The Avon Eagles have secured the No. 3 seed in the Division II playoffs following the announcement of final computer ratings by the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) on October 26. This placement allows Avon, along with other notable teams including Columbia and North Ridgeville, to enjoy a first-round bye. The Eagles will host a regional quarterfinal match on November 7, aiming to defend their state championship title.
Avon entered Week 10 as the No. 2 seed but fell to Wadsworth, which defeated Solon 50-21, causing Avon to drop in the rankings. In their last match, Avon dominated Elyria with a decisive 47-7 victory. To advance past the regional quarterfinals, the Eagles must overcome the winner of the game between No. 11 Fremont Ross and No. 6 Olmsted Falls. This matchup will take place at Olmsted Falls, presenting a familiar challenge for Avon, who has faced Olmsted Falls multiple times in recent years.
North Ridgeville, also benefiting from a first-round bye, is poised to host No. 5 Whitehouse Anthony Wayne in their quarterfinal. The Rangers nearly pulled off an upset last year against the Generals, losing 21-16 as the No. 13 seed. Anthony Wayne will need to defeat No. 12 Toledo Start to set up this matchup. The experience gained from last year’s encounter provides North Ridgeville with confidence as they head into the next round.
In a remarkable achievement, Fairview will host its first playoff game in program history after defeating Cabell Midland 56-41 in West Virginia. The seventh-seeded Warriors are set to face No. 10 Fredericktown (8-2) in Division V Region 18. This playoff appearance marks Fairview’s fourth in its history, and they are eager to secure their first playoff victory.
Other local teams have also made the playoffs. Midview qualified in Division III Region 10 and will travel to face No. 5 Rocky River. The Middies, seeded 12th, will seek to upset their higher-seeded opponent. Similarly, Clearview, with a recent four-game winning streak, is set to take on No. 6 Sandusky Perkins in Division IV Region 14. Perkins is the defending Division IV state runner-up, adding to the challenge for Clearview.
Columbia, fresh off winning the Lorain County League title against Firelands, enters the playoffs with a first-round bye as the No. 3 seed in Division VI Region 21. They will host the winner of the matchup between No. 11 Columbiana and No. 6 Dalton, looking to capitalize on their strong season.
The upcoming first-round games are scheduled for October 31, with regional quarterfinals taking place on November 7. Below are key matchups for the area teams:
Division II Region 6
– No. 3 Avon: First-round bye, hosts winner of (11) Fremont Ross at (6) Olmsted Falls
– No. 4 North Ridgeville: First-round bye, hosts winner of (12) Toledo Start at (5) Whitehouse Anthony Wayne
Division III Region 10
– No. 5 Rocky River: Hosts (12) Midview
Division IV Region 14
– No. 7 Bay: Hosts (10) Lodi Cloverleaf
– No. 11 Clearview: At (6) Sandusky Perkins
Division V Region 18
– No. 7 Fairview: Hosts (10) Fredericktown
Division VI Region 21
– No. 3 Columbia: First-round bye, hosts winner of (11) Columbiana at (6) Dalton
Excitement is building as these teams prepare for the playoffs, with strong performances expected as they vie for advancement in the postseason.
