CLEVELAND, Ohio – Archbishop Hoban dominated his path to a fifth OHSAA state soccer championship in six years last fall. The Knights did it with 11 returning starters on defense and a fourth year quarterback at Shane Hamm.
They don’t have that experience this year, but should remain one of the favorites in Division II with Cincinnati La Salle, Massillon and Cincinnati Winton Woods.
Hoban added to his non-conference schedule, opening with the Division I semi-finalist in Springfield, and adding a trip to the Division III powerhouse, Kettering, Archbishop Alter. The OHSAA, however extends its playoffs this year 16 teams per region or 64 for each of the seven divisions. Teams are not severely penalized in playoff qualifiers with a difficult schedule.
The road leads to Canton’s Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium for the state championships between Thursday December 2nd and Saturday December 4th.
Here are the 10 best Ohio high school football teams in Division II entering the 2021 season:
End of 2020: 11-0, national champion
About the Knights: Hoban throttles Massillon with a 35-6 Win for the crown with the most skilled defense and quarterback in the state. The strength of this year’s Hoban team is on the offensive with four returning starters including Tackle Colton Burkhart and Junior Guard Drew Holt. A third year junior is back on defensive with Jason Martin III, while speedster Markim McKinnie returns as cornerback with a likely bigger role on the offensive backcourt.
End of 2020: 8-3, state semi-finalist
About the Lancers: La Salle has arguably the toughest schedule in the state, opening with Colerain and Winton Woods as well as a matchup with the IMG Academy. They also face three out-of-state opponents before finishing the regular season at the defending champions of Division I, St. Xavier, Trotwood-Madison, and a home game against Elder. The 2019 national champion lost his title rematch to Massillon last season and brought back All-Ohio lineman Paul Haywood with kicker Mason Luensman.
A question mark surrounds All-Ohio Dual Threat quarterback Zach Branam (Navy) replacement, who passed 1,536 yards in 2020 and stormed an additional 1,395 yards while scoring 30 touchdowns. The leading tackler Will Heffner is also gone. Senior running back Gi’Bran Payne is one to watch out for after playing through an injury last year, but he’s a Division I college contender with offers from Alabama, Florida and many others.
End of 2020: 9-1, regional finalist
About the Warriors: Winton Woods lost to La Salle in the regional final, but has plenty of cast members back from all walks of life for their senior season. Linebacker Seven Blue, running back TyRek Spikes, lead the way with linemen William Edwards and Jayron Gibson. There will be an adjustment for this program with first year coach Chad Murphy promoted from quarterbacks coach.
Massillon RB Willtrell Hartson (25) is crammed by a bunch of Hoban defenders in the second half of Hoban’s win over Massillon 35-6 in the Division II Championship football game. Akron Archbishop Hoban and Massillon Washington played the title game at Paul Brown Stadium in Massillon on Friday, November 20, 2020.David Petkiewicz, cleveland.com
End of 2020: 10-2, national finalist
About the Tigers: Outstanding running back Willtrell Hartson returns for a Massillon team that lost to Hoban at home in the state championship. The Tigers strengthened their line with Junior Marcus Moore from Beachwood.
End of 2020: 7-1, regional semi-finalist
About the Wildcats: Westerville South faced Massillon in the playoffs and lost 45-36. Penn State Commit Kaden Saunders is back on receiver with other All-Ohio selections Tyler O’Reilly on offensive and Brandon Armstrong on secondary line.
Walsh Jesuit coach Nick Alexander communicates with his quarterback during a seven-on-seven game at Solon on Wednesday, July 24, 2019.Matt Goul, cleveland.com
End of 2020: 5-2, quarter-finalist of the region
About the Warriors: Before last year, Walsh Jesuit hadn’t reached the playoffs since 2014. Trainer Nick Alexander has revitalized the program and is in his third year as an executive with recurring standout Will Rumple at running back, linebacker Kasey Kish and defensive back Charlie Klug. started.
Hudson WR Aiden Lal (2) is caught by Hoban’s Darryl Peterson (17) during the first half action at Archbishop Hoban High School in Akron Friday evening November 6, 2020 during action between Hoban and Hudson High School.David Petkiewicz, cleveland.com
End of 2020: 9-1, regional finalist
About the Explorers: Hudson saw a great high school graduate after last season, but the Air Force signed Aiden Lal back to the backcourt. All-district recipient Colin Pierce is also back with one of the best sophomore offensive tackles in Northeast Ohio in Tommy Ricard and an experienced secondary with Ryan Suydam and Ryan Evans at the helm.
Avon linebacker Gavin Ehrhardt pulls down Avon Lake at Avon High School in the first half, November 6, 2020, and runs Gage Duesler out of the boundaries of his jersey.John Kuntz, cleveland.com
End of 2020: 10-1, state semi-finalist
About the Eagles: Can Avon do it again after his fourth straight semi-final run? The Eagles were hit hard by graduating with a class of 2021 that included Lorain County Golden Helmet winner and All-Ohio quarterback Niko Pappas, as well as starters in almost every position. The strength of this Avon team starts with its linebackers with three returning starters including Gavin Ehrhardt, Trevor Norman and Jackson Blodgett. The Eagles also have one of the best kickers in the state with Nathanial Vakos.
End of 2020: 7-3, regional semi-finalist
About the Redskins: Anderson faced heavyweight La Salle in the playoffs but brings back some outstanding performances at the receiver. It has to replace third team All-Ohio quarterback Jackson Kuhn, but Tennessee signs Brody Foley in the end. He made All-Ohio on the defensive last year. Defense will be a strength with him and fellow All-Ohio linebacker Casey O’Toole.
10. Piqua
End of 2020: 7-1, quarter-finalist of the region
About the Indians: All-Ohio lineman Caleb Lyons and kicker Jackson Trombley are back for a Piqua team that lost to Cincinnati Anderson in the playoffs to a touchdown. The Indians also have returning all-district running back Brady Ouhl, linebacker Tanner Kemp and defensive back Jasiah Medley.
Contact sports reporter Matt Goul on Twitter (@mgoul) or E-Mail ([email protected]).
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