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Ohio High School Football Rankings: Preseason Top 25 teams

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Ohio High School Football Rankings: Preseason Top 25 teams


Football is right around the corner in Ohio, and the Buckeye State is once again set to produce some of the best high school talent in the Midwest. Scrimmages may start on Aug. 9 with the regular season kicking off 10 days later on Aug. 19.

Preseason rankings are out, and according to the Massey Ratings — a model that combines statistics and ratings such as offensive and defensive power, as well home field advantage and strength of schedule — a three-time defending Ohio state champion ranks inside the top 50.

Four schools from the state of Ohio are in the top 100 nationwide — led by the Lakewood St. Edward Eagles. Below are the top 25 teams in Ohio heading into the 2024 season.

St. Edward finished 2023 as the Ohio Division I state champions after a 31-21 victory over Springfield. The Eagles went 15-1 with its lone loss coming on the road to Massillon Washington. St. Ed’s loses multiple blue-chip recruits from last year’s senior class — including Notre Dame EDGE signee Loghan Thomas and Ohio State offensive line signees Deontae and Devontae Armstrong. Yet, the Eagles return as the top-rated program in Ohio and the No. 42 team in the country. They will begin their season on Aug. 23 at Pickerington North as St. Edward looks to win its fourth-straight state title.

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Massillon Washington has long been a staple of Ohio high school football, and that shouldn’t change in 2024. Ranked No. 75 nationwide, the Tigers are coming off of a 16-0 perfect season which includes a win over No. 1 St. Edward and an eventual Division II state championship. Heading into 2024, Wisconsin interior offensive line commit Nolan Davenport will anchor the Tigers O-Line. The defense features a host of high school recruits, including three-star corner Demari Clemons, Toledo safety commit Tyler Hackenbracht and Miami (Ohio) linebacker pledge Vito McConnell.

Moeller finished the 2023 campaign 10-5 with an overtime loss to Springfield in the state Division I semifinals. The Crusaders will look to go further this season against a usually difficult schedule featuring multiple out-of-state opponents and the three other members of the Greater Catholic League South. Two Moeller players are already committed to Power 4 schools: Louisville defensive back commit Micah Rice and Northwestern EDGE pledge Jonah Hayes. The Crusaders do lose a handful of P4 recruits from their 2023 senior class, including top-100 running back Jordan Marshall (Michigan) and corner Karson Hobbs (Notre Dame).

Hoban finished 13-2 with a season-ending 7-2 loss to Massillon Washington in the state championship. The Knights’ other lone loss came to No. 1 St. Edward. Hoban will kick off 2024 against Severn (Md.) Archbishop Spalding and Ramsey (N.J.) Don Bosco Prep. Ohio State three-star linebacker commit Eli Lee returns along the defense, and junior cornerback Elbert Hill is the top player in Ohio for the class of 2026. That impressive junior class also includes four-star offensive tackle Sam Greer and four-star receiver Payton Cook.

Toledo Central Catholic capped a perfect 16-0 season with a Division III state title win over Columbus Bishop Watterson. The Fighting Irish lose Kentucky enrollee Marc Nave along the offensive line but retain Miami (Ohio) offensive tackle commit Jonathan Stangl. Junior cornerback Victor Singleton is the No. 117 prospect nationwide in the 2026 cycle. Central Catholic will kick off against Findlay and Georgia QB commit Ryan Montgomery on Aug. 23.

Lakota West went 11-3 in 2023, making it to the Division I playoffs before being ousted by Cincinnati Moeller. This year’s senior class is led by four-star Miami (Fla.) commit Luka Gilbert and Purdue linebacker commit Grant Beerman. Junior athlete Cam Thomas also ranks as a four-star prospect in the 2026 On3 Industry Ranking. The Firebirds will open against Cincinnati St. Xavier.

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Speaking of the Bombers, St. Xavier will look to improve on a 7-5 2023 season which ended with a playoff loss to archrival Moeller. Along the line of scrimmage, St. X’s senior class includes Notre Dame defensive line pledge Gordy Sulfsted and Kentucky offensive line commit Tucker Kattus. Junior linebacker Kobe Clapper is a four-star recruit and still uncommitted.

Springfield has made it to three consecutive Division I state title games. The Wildcats have also lost three consecutive state title games — all to Lakewood St. Edward. Springfield will look to get over that final hump this season. The ‘Cats will open against top-25 Ohio program Cincinnati Winton Woods. They do lose a major part of the defense from a year ago — Ohio State cornerback commit Aaron Scott Jr., the No. 35 overall prospect in the 2024 class.

Avon went 14-1 in 2023, its lone loss coming in the Division II state semifinals to Archbishop Hoban. This year, the Eagles will kick off on the road against Cleveland St. Ignatius. Senior defensive lineman Jeremiah Kelly is committed to Cincinnati, and junior athlete Jakob Weatherspoon is a top-200 prospect in 2026.

10. Elder (Cincinnati)

The third GCL South school in the Ohio top 10, Elder went 7-5 in 2023 before getting knocked from the Division I playoffs by Lakota West. Senior linebacker Maddox Arnold (Toledo commit) and tight end classmate Brayden Boeing (Miami Ohio commit) will held lead this talented Panthers squad. Elder will open on the road against Cincinnati Withrow

11. Princeton (Cincinnati)
12. Marion Local (Maria Stein)
13. Gahanna Lincoln
14. Chardon
15. Upper Arlington

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16. Pickerington North
17. Pickerington Central
18. Anderson (Cincinnati)
19. Centerville
20. St. Ignatius (Cleveland)

21. La Salle (Cincinnati)
22. Winton Woods (Cincinnati)
23. Walsh Jesuit (Stow)
24. Dublin Coffman
25. Hilliard Bradley



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Mary Lucille Young, Youngstown, Ohio

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Mary Lucille Young, Youngstown, Ohio


YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (MyValleyTributes) – Mrs. Mary Lucille Young, 74, of Youngstown, departed this life on Friday, April 10, 2026 at her residence where God welcomed her home.

Mary, affectionately known as “Mary Lou” and “Tang”, was born March 8, 1952 in Youngstown, a daughter of Lawrence and Ada Mae Alexander Hamilton Young.

She was a proud 1971 graduate of South High School.

Mary was a member of New Bethel Baptist Church.

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She attended Louis Weinberger Hill Beauty School, and was accepted as a model with Barbizon Modeling Agency.

Mary worked and retired from Youngstown Sheet and Tube.

She enjoyed looking her best, dancing, shopping, casinos and decorating her home. Mary was strong, bold and took no mess. She was loved by many people.

She leaves to cherish her memories, her pride and joy, two daughters, Adalatesha Bright and Richlynn Bright; two sons, Ja-Juan Young and Dr. Ty-Juan Bright all of Youngstown; five grandchildren; two sisters, Cynthia (Floyd) Davis, Janet (Steve) Gardner both of Youngstown; and a host of family and friends.

Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by a son, Michael Lamar Young; three brothers, Isaiah, Edward, Lorenzo Young.

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Private services were held at the L.E. Black, Phillips & Holden Funeral Home.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mary Lucille Young, please visit our floral store.



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NWSL announces expansion to Columbus, Ohio

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NWSL announces expansion to Columbus, Ohio


The NWSL is once again expanding, this time the league is heading to Ohio where Columbus NWSL 2028 will take the field. Of course, Columbus NWSL 2028 is a placeholder for now and the the new team will unveil its name, crest, and uniform to build an identity around as it approaches its first season.

News of the club was announced yesterday, though this has been in the works for some time, in a press conference. Team owners, the Haslam Sports Group (HSG), Nationwide and Drs. Christine and Pete Edwards, spoke about what they hope the club will bring to Columbus and women’s soccer more broadly.

“Our family is thrilled to help bring an NWSL team to Columbus and further invest in Ohio, with the honor of bringing the 18th team into the league,” said Haslam Sports Group Managing Partner Whitney Haslam Johnson. “We believe in the power of women’s sports and are humbled to be part of the number one women’s soccer league in the world.”

Nationwide insurance has been a corporate partner in both NWSL and MLS for years and now joins an ownership group deepening those ties. “Today’s announcement is about inspiring young athletes across Central Ohio, elevating women’s professional sports and reminding the world that Columbus is a first-class sports city,” said Kirt Walker, Nationwide Chief Executive Officer. “As Nationwide marks 100 years, this is a powerful way to celebrate our milestone with the community that has been our home from the very beginning.”

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The Edwards family has deep roots in the Columbus soccer scene with Dr. Pete Edwards serving as team doctor for the Crew in 1996 and the family joining the team’s ownership in 2019 during the Save The Crew effort. “Columbus is very important to our family. For over 30 years, we’ve supported the Columbus Crew and MLS. We’ve seen how a men’s professional soccer team has brought people together and created a positive impact in our community. It’s truly special to now welcome an NWSL club and the incredible women athletes who will also uplift our city on and off the pitch,” said Dr. Christine Edwards. “We’re very excited to partner with Haslam Sports Group and Nationwide for NWSL Columbus 2028, and we can’t wait to share even more memorable moments with fans, especially during the Club’s first game at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field.”

The NWSL has continued its expansion with the announcement and the team will join Atlanta in its inaugural season in two years.



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Ex-Ohio State president Ted Carter’s girlfriend would sneak through campus garage to get to his office, report reveals

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Ex-Ohio State president Ted Carter’s girlfriend would sneak through campus garage to get to his office, report reveals


Disgraced ex-Ohio State President Ted Carter repeatedly snuck his alleged failing podcaster lover through a campus garage for secret visits to his office as he funneled university resources into her business ventures, a shocking new report claims.

The report into the circumstances behind Carter’s abrupt exit from his cushy $1.5 million-a-year role last month detailed his secret office rendezvous with Krisanthe Vlachos, host of “The Callout Podcast,” and at least five trips he took with her.

The duo jetted off to Richmond, Virginia; Orlando, Florida; Kansas City, Missouri; Colorado Springs, Colorado; and Las Vegas – with the married 66-year-old allegedly cooking up a fake business excuse for one trip, the report released Tuesday by the college found.

Ex-Ohio State President Ted Carter speaking at a university board meeting, August 20, 2025. Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

One social media post showed the pair at a Colorado Springs conference in January, with the ex-prez smiling next to Vlachos, who is clad in an all-black leather getup. 

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Carter – married to Lynda Carter for nearly 45 years – admitted giving Vlachos “inappropriate access” to university leadership and public resources to boost her private business when he voluntarily resigned.

The probe found he tapped at least 14 staffers to help his purported paramour, who hosted a veteran-focused podcast, including efforts to score her a university job, campus space, support staff, and financial backing from the school and outside agencies like JobsOhio for different business ventures.

Carter is alleged to have had an inappropriate relationship with Krisanthe Vlachos, host of “The Callout Podcast.”
The WOSU Public Media building, which is part of Ohio State University. Google Maps

“Carter’s actions betrayed Ohio State’s shared values and violated university policy,” the 47-page report said, adding his “wide-ranging” efforts dragged on for almost two years.

“Carter had a close personal and business relationship with Vlachos and he allowed that relationship to improperly influence his actions and impair his judgement.”

JobsOhio shelled out $60,000 to the prexy’s reported flame to produce four podcast episodes about veteran issues – though only one was completed, the agency said last month. 

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Carter with his wife Lynda and children, celebrating their daughter Brittany’s birthday, July 29, 2017. Nebraska.edu
Vlachos interviewing Carter on “The Callout Podcast.” The Callout Podcast

The company, which said its decision to invest was driven by Carter’s recommendation, is now trying to “clawback” the funds after all of Vlacho’s poorly performing podcast episodes were hastily removed from YouTube and other streamers when the scandal erupted.

Carter – who served as a Top Gun pilot and instructor during 38 years in the Navy – admitted in one episode he was a “frequent flyer” on the floundering show, appearing as a guest at least nine times since 2024. 

JobsOhio also dished out $10,000 to sponsor a January 2025 event for vets and military families at Ohio State, calling it an “opportunity that Ms. Vlachos brought our attention.”

The agency’s handouts for Vlachos came to an end after she requested a $2.9 million investment in her proposed mobile app, which aimed to help Ohio veterans get jobs. 

An Ohio State spokesman previously confirmed officials were investigating an LLC registered to Vlachos at a university-owned building, in connection with the ex-leader’s departure.

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Carter and Vlachos have not responded publicly to the relationship allegations.

With Post wires.



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