NEO High School Football: Ohio High School Playoff Predictions

Playoff time is here in Ohio high school football. Teams are getting ready to try and make a run to the championship down in Columbus. It was a great season with plenty of impressive performances by teams and individuals alike. The season has culminated into teams in seven divisions fighting their way to a championship title. Divisions II, III, V, and VII will start their playoff action on Friday, while Divisions I, IV, and VI will start on Saturday.

With the playoffs here, I will give my predictions on who will win each division as well as who will win the Ohio Mr. Football award this season. Give me your predictions in the comments below.

NEO High School Recaps: Preseason | Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3 | Week 4 | Week 5 | Week 6 | Week 7 | Week 8 | Week 9 | Week 10 | Playoff Predictions

Division I

Huber Heights Wayne

Last season’s state runner-up, Huber Heights Wayne is my prediction for the 2015 State Champion in Division I. Wayne went undefeated during the regular season, earning the third seed in a deep Region 2. Wayne is led by one of the best players in the state, quarterback Messiah DeWeaver. A Michigan State commit, DeWeaver is an accurate quarterback with good decision-making, having thrown only two interceptions compared to 22 touchdowns this season. Wayne will get revenge for their tough defeat in championship last season.

Division II

Cincinnati La Salle

My Division II state champion prediction is Cincinnati La Salle, the defending champs. La Salle went 8-2 in the regular season and earned the No. 1 seed in Region 6. The Lancers played a Division I schedule this season, taking on the likes of Archbishop Moeller, Colerain, Elder, and St. Xavier. La Salle was the only team to beat Colerain, who is the No. 1 seed in Division I, Region 2. The Lancers will be ready for anyone they will face in the Division II playoffs.

Division III

Benedictine

My choice for Division III state champion is Benedictine. Benedictine was perfect during the season, earning them the No. 1 seed in Region 8. The Bengals are star-studded on offense with the three-headed monster of receiver Justin Layne, running back DeCavilon Reese, and running back Dontez Rash. They also have a tough defense to score against. They ended the season with a dominant win over then-undefeated Archbishop Hoban. The defending champs look poised to win the whole thing again.

Division IV

Steubenville

In Division IV, my pick for state champion is Steubenville. Steubenville won all nine of their games, helping them earn the No. 1 seed in Region 13. Even with one less game played, their schedule’s toughness earned that top seed. The Big Red beat Clinton-Massie, Ursuline, and St. Clairsville, all of whom made the playoffs this season. Steubenville has a rich history of success, so the playoff run this season will not be anything new to them.

Division V

Coldwater

Defending champion Coldwater is my pick to win the Division V championship. Coldwater was undefeated during the season at 10-0, which helped them get the No. 3 seed in Region 18. Wins over Minster and Jefferson burnished the Cavaliers’ resume. The experience they earned last season in their championship run should be very helpful for another in 2015.

Division VI

Maria Stein Marion Local

Marion Stein Marion Local is my pick to win the Division VI championship. Marion Local went 9-1 this season, earning them the top seed in Region 22. After winning the Division VII championship last season, Marion Local moved up to Division VI. Their success continued through the move up, including wins over the likes of Minster and McComb. Their only loss came to undefeated Coldwater, who I picked as the State Champion of Division V.

Division VII

Warren John F. Kennedy

My final pick is Warren John F. Kennedy to win the title in Division VII. John F. Kennedy was 9-1 this season, which helped them earn the No. 1 seed in Region 23. The Eagles’ only loss came in a close defeat to Crestview, who is the No. 1 seed in Division V, Region 15. John F. Kennedy’s 9-1 record earned the most playoff points of any Division VII team in the postseason.

Mr. Football Prediction

QB Peyton Ramsey, Elder 

Quarterback Peyton Ramsey has had a great year leading his Elder Panthers into the Division I playoffs. On the season, Ramsey threw for 2,139 yards, 21 touchdowns, and just six interceptions, while also adding 876 yards and 11 touchdowns on the ground. Ramsey led the Panthers to a 7-3 record and the No. 5 seed in Division I, Region 2. He is a dual threat quarterback who can hurt a defense with his arm or legs.