati Conference title outright on Friday night.

"With this schedule and in this conference, to bring it 10 weeks in a row and come out on the winning end – the ball has to bounce your way sometimes," Kings coach Alex Garvin said. "We had some good games; we played solid in some and didn't play solid in some and still came out with some wins."

Anderson (8-2), winner of six consecutive games, is the No. 3 seed and will host Xenia (5-4).

Winton Woods (7-3) is projected to be the No. 7 seed and host ECC opponent Turpin (6-4). Winton Woods defeated Turpin 41-19 Oct. 8.

Withrow (8-1), which has earned six shutouts this season and was undefeated through five games for the first time since 2004, is the No. 8 seed and will host Troy (6-3).

In Division III, Region 12, Badin (9-0) is the No. 1 seed and will host Vandalia Butler (3-6) Oct. 29.

The Rams won the Greater Catholic League Co-Ed title with a 48-21 win at McNicholas Friday night.

Badin coach Nick Yordy said the undefeated season has been an enjoyable journey.

"The credit goes to all of our kids and the Badin community and their families for all the support and what they do for us and the amount of work these guys put in," Yordy said.

Monroe (8-2) is the No. 2 seed and will host Alter (5-5).

Ross (7-2) is the No. 4 seed and will host Chaminade Julienne (3-5).

Hughes (6-1) is the No. 8 seed and hosts Lima Shawnee (6-4).

In Division IV, Region 16, Wyoming (10-0) is the No. 1 seed and will host No. 16 Waynesville (5-5).

This is the fourth time in the past six seasons that the Cowboys have earned a No. 1 seed.

The Cowboys, winners of 57 consecutive regular-season games, won the Cincinnati Hills League title Friday night.

"We're excited to be peaking at the right time and going to the first round of the playoffs and really starting our new season," Wyoming coach Aaron Hancock said.

McNicholas (8-1), Clinton-Massie (8-1) and Bethel-Tate (8-1) are hosting first-round games.

Taylor (5-5), Indian Hill (5-5) and Shroder (4-2) qualified.

In Division V, Region 20, Taft (7-2) is the No. 1 seed and will host No. 16 Madeira (4-6). The Senators defeated Woodward 34-20 Friday night to win the Cincinnati Metro Athletic Conference title.

"Our kids are definitely putting themselves in a position to make a great run in the playoffs," Taft coach Tyler Williams said.

Roger Bacon (7-2), Reading (7-2), Mariemont (7-3) and Purcell Marian (7-3) will host first-round games.

Blanchester (5-4), Williamsburg (6-4), Summit Country Day (4-4) and East Clinton (5-5) also qualified.

In Division VI, Region 24, Cincinnati Country Day (7-2) will host Deer Park (3-7). Gamble Montessori (6-2) and St. Bernard-Elmwood Place (3-5) qualified.

In Division VII, Region 28, No. 5 Cincinnati College Preparatory Academy (7-2) will host No. 12 Fayetteville-Perry.

Lockland (4-4) and Miami Valley Christian Academy (3-7) also qualified.

The state football finals are scheduled from Dec. 2-5 at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton.

The OHSAA decided in April to expand the playoffs to 16 teams per region.

The expansion to 16 qualifiers per region increased the number of football playoff qualifiers from 224 to 448.

OHSAA football playoff schedule involving Cincinnati-area teams:

Division I, Region 4 (Friday, Oct. 29)

No. 16 Oak Hills (0-10) at No. 1 Moeller (7-3)

No. 15 Hamilton (2-6) at No. 2 St. Xavier (8-2)

No. 14 West Clermont (2-8) at No. 3 Lakota West (8-1)

No. 13 Walnut Hills (2-8) at No. 4 Princeton (9-1)

No. 12 Sycamore (5-5) at No. 5 Lakota East (7-3)

No. 11 Lebanon (3-6) at No. 6 Milford (6-4)

No. 10 Colerain (5-5) at No. 7 Elder (4-5)

No. 9 Mason (4-6) at No. 8 Fairfield (5-4)

Division II, Region 8 (Friday, Oct. 29)

No. 16 Little Miami (4-6) at No. 1 Piqua (9-0)

No. 15 Lima Senior (3-6) at No. 2 Kings (10-0)

No. 14 Xenia (5-4) at No. 3 Anderson (8-2)

No. 13 Stebbins (5-4) at No. 4 Teays Valley (9-1)

No. 12 Sidney (5-5) at No. 5 Edgewood (7-2)

No. 11 Harrison (4-5) at No. 6 La Salle (5-4)

No. 10 Turpin (6-4) at No. 7 Winton Woods (7-3)

No. 9 Troy (6-3) at No. 8 Withrow (8-1)

Division III, Region 11 (Friday, Oct. 29)

No. 11 Columbus Beechcroft (7-3) at No. 6 Western Brown (8-2)

Division III, Region 12 (Friday, Oct. 29)

No. 16 Vandalia Butler (3-6) at No. 1 Badin (9-0)

No. 15 Alter (5-5) at No. 2 Monroe (8-2)

No. 14 Trotwood-Madison (3-5) at No. 3 Bellbrook (8-2)

No. 13 Chaminade Julienne (3-5) at No. 4 Ross (7-2)

No. 12 Franklin (4-6) at No. 5 St. Marys Memorial (8-2)

No. 11 Dayton Dunbar (4-3) at No. 6 Wapakoneta (8-2)

No. 10 Mount Healthy (6-4) at No. 7 Tippecanoe (8-2)

No. 9 Lima Shawnee (6-4) at No. 8 Hughes (6-1)

Division IV, Region 16 (Friday, Oct. 29)

No. 16 Waynesville (5-5) at No. 1 Wyoming (10-0)

No. 15 Dayton Oakwood (4-6) at No. 2 Eaton (9-1)

No. 14 Washington Court House (4-5) at No. 3 McNicholas (8-1)

No. 13 Dayton Northridge (7-3) at No. 4 Clinton-Massie (8-1)

No. 12 Germantown Valley View (5-5) at No. 5 Waverly (8-1)

No. 11 Shroder (4-2) at No. 6 Bethel-Tate (8-1)

No. 10 Indian Hill (5-5) at No. 7 Milton-Union (9-1)

No. 9 Taylor (5-5) at No. 8 St. Paris Graham (6-3)

Division V, Region 20 (Saturday, Oct. 30)

No. 16 Madeira (4-6) at No. 1 Taft (7-2)

No. 15 East Clinton (5-5) at No. 2 Roger Bacon (7-2)

No. 14 Greenon (6-3) at No. 3 Preble Shawnee (10-0)

No. 13 Carlisle (5-5) at No. 4 Reading (7-2)

No. 12 Summit Country Day (4-4) at No. 5 Versailles (9-1)

No. 11 Williamsburg (6-4) at No. 6 Brookville (8-2)

No. 10 Blanchester (5-4) at No. 7 Mariemont (7-3)

No. 9 Springfield Shawnee (6-4) at No. 8 Purcell Marian (7-3)

Division VI, Region 24 (Saturday, Oct. 30)

No. 16 St. Bernard-Elmwood Place (3-5) at No. 1 Mechanicsburg (10-0)

No. 15 National Trail (4-6) at No. 2 Allen East (7-3)

No. 14 Fort Recovery (3-7) at No. 3 Arcanum (8-2)

No. 13 Delphos Jefferson (3-7) at No. 4 Coldwater (8-2)

No. 12 Deer Park (3-7) at No. 5 Cincinnati Country Day (7-2)

No. 11 Anna (4-6) at No. 6 Springfield Northeastern (7-3)

No. 10 Fairbanks (5-5) at No. 7 Paint Valley (5-4)

No. 9 Gamble Montessori (6-2) at No. 8 Greeneview (6-4)

Division VII, Region 28 (Saturday, Oct. 30)

No. 16 Twin Valley South (4-6) at No. 1 Marion Local (10-0)

No. 15 Miami Valley Christian Academy (3-7) at No. 2 Tri-Village (9-1)

No. 14 Troy Christian (6-4) at No. 3 Portsmouth Notre Dame (7-2)

No. 13 Sciotoville Community (5-3) at No. 4 Riverside (7-3)

No. 12 Fayetteville-Perry (5-5) at No. 5 Cincinnati College Preparatory Academy (7-2)

No. 11 Ansonia (6-4) at No. 6 St. Henry (7-3)

No. 10 Lockland (4-4) at No. 7 New Bremen (7-3)

No. 9 Springfield Catholic Central (7-3) at No. 8 Fort Loramie (4-6)

OHSAA statewide schedule
OHSAA Football Playoffs – First Round Pairings

Division I, II, III and IV games are Friday, Oct. 29.

Division V, VI and VII games are Saturday, Oct. 30

All games kick off at 7 p.m.

Games listed with regional seed and overall record

Division 1, Region 1

16 Lorain (1-9) at 1 Lakewood St. Edward (8-1)

15 Shaker Heights (3-5) at 2 Medina (10-0)

14 Canton Glen Oak (3-6) at 3 Stow-Munroe Falls (8-2)

13 Solon (4-6) at 4 Canton McKinley (6-4)

12 Strongsville (5-5) at 5 Massillon Jackson (8-2)

11 Mentor (5-5) at 6 St. Ignatius (6-4)

10 Elyria (6-4) at 7 Cleveland Heights (8-2)

9 Berea-Midpark (6-4) at 8 Brunswick (6-4)

Division 1, Region 2

16 Delaware Hayes (3-7) at 1 Marysville (9-0)

15 Clayton Northmont (3-6) at 2 Springfield (8-1)

14 Dublin Coffman (3-7) at 3 Huber Heights Wayne (8-2)

13 Toledo Start (5-5) at 4 Toledo Whitmer (8-2)

12 Springboro (5-4) at 5 Centerville (7-3)

11 Miamisburg (6-4) at 6 Findlay (7-3)

10 Powell Olentangy Liberty (5-5) at 7 Dublin Jerome (6-4)

9 Kettering Fairmont (6-4) at 8 Perrysburg (7-3)

Division 1, Region 3

16 Thomas Worthington (2-7) at 1 Upper Arlington (10-0)

15 Grove City (2-7) at 2 Pickerington Central (9-1)

14 Westerville Central (2-7) at 3 Gahanna Lincoln (6-2)

13 Westerville North (3-7) at 4 New Albany (10-0)

12 Grove City Central Crossing (4-6) at 5 Hilliard Darby (7-3)

11 Groveport Madison (4-6) at 6 Pickerington North (7-3)

10 Lancaster (4-6) at 7 Hilliard Bradley (5-5)

9 Reynoldsburg (4-5) at 8 Hilliard Davidson (7-3)

Division 1, Region 4 

16 Cincinnati Oak Hills (0-10) at 1 Cincinnati Archbishop Moeller (7-3)

15 Hamilton (2-6) at 2 Cincinnati St. Xavier (8-2)

14 Cincinnati West Clermont (2-8) at 3 West Chester Lakota West (8-1)

13 Cincinnati Walnut Hills (2-8) at 4 Cincinnati Princeton (9-1)

12 Cincinnati Sycamore (5-5) at 5 Liberty Township Lakota East (7-3)

11 Lebanon (3-6) at 6 Milford (6-4)

10 Cincinnati Colerain (5-5) at 7 Cincinnati Elder (4-5)

9 Mason (4-6) at 8 Fairfield (5-4)

Division 2, Region 5 

16 Akron Firestone (4-6) at 1 Cleveland Benedictine (6-2)

15 Cleveland John Hay (4-6) at 2 Macedonia Nordonia (8-2)

14 Eastlake North (4-6) at 3 Akron Archbishop Hoban (6-3)

13 Ashtabula Lakeside (5-4) at 4 Hudson (8-2)

12 Maple Heights (5-4) at 5 Cuyahoga Falls Walsh Jesuit (8-2)

11 Warren G. Harding (5-5) at 6 Austintown-Fitch (6-3)

10 Bedford (6-3) at 7 Willoughby South (7-3)

9 Lyndhurst Brush (5-4) at 8 Painesville Riverside (6-4)

Division 2, Region 6

16 Toledo Waite (4-4) at 1 Medina Highland (9-1)

15 Toledo St. Francis de Sales (4-6) at 2 Avon (8-2)

14 Lakewood (5-5) at 3 Barberton (9-1)

13 North Olmsted (6-4) at 4 Toledo Central Catholic (8-2)

12 Toledo St. John’s Jesuit (4-5) at 5 Avon Lake (7-3)

11 Parma Heights Valley Forge (6-3) at 6 Olmsted Falls (8-2)

10 North Royalton (7-3) at 7 Fremont Ross (7-3)

9 Cleveland Rhodes (6-2) at 8 Whitehouse Anthony Wayne (8-2)

Division 2, Region 7

16 Lewis Center Olentangy (3-7) at 1 Sunbury Big Walnut (10-0)

15 Worthington Kilbourne (4-6) at 2 North Canton Hoover (8-2)

14 Wooster (5-5) at 3 Delaware Olentangy Berlin (8-2)

13 Columbus Independence (5-5) at 4 Massillon Washington (8-2)

12 Uniontown Lake (5-4) at 5 Westerville South (7-2)

11 Pataskala Licking Heights (5-4) at 6 Dublin Scioto (7-3)

10 Marion Harding (7-3) at 7 Uniontown Green (7-3)

9 Canal Winchester (6-4) at 8 Whitehall-Yearling (6-3)

Division 2, Region 8

16 Morrow Little Miami (4-6) at 1 Piqua (9-0)

15 Lima Senior (3-6) at 2 Kings Mills Kings (10-0)

14 Xenia (5-4) at 3 Cincinnati Anderson (8-2)

13 Riverside Stebbins (5-4) at 4 Ashville Teays Valley (9-1)

12 Sidney (5-5) at 5 Trenton Edgewood (7-2)

11 Harrison (4-5) at 6 Cincinnati La Salle (5-4)
10 Cincinnati Turpin (6-4) at 7 Cincinnati Winton Woods (7-3)

9 Troy (6-3) at 8 Cincinnati Withrow (8-1)

Division III, Region 9

16 Akron East (5-5) at 1 Chardon (9-0)

15 Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary (4-6) at 2 Dover (9-0)

14 Painesville Harvey (5-4) at 3 Chagrin Falls Kenston (9-1)

13 Chardon Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin (5-5) at 4 Canfield (9-1)

12 New Philadelphia (6-4) at 5 Hubbard (9-1)

11 Tallmadge (7-3) at 6 Steubenville (8-2)

10 Ravenna (7-3) at 7 Aurora (8-2)

9 Chesterfield West Geauga (7-3) at 8 Streetsboro (7-2)

Division III, Region 10

16 Copley (3-7) at 1 Norton (9-0)

15 Sylvania Southview (4-6) at 2 Millersburg West Holmes (10-0)

14 Toledo Rogers (4-5) at 3 Rocky River (7-3)

13 Lexington (4-6) at 4 Mansfield Senior (8-2)

12 Cleveland Central Catholic (3-6) at 5 Parma Padua Franciscan (7-2)

11 Caledonia River Valley (5-5) at 6 Medina Buckeye (7-3)

10 Lodi Cloverleaf (4-5) at 7 Tiffin Columbian (6-4)

9 Bay Village Bay (5-4) at 8 Parma Heights Holy Name (4-5)

Division III, Region 11

16 Columbus Bishop Watterson (5-5) at 1 Granville (9-0)

15 Columbus South (7-3) at 2 Jackson (8-2)

14 Bellefontaine (6-4) at 3 Dresden Tri-Valley (8-1)

13 Zanesville (6-3) at 4 London (8-2)

12 Washington Court House Miami Trace (7-3) at 5 Columbus Bishop Hartley (8-2)

11 Columbus Beechcroft (7-3) at 6 Mount Orab Western Brown (8-2)

10 Plain City Jonathan Alder (6-4) at 7 Columbus Eastmoor Academy (6-3)

9 Thornville Sheridan (8-2) at 8 Columbus St. Francis DeSales (6-4)

Division III, Region 12

16 Vandalia Butler (3-6) at 1 Hamilton Badin (9-0)

15 Kettering Archbishop Alter (5-5) at 2 Monroe (8-2)

14 Trotwood-Madison (4-5) at 3 Bellbrook (8-2)

13 Dayton Chaminade Julienne (3-5) at 4 Hamilton Ross (7-2)

12 Franklin (4-6) at 5 St. Mary’s Memorial (8-2)

11 Dayton Dunbar (4-3) at 6 Wapakoneta (8-2)

10 Cincinnati Mount Healthy (6-4) at 7 Tipp City Tippecanoe (8-2)

9 Lima Shawnee (6-4) at 8 Cincinnati Hughes (6-1)

Division IV, Region 13

16 Cuyahoga Falls CVCA (5-5) at 1 Beloit West Branch (10-0)

15 Gates Mills Hawken (5-5) at 2 Cleveland Villa Angela-St. Joseph (6-1)

14 Canton South (7-3) at 3 Youngstown Ursuline (6-3)

13 Canal Fulton Northwest (6-4) at 4 Perry (8-2)

12 Girard (6-4) at 5 Gates Mills Gilmour Academy (7-2)

11 Peninsula Woodridge (6-4) at 6 Salem (7-3)

10 East Liverpool Beaver (7-3) at 7 Cleveland Glenville (7-3)

9 Poland Seminary (7-3) at 8 Navarre Fairless (9-1)

Division IV, Region 14

16 Milan Edison (5-5) at 1 Bellevue (8-2)

15 Galion (4-6) at 2 Clyde (8-2)

14 Rossford (5-5) at 3 Van Wert (9-1)

13 Toledo Scott (6-4) at 4 Port Clinton (9-1)

12 Huron (6-4) at 5 La Grange Keystone (8-1)

11 Wauseon (7-3) at 6 Wooster Triway (7-1)

10 Bellville Clear Fork (6-4) at 7 Shelby (8-2)

9 Sandusky Perkins (7-3) at 8 Rocky River Lutheran West (8-1)

Division IV, Region 15

16 Vincent Warren (3-7) at 1 Carroll Bloom-Carroll (10-0)

15 Newark Licking Valley (2-7) at 2 St. Clairsville (9-1)

14 Belmont Union Local (5-4) at 3 New Concord John Glenn (6-3)

13 Gallipolis Gallia Academy (4-3) at 4 Heath (8-2)

12 Duncan Falls Philo (6-4) at 5 Gnadenhutten Indian Valley (6-2)

11 Mc Arthur Vinton County (6-3) at 6 Byesville Meadowbrook (8-2)

10 Cambridge (6-4) at 7 Carrollton (7-3)

9 Columbus Linden McKinley (8-2) at 8 Marengo Highland (7-3)

Division IV, Region 16

16 Waynesville (5-5) at 1 Cincinnati Wyoming (10-0)

15 Dayton Oakwood (4-6) at 2 Eaton (9-1)

14 Washington Court House Washington (4-5) at 3 Cincinnati Archbishop McNicholas (8-1)

13 Dayton Northridge (7-3) at 4 Clarksville Clinton-Massie (8-1)

12 Germantown Valley View (5-5) at 5 Waverly (8-1)

11 Cincinnati Shroder (4-2) at 6 Bethel-Tate (8-1)

10 Cincinnati Indian Hill (5-5) at 7 West Milton Milton-Union (9-1)

9 Cleves Taylor (5-5) at 8 St. Paris Graham Local (6-3)

Division V, Region 17

16 Cadiz Harrison Central (4-6) at 1 Kirtland (9-0)

15 Rootstown (5-5) at 2 Canfield South Range (10-0)

14 Rayland Buckeye Local (3-5) at 3 Sugarcreek Garaway (10-0)

13 Magnolia Sandy Valley (6-4) at 4 Garrettsville Garfield (10-0)

12 Columbiana Crestview (5-4) at 5 Bellaire (9-1)

11 Cleveland Height Lutheran East (5-5) at 6 Ravenna Southeast (8-1)

10 Burton Berkshire (6-4) at 7 Mantua Crestwood (6-3)

9 Richmond Edison (7-3) at 8 Akron Manchester (6-4)

Division V, Region 18

16 Bucyrus Wynford (4-6) at 1 Tontogany Otsego (9-0)

15 Marion Pleasant (2-8) at at 2 Elyria Catholic (8-2)

14 Brooklyn (4-6) at 3 Bloomdale Elmwood (8-1)

13 Apple Creek Waynedale (5-5) at 4 Lewistown Indian Lake (7-3)

12 Doylestown Chippewa (4-5) at 5 Ottawa-Glandorf (7-3)

11 Lima Bath (5-5) at 6 Findlay Liberty-Benton (7-2)

10 Genoa Area (5-5) at 7 Richwood North Union (8-2)

9 Kansas Lakota (7-3) at 8 Pemberville Eastwood (7-2)

Division V, Region 19

16 Wellston (5-5) at 1 Ironton (9-1)

15 McDermott Northwest (5-5) at 2 Canal Winchester Harvest Preparatory (6-2)

14 Coshocton (5-4) at 3 Piketon (9-0)

13 Columbus Bishop Ready (5-5) at 4 West Lafayette Ridgewood (9-1)

12 Portsmouth West (5-5) at 5 Wheelersburg (7-3)

11 Baltimore Liberty Union (6-4) at 6 Gahanna Columbus Academy (6-4)

10 Minford (6-3) at 7 Amanda-Clearcreek (6-4)

9 Portsmouth (7-3) at 8 Chillicothe Zane Trace (8-2)

Division V, Region 20

16 Cincinnati Madeira (4-6) at 1 Cincinnati Taft (7-2)

15 Sabina East Clinton (5-5) at 2 St. Bernard Roger Bacon (7-2)

14 Springfield Greenon (6-3) at 3 Camden Preble Shawnee (10-0)

13 Carlisle (5-5) at 4 Reading (7-2)

12 Cincinnati Summit Country Day (4-4) at 5 Versailles (9-1)

11 Williamsburg (6-4) at 6 Brookville (8-2)

10 Blanchester (5-4) at 7 Cincinnati Mariemont (7-3)

9 Springfield Shawnee (6-4) at 8 Cincinnati Purcell Marian (7-3)

Division VI, Region 21

16 Garfield Heights Trinity (3-7) at 1 Leavittsburg LaBrae (9-1)

15 Wellington (4-6) at 2 Columbia Station Columbia (9-1)

14 Berlin Center Western Reserve (5-5) at 3 New Middletown Springfield (9-1)

13 Canton Central Catholic (4-6) at 4 Mogadore (7-3)

12 Jeromesville Hillsdale (6-4) at 5 Middlefield Cardinal (7-3)

11 Andover Pymatuning Valley (6-3) at 6 Creston Norwayne (7-3)

10 East Canton (5-3) at 7 Sullivan Black River (7-3)

9 Brookfield (6-3) at 8 Hanoverton United (8-1)

Division VI, Region 22

16 Delta (4-6) at 1 Archbold (10-0)

15 Northwood (4-4) at 2 Ashland Crestview (10-0)

14 Van Buren (4-5) at 3 Carey (9-1)

13 Toledo Ottawa Hills (6-4) at 4 Columbus Grove (10-0)

12 Bluffton (5-5) at 5 Liberty Center (8-2)

11 Attica Seneca East (6-4) at 6 Defiance Tinora (9-1)

10 Oregon Cardinal Stritch Catholic (5-3) at 7 North Robinson Colonel Crawford (9-1)

9 Collins Western Reserve (6-3) at 8 Gibsonburg (7-2)

Division VI, Region 23

16 Johnston Northridge (5-5) at 1 Beverly Fort Frye (7-1)

15 Lore City Buckeye Trail (4-5) at 2 Proctorville Fairland (8-1)

14 Lucasville Valley (4-6) at 3 West Jefferson (9-1)

13 Coal Grove Dawson-Bryant (5-4) at 4 Barnesville (7-1)

12 Columbus KIPP (6-4) at 5 Willow Wood Symmes Valley (9-0)

11 Fredericktown (5-5) at 6 Galion Northmor (8-2)

10 Worthington Christian (7-2) at 7 Columbus Africentric Early College (6-3)

9 Centerburg (6-3) at 8 Nelsonville-York (7-3)

Division VI, Region 24

16 St. Bernard-Elmwood Place (3-5) at 1 Mechanicsburg (10-0)

15 New Paris National Trail (4-6) at 2 Harrod Allen East (7-3)

14 Fort Recovery (3-7) at 3 Arcanum (8-2)

13 Delphos Jefferson (3-7) at 4 Coldwater (8-2)

12 Cincinnati Deer Park (3-7) at 5 Cincinnati Country Day (7-2)

11 Anna (4-6) at 6 Springfield Northeastern (7-3)

10 Milford Center Fairbanks (5-5) at 7 Bainbridge Paint Valley (5-4)

9 Cincinnati Gamble Montessori (6-2) at 8 Jamestown Greeneview (6-4)

Division VII, Region 25

16 Ashland Mapleton (3-6) at 1 Lucas (8-1)

15 Greenwich South Central (3-6) at 2 Norwalk St. Paul (8-1)

14 Monroeville (3-7) at 3 Warren John F Kennedy (6-2)

13 Vienna Mathews (6-3) at 4 Dalton (8-2)

12 Toronto (5-5) at 5 Independence (8-2)

11 Youngstown Valley Christian (7-2) at 6 Cuyahoga Heights (5-3)

10 Plymouth (5-4) at 7 Salineville Southern Local (7-3)

9 Lowellville (7-2) at 8 Malvern (8-2)

Division VII, Region 26

16 Dola Hardin Northern (6-4) at 1 Bascom Hopewell-Loudon (9-1)

15 Spencerville (5-5) at 2 Edon (9-1)

14 Convoy Crestview (6-4) at 3 Lima Central Catholic (8-2)

13 Arlington (8-2) at 4 McComb (9-1)

12 Defiance Ayersville (6-3) at 5 Leipsic (7-3)

11 Lima Perry (6-4) at 6 McGuffey Upper Scioto Valley (9-1)

10 Hamler Patrick Henry (6-4) at 7 Antwerp (8-2)

9 Sycamore Mohawk (5-5) at 8 Waynesfield-Goshen (8-2)

Division VII, Region 27

16 Danville (4-6) at 1 Newark Catholic (9-1)

15 Zanesville Bishop Rosecrans (4-6) at 2 Sugar Grove Berne Union (9-0)

14 Lancaster Fairfield Christian Academy (4-6) at 3 Shadyside (8-1)

13 Reedsville Eastern (4-4) at 4 Howard East Knox (8-2)

12 Lancaster Fisher Catholic (5-5) at 5 Glouster Trimble (7-2)

11 Bowerston Conotton Valley (5-4) at 6 Waterford (7-2)

10 Woodsfield Monroe Central (4-5) at 7 Hannibal River (6-4)

9 New Matamoras Frontier (5-3) at 8 Caldwell (5-4)

Division VII, Region 28

16 West Alexandria Twin Valley South (4-6) at 1 Maria Stein Marion Local (10-0)

15 Cincinnati Miami Valley Christian Academy (3-7) at 2 New Madison Tri-Village (9-1)

14 Troy Christian (6-4) at 3 Portsmouth Notre Dame (7-2)

13 Portsmouth Sciotoville Community (5-3) at 4 De Graff Riverside (7-3)

12 Fayetteville-Perry (5-5) at 5 Cincinnati College Preparatory Academy (7-2)

11 Ansonia (6-4) at 6 St. Henry (7-3)

10 Lockland (4-4) at 7 New Bremen (7-3)

9 Springfield Catholic Central (7-3) at 8 Fort Loramie (4-6)

WEST CHESTER TOWNSHIP, Ohio — While the Ohio high school football playoffs do not start until next week, the atmosphere said otherwise Friday night at Firebird Stadium.

Lakota West defeated Lakota East 34-7 to win its second straight Greater Miami Conference title in a sold-out stadium of 5,000 fans, renewing the district rivalry that started in 1998. The Firebirds lead the overall series 16-9, including a 14-9 regular-season record.

"What more can you ask for?" Lakota West coach Tom Bolden said. "A chance for sole possession in the league, playing your district rival."

The Firebirds led 10-0 at halftime after senior Jyaire Brown's 50-yard interception return with 50 seconds left in the second quarter set up a 15-yard touchdown pass connection from junior quarterback Mitch Bolden to junior wide receiver Trent Lloyd.

Junior kicker Tyler Bohn made a 33-yard field goal on the Firebirds' opening drive of the first quarter.

The Firebirds excelled in all three phases in the second half.

Lakota West (8-1) went ahead 17-0 early in the third quarter after junior Malik Hartford blocked a Thunderhawks' punt and senior Alex Afari returned it 30 yards for a touchdown. Afari had a game-high 11 tackles Friday night.

The Firebirds took a 24-0 lead about six minutes later when Mitch Bolden found Lloyd for the second touchdown pass connection of the night. Bolden, the son of Tom Bolden, said the GMC title is very significant for the Firebirds.

"We're building a great tradition here," Mitch Bolden said. "It's something nice."

Bohn made his second field goal of the night early in the fourth quarter to give the Firebirds a 27-7 lead.

Senior running back Cameron Goode scored on a 67-yard touchdown run with 5:23 left, and senior Hannah Duncan's third extra point of the night gave the Firebirds a 34-7 lead. Goode had 11 carries for 107 yards.

"This was definitely a statement game to show everybody in the playoffs we're going to play hard every game," Goode said.

Lakota West entered Friday night as the No. 3 seed in the Division I, Region 4 computer points standings and will likely host a first-round game next week. Lakota East (7-3) will also likely host a first-round game next week, according to Joe Eitel.

The Thunderhawks scored on a 6-yard run by junior quarterback TJ Kathman late in the third quarter. Senior linebacker Charlie Kenrich had a team-high seven tackles, according to game statistics.

CINCINNATI — It's Friday in late August so that means high school football is back in Ohio.

Some games are continuing as scheduled, like Lakota West at Colerain, but some teams had to cancel their games due to the pandemic.

Fenwick and Kings high schools both will not be playing in their games since they both had positive COVID-19 cases. However, the teams they were supposed to play, Edgewood and Winton Woods, will play against each other instead.

Ohio's Governor Mike DeWine gave the green light to high school football teams to play earlier in August, but he did give some restrictions in order to slow the spread of COVID-19.

One of the changes will be that game spectators will be limited to players' parents, family members or those closest to the student-athlete. Teams are also only allowed to dress 60 players. High school marching bands will also only be allowed to perform at their home games.

While football starts in Ohio, Kentucky's Board of Education is supposed to meet virtually Friday with the Kentucky High School Athletic Association's Board of Control to discuss fall sports moving forward. The current plan is for Kentucky teams to start their seasons on Sept. 11.

WEST CHESTER TOWNSHIP, Ohio — The Lakota West High School football team heard plenty of hype this week regarding Friday night's game against visiting Princeton.

"We didn't want to talk about it; we were just going to be about it, is what I told the kids," Lakota West coach Tom Bolden said. "We let our game speak for itself tonight. Bottom line."

The Firebirds defeated Princeton 24-0, scoring all of its points in the first half, en route to their third consecutive win this season.

Friday night was also Bolden's 150th career win, according to the Lakota West athletic department. Bolden, in his third season at Lakota West, has a 150-27 career record in 16 years.

"A lot of fun," Bolden said when asked about the career milestone. "150 - that's pretty wild. A lot of great players. A lot of great memories with those players and coaches. That's pretty cool."

Lakota West (3-1, 2-0 Greater Miami Conference) had plenty of offensive firepower to start the game. Junior quarterback Mitch Bolden – Tom's son – found junior Ben Minich for a 49-yard pass connection in the first play from scrimmage.

The drive was completed when junior Tyler Bohn made a 37-yard field goal to give the Firebirds a 3-0 lead at the 7:27 mark of the first quarter.

Lakota West forced Princeton on a three-and-out on its opening drive before Mitch Bolden scored on a 41-yard touchdown run with 2:19 left in the first quarter to help give the Firebirds a 10-0 lead.

Lakota West junior defensive back Joshua Fussell's interception early in the second quarter helped to set up the Firebirds' third score of the night.

Bolden found senior running back Cameron Goode on a 16-yard screen pass to help give the Firebirds a 17-0 lead at the 6:55 mark of the second quarter.

Goode had 16 carries for 92 yards and the touchdown reception.

"They blitzed, just rolled to the left, and I just knew I wasn't going to get touched," Goode said.

Bolden threw his second touchdown pass of the night late in the second quarter when he connected with senior Jyaire Brown for an 18-yard score to help give the Firebirds a 24-0 halftime lead.

Lakota West had 299 yards of total offense. The Firebirds' defense limited Princeton to 45 yards passing.

Lakota West senior linebacker Aden Miller had a team-high 11 tackles.

"It was a very hyped game, but we just came here and balled out and calmed down," said senior defensive back Alex Afari. "Our coaches told us, 'Don't make this a bigger game than it should be.'"

Princeton (3-1, 0-1 GMC) was led by sophomore quarterback TJ Engleman, who had 25 carries for 95 yards. Senior linebacker AJ Nunley had a team-high 11 tackles, including one sack and a forced fumble.

Princeton coach Andre Parker said after the game the Vikings would continue to improve this season and he is confident the Vikings are going in the right direction.

Parker and Bolden said their respective teams need to clean up the penalties. Princeton and Lakota West were penalized nine teams each Friday night.

Princeton plays host to Fairfield Sept. 17. Lakota West is scheduled to play at Hamilton Sept. 17.

WEST CHESTER TOWNSHIP, Ohio — There is no debate that Lakota West senior offensive tackle Tegra Tshabola is one of the nation's top high school football players in the 2022 class.

The 6-foot-6, 330-pound offensive lineman is verbally committed to The Ohio State University.

This past May, he committed to the prestigious All-American Bowl.

What may not be as commonly known is the 17-year-old with size 17 shoes speaks fluent French.

His family moved to West Chester Township more than a dozen years ago from the Democratic Republic of Congo where French is spoken. Tshabola had to learn English because French was his first language and is still spoken in his family.

"People usually don't know but then when they see me speak with my parents sometimes they look at me funny," Tshabola said.

Football has been also a common language in the Tshabola family for a number of years.

Tshabola has two elder brothers, Dan, a 2018 Lakota West graduate and former defensive lineman, and Michael, a 2016 graduate and former linebacker, who played for the Firebirds.

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Tegra used to stand next to the stadium bleachers as a young football player watching the Lakota West games while listening to the coaching staff instruct the team. He did everything he could to learn about the game from his brothers.

"They both played really hard," Tshabola said. "They taught me to play every play like it's your last so when I'm out here playing football I finish out every play."

Tshabola has had quite the journey since his freshman season when he played on the defensive line to his junior season when he was named a Division I first-team all-state offensive lineman.

Caleb Noe/WCPO

"He was a basketball kid, a good basketball player," said Lakota West coach Tom Bolden, who arrived at Lakota West for the 2019 season.

"He always had that athleticism but just everything was just so raw and not refined. Now he really works at his craft and his pass pro and his run blocking and all that. He's really, really stepped up and he's become a complete football player from the standpoint that it's not just him bullying people around. He's using the skill set that he has now."

Soft-spoken and unassuming off the field, Tshabola is imposing between the lines. He's seen defensive linemen do anything possible to try to avoid his blocking. Tshabola said he is patient in waiting to put his hands on a defender in a game and perfecting his craft in practice.

"I'm an offensive lineman so I like hitting so you get to come out here, you get to grind it out,"
Tshabola said.

"You get to work with your friends that you see every day. Come out here and all work to achieve the same goal."

Tshabola embraced his role as a captain and has made it a point to help younger players this season.

"This program I've learned that when you really want something you got to really put in the work if you want to get somewhere far in life," Tshabola said. "I've definitely bought into that. I've been working hard trying to get up to Ohio State soon in January."

Tshabola will graduate from Lakota West in December and join Ohio State as an early enrollee in January.

"He's got the tools," Lakota West offensive line coach Jeff Wadl said. "He's obviously got the size. But, he's got the strength and he works hard in the weight room so he's got a good work ethic there. I think what I've really seen him do this year is be more cognizant of his technique and things he needs to do especially at the next level."

Bolden said Tshabola's best football days are ahead of him.

"It will be really cool to see in a couple of years from now with a couple college seasons under his belt what he does," Bolden said. "Because like I said I think he's gotten better each year and I think the sky is the limit with him."

Tshabola, who has worked with Bengals great and Pro Football Hall of Famer Anthony Muñoz, would like to play in the NFL. He'd also like to help others along the way.

"My biggest goal is to train other athletes, train other kids," Tshabola said. "My dream is to have a training facility, like a big national training facility for people to come to."

CINCINNATI — Four Greater Cincinnati high school football games canceled last week due to the number of COVID-19 quarantined student-athletes.

Three games are canceled this Friday and another contest is already off the schedule for Sept. 3.

These cancellations, or what are considered no contests in Ohio, may only be the beginning this fall season. The reality is a sobering thought after a significant challenge for schools during the 2020-21 school year.

"I don't unfortunately see it changing which stinks," Wyoming High School athletic director Jan Wilking said. "It's going to continue to be a mad shuffle for games and to get everybody back at school and doing the right thing. I wish we were in this for the short run but unfortunately it's looking like another school year of mad shuffling and trying to just piece things together which will be a lot."

The natural reaction during this time of the delta variant is to wonder if history is repeating itself from 2020 when a number of games around Ohio were canceled in the first few weeks.

"No, I do not believe it's a here we go again situation," said Lakota West athletic director Scott Kaufman, who is the Ohio High School Athletic Association board of directors president. "I do believe it's time to reset and go back to some protocols from last year to minimize the number of quarantines that we're going through."

OHSAA

On Wednesday, the National Federation of State High School Athletic Associations announced it has partnered with the NCAA, the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee, the National Athletic Trainers' Association, eight national medical organizations and the U.S. Department of Education to promote COVID-19 vaccination in school-age students ages 12-18.

The District of Columbia, Hawaii and Connecticut are among the state athletic associations with campaigns to promote vaccinations.

The Hawaii High School Athletic Association has delayed its football season to Sept. 24 and is requiring all student-athletes, staff and volunteers to be fully vaccinated.

In Ohio, there are no state mandates regarding vaccinations, masks and social distancing. School districts and local health departments could set their own requirements.

Wilking said the parameters are clear in Wyoming City Schools for students to be able to fully participate in school and interscholastic athletics.

"As far as what we can do to prevent outbreaks and to keep kids in school which is what we all want whether they're being the star of the play or the star of the tennis team; you know vaccinations help," Wilking said. "You don't have to quarantine if you are vaccinated and masking helps."

Kaufman said too many people entered this fall season thinking circumstances were back to normal. Now is the time for teams to look in the mirror and take full responsibility.

"What are you willing to sacrifice in order to save your season?" Kaufman said. "We know the delta variant is more contagious than what we dealt with a year ago. And it's hard to believe that we are dealing with something worse than a year ago. It's a shame we are dealing with it because we have a solution."

If a student-athlete tests positive for COVID-19, that individual has to isolate for 10 days and receive medical clearance to return to play.

If a student-athlete is unmasked and unvaccinated and considered to be a close contact, the quarantine is a minimum of 10 days but that can be reduced to eight days if a negative test occurs after five days.

"We all need to be going back to our protocols and restrictions athletically that we started with last fall," Kaufman said. "Everything that we did last fall was designed to keep the kids healthy, to minimize the possibility of A: infection but B: being quarantined because of a close contact."

The Ohio High School Athletic Association said 16 season openers were canceled statewide last week.

The OHSAA said last week it is discussing policies related to COVID-19 cancellations and how that might impact the Harbin ratings, also known as the computer points playoff system.

Prior to 2020, there was an eight-game minimum in order to qualify for the postseason.

In Kentucky, there were 17 high school football games canceled out of 120 contests scheduled last week, according to the Kentucky High School Athletic Association.

Six games have been canceled this week out of 117 scheduled on the KHSAA website.

KHSAA

"Schools just send us a report," KHSAA spokesperson Dan White said. "They go through the website and they report that game as a COVID cancellation and they are able to say if the COVID situation is with the home team or if it's with the visitor team."

The result is initially entered as the team with the quarantined student-athletes takes a loss while the opposing team receives the win. There are also procedures if both teams are in quarantine.

White said teams may choose to reschedule that canceled game or find other opponents which would change the initial result.

Cancellations involving soccer games and girls volleyball matches are also tracked weekly, White said.

"The (KHSAA) commissioner (Julian Tackett) is always in communication with the schools," White said. "Our COVID-19 guidance is up on the website so schools have been sent that. Obviously, keeping track of the virus as it changes."

Athletic administrators know circumstances change from hour to hour. They are starting to wonder about the winter season, too.

"It concerns me because we're still in summer months and if we don't get this more under control with the help of vaccinations by the time it gets colder and we're indoors, I worry about how many more steps backwards we're going to take," Kaufman said.

Whether it was St. Xavier's win over visiting Lakota West, Princeton's 58 points, or plenty of other highlights, there was plenty to discuss from Week 1 of the Ohio high school football season.

This week's WCPO Insider includes a conversation with Taylor football coach David Dransman as the Yellow Jackets won their first season opener since 2015.

Dransman and seniors Harry Hilvert and Johnny Kearns discuss the optimism within the program after a 38-17 win at Greenon Aug. 20.

"And after that win it was just like really clear to me that there is something special here that hasn't been present in the past years," Kearns said.

You will also hear from St. Xavier coach Steve Specht, Princeton coach Andre Parker and Cincinnati Country Day coach Dennis Coyle. Cincinnati Country Day opened its renovated stadium before a 56-0 win over visiting Manchester.

Listen to this episode in the player above.

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SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP, Ohio — St. Xavier football coach Steve Specht said the Bombers are still in the process of figuring out their identity as a team.

If Friday night was any indication, the Bombers are giving a strong first impression to the 2021 season, a year after winning the Division I state championship.

St. X scored 28 unanswered points in a 31-14 win over visiting Lakota West in front of 5,300 fans at Ballaban Field at RDI Stadium.

"Look at our cheering section," Specht said. "We've got 400 kids, 500 kids coming out to support their school's team. The band is playing tonight. This is living. What happened last year – these kids didn't get to live. They're living now. I think that's a bigger victory than anybody winning or losing on the field tonight is the fact that these kids get to compete again. That's exciting."

St. Xavier senior linebacker Grant Lyons, a Miami University verbal commitment, was named the Skyline Chili Crosstown Showdown MVP after two key interceptions, including a pick-six in the third quarter to give the Bombers (1-0) the lead for good.

"It was awesome," Lyons said. "I love playing out here with my guys. We work so hard all offseason and it showed up tonight. It was a lot of fun."

St. X, ranked No. 22 nationally by MaxPreps, took an early 3-0 lead when senior kicker Mason Rohmiller made a 27-yard field goal to complete a 13-play, 44-yard drive that took 3:47.

Lakota West struck twice in the second quarter and took a 14-3 lead midway through the quarter.

Junior quarterback Mitch Bolden found sophomore Brennan Remy for a 4-yard touchdown pass and senior Tyler Sparnall added the extra point at the 8:52 mark to give Lakota West a 7-0 lead.

The Firebirds took advantage of a St. X special teams turnover and capitalized.

Bolden found senior wide receiver Alex Afari in the corner of the end zone for a 30-yard touchdown pass connection to help give the Firebirds a 14-3 lead.

The Bombers closed the gap to 14-10 at halftime after senior running back Charles Kellom scored on a 5-yard touchdown run with 2:24 left in the first half.

Lyons gave the Bombers the lead for good on his 27-yard interception return for a touchdown early in the third quarter.

Senior quarterback Brogan McCaughey found senior Max Klare for a 25-yard touchdown pass connection five minutes later to give St. X a 24-14 advantage.

Kellom scored on his second touchdown carry late in the fourth quarter to help give the Bombers a 31-14 lead.

McCaughey was 11 of 21 passing for 113 yards and a touchdown. Kellom rushed for 101 yards and two touchdowns. Senior linebacker Max Bonner had a team-high eight tackles.

St. X plays at Colerain (0-1) Aug. 27.

Lakota West, which plays host to West Clermont (0-1) Aug. 27, couldn't find consistency on the offensive side in the second half.

Lakota West coach Tom Bolden said the Firebirds lost junior wide receiver Trent Lloyd to an injury in the first quarter and that impacted the offense.

Mitch Bolden, Tom's son, had 81 yards rushing and 103 yards passing. Senior linebacker Aden Miller had a game-high 10 tackles.

Bolden said he was proud of the Firebirds' effort, especially on the defensive side. He said several younger players gained experience, too.

The top-ranked team in the Blitz 5 Top 25 poll St. Xavier Bombers started off their season with a mark in the win column after overcoming an early 14-3 deficit to knock off the second-ranked Lakota West Firebirds 31-14 in Week 1 of the 2021 high school football season.

St. Xavier struck first in the opening quarter when Mason Rohmiller nailed a 27-yard field goal to put the Bombers up 3-0.

The Firebirds took over in the second quarter, however, when Mitch Bolden found Brennan Remy for a four-yard score, followed by a 30-yard touchdown pass from Bolden to Alex Afari from 30 yards out.

Just before the half, St. Xavier inched closer to the Firebirds with a five-yard scoring scamper from Charles Kellum, taking the halftime score to 14-10 in favor of Lakota West.

The second half was all Bombers, starting with a pick-six from Grant Lyons, returning it 24 yards to give St. Xavier the 17-14 lead. Lyons would go on to pick off another pass later in the game, finishing with two interceptions, a sack, and four solo tackles.

A 25-yard pass from Brogan McCaughey to Max Klare and a 13-yard rush from Kellum would scap off the 28-0 run for the Bombers, solidifying the 31-14 win.

McCaughey led the Bombers with 113 yards through the air and a touchdown. Charles Kellum went for 107 yards on the ground on 24 rushes and two touchdowns .

Mitch Bolden led the Firebirds both through the air and on the ground, going for 8-for-21, 103 yards and two touchdowns passing while contributing 81 yards on the ground.

SCORING BY QUARTERS

Lakota West 0-14-0-0-0

St. Xavier 3-7-14-7-0

SCORING PLAYS

St. X: Mason Rohmiller 27-yard FG (3-0)

LW: Mitch Bolden to Brennan Remy 4-yard pass (L 7, StX 3)

LW: Mitch Bolden to Alex Afari 30-yard pass (L 14, StX 3)

St. X: Charles Kellum 5-yrd run (L 14, StX 10)

St. X: Grant Lyons pick 6 (St. X 17, L 14)

St. X: Brogan McCaughey to Max Klare 25-yard pass (St. X 24, L 14)

St. X: Kellum 13-yard run (St. X 31, L 14)

RECORDS: Lakota West (0-1); St. Xavier (1-0)

UP NEXT: Lakota West vs. West Clermont; St. Xavier at Colerain

*Stay updated on high school football updates by following @TSFootball on Twitter.

WEST CHESTER TOWNSHIP, Ohio — Lakota West senior cornerback Jyaire Brown announced Friday afternoon he has committed to the 2022 All-American Bowl.

Brown, who is verbally committed to Ohio State, is the second Lakota West football player in the 2022 class to commit to the prestigious all-star game next January.

Lakota West senior offensive tackle Tegra Tshabola committed to the game in early May.

The All-American Bowl is scheduled for Jan. 8, 2022 at the Alamodome in San Antonio. The game is scheduled to be televised on NBC at 1 p.m. ET.

The 2022 game is scheduled to be the first time two teammates from the same Greater Cincinnati high school program have been on the All-American Bowl roster together since former Taft defensive end Adolphus Washington and former Taft wide receiver Dwayne Stanford in 2012, according to the game's all-time participant list.

The All-American Bowl, formerly the U.S. Army All-American Bowl, has been played since 2001.

Lakota West is scheduled to open the season against St. Xavier Aug. 20 -- a rematch of last season's Division I regional final that St. X won at Lakota West.

Brown is the 10th Lakota West football player to be recognized as receiving an All-American honor, according to Lakota West sports information director Darren Walters. Tshabola was the ninth player on the list.

The past Lakota West football players include:

• Linebacker Jordan Hicks (Under Armour All-America Game)
• Offensive lineman Kevin Schloemer (Offense-Defense Bowl)
• Tight end Alex Smith (Offense-Defense Bowl)
• Center Ryan Kelly (Under Armour All-America Game, but did not play due to injury)
• Running back Mikel Horton (Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl)
• Offensive lineman George Asafo-Adjei (Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl)
• Cornerback Sean Mahone (Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl)
• Linebacker Xavier Peters (Under Armour All-America Game)