The Ohio High School Athletic Association has released its regional assignments for the 2018 football playoffs.  With the incorporated changes, Massillon’s Region 7 just got a little tougher with the addition of Massillon Perry plus several Division 2 powers from just west of Cleveland.

Gone is Dublin Scioto, which defeated the Tigers in the first round of the 2015 playoffs.  They are now in Region 8.  Also transferring to other regions within Division 2 are Boardman, Westerville North, Franklin Heights, Youngstown East, Big Walnut and Columbus Briggs.

The newcomers via transfer have significantly improved Region 7.  They include Barberton, Medina Highland, Wadsworth and Green.  Also coming in are Perry from Division 1 and Dover from Division 3.  Tri-Valley returns to Division 2 after a 1-year stay in D3.

Region 5 remains largely intact, with Akron Hoban the dominant power, competing with the likes of Cleveland Benedictine, Walsh Jesuit and Hudson.  Barberton has been moved to Region 7.

Region 6 is also much the same, aside from the significant addition of Toledo Central Catholic.  With a base enrollment matched for Division 4, competitive balance numbers have pushed them up the ladder to Division 2.  Central has qualified for the playoffs in each of the last 5 years, all in Division 3.  Four times they were regional champs and once they were regional runner-up.  In 2014 they captured the state title.  Central will compete with Avon, Grafton Midview, Toledo St. John’s and Toledo St. Francis.  Highland and Wadsworth have been moved to Region 7.

Region 7, as noted above, is significantly stronger owing to the addition of Perry and transfers from within the division.  Here is a short rundown:

• Massillon – 2018 Region 7 champion.  Qualified in 4 of the last 5 years.
• Perry – 2016 and 2017 state runner-up.  Qualified in 4 of the last 5 years, including last year in Division 1.
• Medina Highland – 2013 Region 6 champion.  Qualified in 4 of the last 5 years.
• New Albany – Qualified in 3 of the last 5 years.
• Tri-Valley – Qualified in 4 of the last 5 years, albeit 3 times in Division 3.
• Worthington Kilbourne – Qualified 3 times in the last five years, none since 2015.
• Barberton – 2017 Region 5 runner-up to Akron Hoban.  Only appearance in the last 5 years.
• Lake – Qualified twice in the last 5 years.
• Dover – Qualified 3 times in the last 5 years, all in Division 3.

Challenging in Region 8 will be Cincinnati LaSalle and Cincinnati Winton Woods.  However, Dublin Scioto has been moved from Region 7 to add some strength.