OHSAA Football Playoffs 2025: Updated Brackets, Live Scores & Top Storylines

The race to Canton intensifies this Friday as the 2025 OHSAA football playoffs move into the regional semifinals, and every division still features heavyweight contenders with perfect records on the line. Higher-seeded teams will host across all seven divisions, setting up can’t-miss showdowns that will decide who reaches next week’s neutral-site regional finals. Division I spotlight • Lakewood St. Edward vs. Toledo Whitmer: The two-time defending state champs face a Whitmer squad that shut down Strongsville to advance. • Mentor vs. Canton McKinley: Mentor’s unbeaten season collides with the Bulldogs’ resurgent offense, which averages 38 points a night. Division II games of the week • Akron Hoban vs. Hudson: Hoban’s five-title pedigree meets a Hudson defense allowing just 11 points per game. • Medina Highland vs. North Ridgeville: Both teams are 11-0, but Highland’s balanced attack (2,300 rush yards, 2,100 pass) looks playoff-ready. Small-school showdowns • Division VI No. 1 Kirtland puts its 41-game win streak on the line against Smithville. • Division VII power Marion Local hosts Fort Recovery after posting six straight playoff shutouts. Bracket buzz and path to state • Regional finals (Nov. 21) move to neutral sites; state semifinals follow on Nov. 28. • The championship weekend returns to Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Dec. 4-6, where seven gold trophies await. How to follow the action • Digital tickets go on sale each Monday at OHSAA.org/tickets—no cash at the gate. • Spectrum News 1 will televise a featured game from every region, while additional contests stream on the NFHS Network. • Live scoreboards update statewide every few minutes on MaxPreps and High School Football America, so fans can monitor every bracket in real time. Key storylines to watch 1. Can Mentor finally break through after four straight regional-final losses? 2. Will Marion Local add to its state-record 14 titles? 3. Which Division II contender emerges from the “Region 6 gauntlet,” where all four teams are 10-1 or better? What’s next Winners this Friday will re-seed for state semifinals, so margins of victory matter; expect coaches to keep starters in late to secure top positioning. With winter weather looming and championship dreams at stake, the 2025 OHSAA football playoffs are entering their most dramatic chapter yet—one where every snap could rewrite Ohio high-school history.