
A Brief Look at the Division II State Playoffs
A Brief Look at the Division II State Playoffs
Division II this year comprises 124 teams, spread across four regions, 64 of which will qualify for postseason play and a chance to win the next state title. Loveland grabbed the first DII crown following the state’s realignment of the divisions in 2013. And for the next seven years, the top spot was shared exclusively by Cincinnati LaSalle and Akron Hoban. But since then, four different teams have taken home the trophy, none having the name LaSalle or Hoban. And a new first-time winner could emerge once again, with the division continuing to cultivate competitive teams.
REGION 7
Massillon once again sits in Region 7, with the majority of the schools located in the Columbus area. While the Tigers have traditionally been the class of the group, this year they are not alone. That’s because Big Walnut, which captured the region last season, returns fourteen starters from a year ago and is anticipating another deep run in the playoffs. In last year’s regional finals the Eagles weathered a driving rainstorm to defeat Massillon by the score of 14-7, in a game during which the Tigers dominated the statistics, only to commit 19 false starts, which in essence shut down their vaunted offense. And that offense is all but gone for this year. So, consider this potential matchup as a tossup.
Below is a 5-year look back at all the teams in Region 7. The chart shows both Massillon and Big Walnut on top of the heap, with the Tigers owning three regional titles and the Eagles one. The fifth went to Green, which currently resides in Region 5. Aside from these two, New Albany and Columbus DeSales have also shown some good history. But the remainder of the teams have struggled to be competitive. In fact, nearly half of the teams have produced zero playoff wins over the last five years.
STATE-WIDE
Across the state, the dominant teams over the past five years have been Akron Hoban, Avon and Massillon. All three have won state titles. All three have won over twenty playoffs games. All three have won at least three regional titles. And all three have qualified for the playoffs in each of the five years. And that trend is expected to continue this year.
Nevertheless, there may be some competition in each region. In Region 5, look for Walsh to challenge Hoban. In Region 6, Avon may face off like last year with Medina Highland, which returns their starting quarterback. And Anderson may need to fend off a resurging Cincinnati LaSalle team.
The chart below summarizes the playoff successes for all of the better teams in the state.
Below is a brief summary of each primary contender (including All-Ohio placement and recruiting ranking).
REGION 5
Akron Hoban (12-3) – Last year lost 35-10 in the state semifinals to Avon. Returns 5 starters on offense and 4 on defense, including offensive lineman Sam Greer (1st Team, 4-star), defensive back Elbert Hill (1st Team, 4-star), running back Brayton Feister (2nd Team, 4-star), wide receivers Peyton Cook (3-star) and Ace Brown (3-star), plus newcomer quarterback Nick Kinsey (3-star).
Walsh Jesuit (13-1) – Returns wide receiver Milan Parris (1st Team, 3-star), offensive lineman Colton Crosley (2nd Team) and linebacker Caden Carter (3rd Team) and James Brewer III (3-star).
Others: Austintown Fitch, Nordonia.
REGION 6
Avon (16-0) – Last year won the Division II state title with a 20-13 victory over Cincinnati Anderson. Returns 4 starters on offense and 3 on defense, including defensive back Jakob Weatherspoon (1st Team, 4-star).
Medina Highland (13-1) – Last year lost 28-20 in the regional finals to Avon. Returns quarterback Casey Myaer (1st Team).
Others: Wadsworth, Anthony Wayne.
REGION 7
Massillon (11-3) – Last year lost 14-7 in the regional finals to Big Walnut. Returns 2 starters on offense and 6 on defense, including senior inside linebacker Jay’Dyn Williams (3-star), senior cornerback Lenox Lemon (3-star), senior defensive lineman Zay-shawn Murray, junior wide receiver Deontay Malone, junior defensive lineman Joe Karder, junior offensive lineman Marcus Garner and junior backup running back Savior Owens.
Big Walnut (13-2) – Last year lost 28-24 in the state semifinals to Cincinnati Anderson. Returns 7 starters on offense and 7 on defense, including running back Nolan Buirley (1st), linebacker Eli Helton (1st Team), defensive back Brody Hatfield (1st Team), offensive lineman Jake Wecker (1st Team), linebacker Clint Stover (4-star recruit) and Owen Pollock (3-star).
Others: Ashland, Columbus DeSales and New Albany.
REGION 8
Cincinnati Anderson (15-1) – Last year lost 20-13 in the state finals to Avon. Returns 1 starter on offense and 2 on defense, including linebacker Antwoine Higgins (2nd Team, 4-star), defensive back Ace Alston (2nd Team, 4-star) and defensive back Ke’Maury Tye.
Cincinnati LaSalle (11-3) – Last year lost 28-21 in the regional finals to Cincinnati Anderson. Rerturns defensive lineman Naim Jackson and offensive lineman Mahmir Davis.
Others: Kings, Vandalia Butler, Harrison, Trotwood Madison.