Ohio

These central Ohio high school football players had best second-round OHSAA playoff games

Published

4 months ago

November 11, 2025

These central Ohio high school football players had best second-round OHSAA playoff games

As the number of central Ohio high school football teams remaining in the playoffs dwindles each week, the definition of top performances expands.

Yardage, touchdowns, tackles and sacks take even more of a back seat to a simpler statistic – the final score.

Here is a look at which central Ohio players had the best games in the regional quarterfinal round of the playoffs.

This list was gathered from games covered by the USA Today Network and statistics submitted by area teams. Teams are encouraged to submit stats as soon as possible after games to sports@dispatch.com, dpurpura@dispatch.com and fdirenna@dispatch.com.

Blake Bogenrife, West Jefferson

Stats: The senior receiver caught three passes for 78 yards against No. 6 Toronto in Division VI, Region 23, none bigger than his 40-yard touchdown reception from Austin Buescher with 2:36 left as the third-seeded Roughriders (10-1) won 21-20. West Jefferson converted three third downs on the winning drive.

Next game: Nov. 14 vs. Beverly Fort Frye

Levi Davis, Olentangy Orange

Stats: The Pioneers’ senior quarterback helped break open a close Division I, Region 3 contest, scoring twice in the last 13 minutes and finishing with 342 all-purpose yards (255 rushing, 87 passing) as top-seeded Orange (11-0) went on to a 43-14 win over No. 8 Olentangy Berlin.

Next game: Nov. 14 vs. Olentangy Liberty

RJ Day, DeSales

Stats: The junior quarterback threw for a single-game program-record 482 yards and three touchdowns, including the winning score to Jordan Karhoff from 11 yards with 5 seconds left, to power the No. 2 seed Stallions (9-2) to a 33-29 win over No. 7 Ashland in Division II, Region 7.

Next game: Nov. 14 vs. Massillon Washington

Miles Marshall, Centerburg

Stats: The junior running back amassed 193 yards and all four touchdowns (17, 2, 38 and 4 yards) for the top-seeded Trojans on 26 carries in a 28-14 win over No. 8 West Lafayette Ridgewood in Region 23.

Next game: Nov. 14 vs. North Robinson Colonel Crawford

Edward Oakley, Upper Arlington

Stats: The junior kicker connected on field goals of 29 and 32 yards in the final minutes, the latter in the closing seconds, to turn a three-point deficit for the sixth-seeded Golden Bears (10-2) into a 30-27 win at No. 3 Pickerington North in Region 3. Oakley also kicked a 37-yard field goal in the second quarter.

Next game: Nov. 14 at Pickerington Central

Watch OHSAA football playoffs on NFHS Network

Ben Rucker, Olentangy Liberty

Stats: The junior defensive lineman returned a fumble 43 yards for a touchdown in the third quarter, highlighting a defensive effort that saw the fifth-seeded Patriots (8-4) hold No. 4 Olentangy (8-3) to just 22 yards rushing in a 17-0 win in Region 3.

Next game: Nov. 14 at Olentangy Orange

Eli Stumpf, Big Walnut

Stats: The junior quarterback ran for a 16-yard touchdown and passed for scores of 44 and 8 yards to Brody Hatfield in the first half of a Region 7 game against Walnut Ridge, leading the Golden Eagles (10-1) to a 43-0 win. Stumpf completed 10 of 15 passes for 141 yards.

Next game: Nov. 14 vs. Canal Winchester

Nick Vanhoose, North Union

Stats: The senior running back had 121 yards and two touchdowns on 20 carries, scoring from 12 and 2 yards in the second quarter as the eighth-seeded Wildcats (8-4) blew out No. 1 Williamsburg 47-14 in Division V, Region 20. Griffin Osborne also ran for 106 yards and two touchdowns on six carries.

Next game: Nov. 14 at Carlisle

Cyren Wallace, Danville

Stats: The sophomore running back had eight carries for 118 yards and three touchdowns and returned a second-half interception for another score as the 11th-seeded Blue Devils (7-5) routed No. 3 Fisher Catholic 59-8 in Division VII, Region 27.

Next game: Nov. 14 at Waterford

High school sports reporter Dave Purpura can be reached at dpurpura@dispatch.com and at @dp_dispatch on X.

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Ohio

Kroger investing millions in central Ohio, including two new stores

Published

7 hours ago

March 24, 2026

Press Room

Kroger investing millions in central Ohio, including two new stores

Kroger is opening two more stores in central Ohio and renovating plenty more as part of a $112 million investment.

The “record breaking” funds are meant to “support shoppers and grow communities” in both central and northwest Ohio through 2026, according to a Kroger press release.

“These investments underscore Kroger’s confidence in the long-term growth of our communities and our ongoing commitment to meet customers where they live, work and shop,” said Jon Young, president of Kroger’s Columbus Division, which covers central Ohio, Toledo, Michigan and West Virginia. “By bringing new Kroger Marketplace locations and enhanced shopping experiences to our cities ranging from central Ohio to Toledo, we’re focused on creating convenient, modern stores that deliver fresh, affordable groceries for local families.”

On March 19, the company broke ground on its newest store in Canal Winchester. Construction is continuing at Kroger’s Delaware site at 1650 Sunbury Rd, and the 123,000-square-foot store is expected to open in early fall of 2026. According to Kroger, it will create more than 220 local jobs and brings a $33 million investment to Delaware County, one of the fastest growing counties in the state.

The Delaware location is “bringing the company’s most modern grocery experience to the community,” with “enhanced” produce, deli, meat and seafood offerings, a dedicated sushi counter, specialty cheese shop, as well as an expanded apparel section and on-site fuel center.

The Canal Winchester store will be 118,000 square feet and also feature a fuel center, and is slated to open in late fall of 2026. It’s a $30 million investment and will create around 250 jobs, according to Kroger.

Renovations are underway

Approximately $24 million will be spent on renovations for these 15 existing locations:

Brewers Yard
Dublin
Gahanna
Lambertville
Lancaster
New Albany
Pataskala
Reynoldsburg
Sylvania
Toledo
Waterville
Weirton
Wheelersburg
Wheeling
Worthington

Renovations will differ by store needs and will likely include new product cases, improved restrooms and new decor, among other projects.

Currently, the Kroger Columbus Division employs nearly 18,000 people across the division’s stores in Ohio, Michigan and West Virginia.

Business and consumer issues reporter Samantha Hendrickson can be reached at shendrickson@dispatch.com

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‘No Kings’ protests planned in Columbus, other central Ohio cities

Published

20 hours ago

March 23, 2026

Press Room

‘No Kings’ protests planned in Columbus, other central Ohio cities

A nationwide “No Kings” protest is scheduled for March 28. In Columbus, demonstrators will gather at the Ohio Statehouse.
Organizers are protesting what they describe as government overreach and authoritarian actions by the Trump administration.
In addition to the main rally, smaller events are planned throughout central Ohio on the same day.

A nationwide protest is set to return this weekend, with a “No Kings” demonstration planned at the Ohio Statehouse in downtown Columbus as well as in other area communities.

The Downtown event is part of a coordinated day of action expected to include hundreds, and potentially thousands, of gatherings across the country on March 28.

Mia Lewis, a volunteer with Indivisible Central Ohio and associate director of Common Cause Ohio, said the protest aims to bring together people concerned about federal policy and government overreach.

“We’re fed up with the Trump administration and their overreach,” Lewis said. “We’re taking a stand against illegal wars, injustice and power corruption.”

When and where is the Columbus protest?

The Columbus event is scheduled for 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. March 28 at the Ohio Statehouse, according to event organizers.

Participants are expected to gather near the William McKinley Monument before a rally and march through Downtown.

The protest is being organized locally by Indivisible Central Ohio, alongside partners including Common Cause Ohio, ACLU of Ohio and Columbus 50501.

Central Ohio events planned throughout the day

In addition to the Statehouse rally, there are three other rallies planned in Columbus, including at Easton, in German Village, and a senior-focused gathering scheduled from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. near Neil Avenue and Goodale Boulevard.

Other rallies are scheduled in more than 15 other cities throughout central Ohio. Those interested can visit nokings.org to view a map of events in their region.

What is the ‘No Kings’ movement?

The “No Kings” movement is a nationwide organizing effort that opposes what organizers describe as authoritarian actions by President Donald Trump and his administration.

According to organizers, more than 1,000 events have already been planned across the country for March 28, with thousands more expected.

“I have noticed that most people are unhappy with the Trump administration and they want to see change,” Lewis said.

Organizers say millions of people participated in similar protests last year.

What to expect from ‘No Kings’ events

Organizers say the demonstrations are intended to push back against federal policies and actions they oppose, while also encouraging civic engagement and nonviolent protest.

The coalition has hosted training sessions ahead of the March events aimed at educating participants about their rights and how to safely observe federal enforcement activity.

Organizers estimate attendance at the Statehouse event could exceed 15,000 people, potentially making it one of the largest protests in the city’s history.

The event is expected to include speakers such as state Rep. Munira Abdullahi, D-Columbus; retired Maj. Gen. Dennis Laich and representatives from advocacy groups. Organizers said attendees are encouraged to bring signs and messages important to them.

“Everyone is welcome,” Lewis said.

Trending reporter Amani Bayo can be reached at abayo@dispatch.com.

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Who are best OHSAA girls swimmers, divers in central Ohio? See our list

Published

1 day ago

March 23, 2026

Press Room

Who are best OHSAA girls swimmers, divers in central Ohio? See our list

Three individual state champions, two of whom won two events each, and three anchors of Upper Arlington’s third consecutive Division I team championship squad highlight The Dispatch’s 2025-26 All-Metro girls swimming and diving team.

Eleven of the 12 honorees have appeared in multiple state meets, and the 12th might be poised to join that club.

The Athlete of the Year in each sport – 30 in all – will be announced at the Central Ohio High School Sports Awards on June 22 at Upper Arlington High School.

Maren Berg, Upper Arlington

The junior and North Carolina commit was state runner-up in the 50-yard freestyle (23.09 seconds) and fourth in the 100 free (50.62) – an event in which she repeated as district champion (50.28). Berg, a three-time state qualifier who also won the 50 free at district in a meet-record 22.85, anchored UA’s state-title 200 free (1:33.67) and 400 free (3:25.21) relays.

Alexa Briseno, Gahanna Lincoln

The Division I district champion in the 100 backstroke (54.79) and runner-up in the 100 free by 0.05 of a second, Briseno was third at state in both the 100 back (54.85) and 100 free (50.2). The sophomore also anchored the Lions’ sixth-place 400 free relay (3:32.88) and led off the seventh-place 200 free relay (1:37.06).

Olivia Crock, Watkins Memorial

A senior who has signed with Cleveland State, Crock was Division I district champion in the 200 free (1:52.7) and runner-up in the 500 free (5:01.98) before placing seventh (1:52.55) and fourth (5:02.31), respectively, in those events at state. The three-time state qualifier, who was fifth in the 500 free as a junior and sixth as a sophomore, earned her first top-eight finish in the 200.

Sophie Dankof, Bexley

One of several talented underclassmen for the Lions, who finished third in the Division II state meet for the second year in a row, Dankof won district in the 100 back (58.31) and was second in the 100 breaststroke (1:05.4). At state, the sophomore was fourth in the 100 back (57.92) and ninth in the 100 breast (1:05.45) and led off the second-place 200 medley relay (1:45.67).

Katie Drummond, Bexley

The sophomore enjoyed a stellar season despite coming up 0.26 of a second shy of repeating as Division II state champion in the 50 free. Drummond won the event at district (23.26) and was second at state (23.21), and in the 100 butterfly was first at district (55.98) and third at state (55.83). She also was on the 200 medley relay and third-place 400 free relay (3:35.65).

Riley Hollingsworth, Upper Arlington

A three-time state qualifier, Hollingsworth was on the winning 200 medley (1:42.99) and 400 free relays and finished fifth in the 200 individual medley (2:05.87) and sixth in the 100 fly (55.12). A junior, Hollingsworth was district champion in the 100 fly (55.05) and runner-up in the 200 IM (2:03.38).

Brooke Nagy, Olentangy

A sophomore sprint specialist and two-time Division I state qualifier, Nagy was third in the 50 free (23.43) and fourth in the 100 fly (54.99) on the season’s final weekend after placing third (23.5) and second (55.14), respectively, at district. Nagy, who was fourth in the 50 free and fifth in the 100 free at state as a freshman, also was on the Braves’ third-place 200 free relay (1:35.24) and sixth-place 200 medley relay (1:46.48).

Leah Nebraska, Olentangy Berlin

The Akron signee finished her high school career with two Division I state championship swims, winning the 50 free (22.84) and 100 free (49.98). A three-time state qualifier who was seeded second and fourth, respectively, for those events at state, Nebraska was district runner-up in the 50 free (23.16) and third in the 100 free (53.98). She also was on the Bears’ seventh-place 200 medley at state (1:47.95).

Alexis Peltcs, Hilliard Darby

A senior and three-time state qualifier who has signed with Purdue, Peltcs was Division I district champion in the 100 breast (1:03.28) and fourth in the 200 IM (2:05.03) before finishing third (1:02.04) and fourth (2:03.87) in those events at state. Peltcs was breaststroke state champion and runner-up in the IM as a sophomore.

Sammy Petroff, New Albany

The freshman diver capped a dominant season by sweeping the Division I district and state championships, winning district with 504.15 points and state with 480.4. Petroff was the first big-school diving champion for central Ohio since Olentangy Liberty’s Olivia Lynch in 2020 and first for her program since Nikki Watters in 2016. The top five finishers were all from the Columbus area.

Kiera Powers, Upper Arlington

The sophomore won her first state championships, taking the 200 IM (1:59.79) and 500 free (4:55.92). She also led off the winning 200 free and 400 free relays, securing UA’s third straight team title and 15th all-time. Powers also swept her events at district (2:01.11 and 4:56.49, respectively) and was the No. 1 seed in both at state. She was seventh in the 200 free and eighth in the 500 free at state as a freshman.

Lily Schneider, Jonathan Alder

The Southern Indiana signee and four-time Division II state qualifier dominated the 100 breast in her prep career, winning district (1:03.96) this winter before placing second (1:02.96) at state, 0.27 of a second out of first place. Schneider, who reached state in the breaststroke every year, also excelled in the 200 free, finishing third at district (1:57.43) and eighth (1:57.38) at state.

COACH OF THE YEAR: Ruslan Gaziev, Watterson

A former Ohio State and Canadian national swimmer in his second year as head coach, Gaziev has helped steer a remarkable turnaround for Watterson.

Two years after the Eagles had only one Division I state qualifier and did not score as a team, they had four individual qualifiers, advanced all three relays to state and finished 10th overall – 42 places better than a year ago. That came a week after Watterson placed second in the district meet, its best finish since tying for second in 2012.

A native of Moscow who was raised in Toronto, Gaziev was a four-time first-team All-American in the 100 free and 200 and 400 free relays with the Buckeyes. He also was a two-time first-team all-Big Ten swimmer and eight-time honorable mention All-American. Gaziev participated in the 2021 Olympic Games with Team Canada, helping the 400 free relay to fourth place.

High school sports reporter Dave Purpura can be reached at dpurpura@dispatch.com and at @dp_dispatch on X.

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