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  • ‘The standard here is championships. That’s why I came,’ new Florida coach says

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    GAINESVILLE, Fla. — New University of Florida football coach Jon Sumrall made one thing clear at his introductory news conference — he is at Florida to win and to win championships.

    “The standard here is championships. That’s why I came,” Sumrall said. “I’m built for this job. I was made for this job. Winners win. I’m a winner. We’re going to win.”

    What You Need To Know

    • The Gators introduced Jon Sumrall of Tulane as their new football coach Monday

    • He will come to Gainesville full time after the Green Wave complete the 2025 college football postseason

    • Sumrall finalized a six-year, $44.7 million contract that comes with incentives, according to AP

    • “The standard here is championships. That’s why I came,” Sumrall said.

    Sumrall went on to explain how the team will reach those lofty goals and pointed out that he plans for the Gators to play differently than where he has coached in the past.

    “We’re going to play with an edge, a blue-collar mindset and a chip on our shoulder,” Sumrall said.”We will be tough. We will have grit. We will not be outworked. We will play with physicality.”

    The team will be built on player strengths.

    “When I think of the Gators, I think of aggressive. I think of explosive,” Sumrall said. I think about mixing tempos, using it to your advantage and dictating the game to the opponent.”

    In a nod to the offenses of former Gators championship-winning coaches Steve Spurrier and Urban Meyer, who both attended the news conference, Sumrall said, “I think about stretching the field and threatening every blade of grass.”

    The offensive line, he said, must play with a nasty demeanor.

    Sumrall, who is coming to Florida from Tulane, won’t completely make the transition until after the college football postseason is complete. He will coach the Green Wave against North Texas in the American Conference Championship Game on Friday, and maybe after that, if Tulane is selected for the College Football Playoff.

    But he made it clear he already has begun working to build the 2026 Gators football program.

    Roster building starts with the current team, he said, and he needs the players at Florida now to stay. He said he is making it his first recruiting effort with them and held video conferences with many of those players Sunday night.

    With early signing day coming up Wednesday, Sumrall said he also has spoken with some players who already have verbally committed to the Gators and admires the high character of that class.

    Speaking about both groups, Sumrall asked them to give him an opportunity.

    “I will fight to keep all of them,” he said. “…I can’t wait to coach you. I would love to coach you.”

    He said he expects to recruit many players from within the state.

    “I believe the lifeblood of your program is recruiting good high school players, and in Florida, elite, high school football players,” Sumrall said.

    But as a national program, he acknowledged that they will look throughout the country to get the most elite players.

    Sumrall said he also will use the transfer portal, but mostly as a way to supplement the roster or fill holes on the team.

    He said he and his staff are “going to run a player-driven program. My job here is to serve and develop the players….Those players are going to get everything I got to help them become their best.”

    Florida Athletic Director Scott Strickland said he wanted a winner, and that’s Sumrall. He has the fifth-highest win-percentage among active Football Bowl Series coaches, and is 42-11 in four seasons as coach at Troy and Tulane. He reached the conference championship game each of those four years.

    Sumrall finalized a six-year, $44.7 million contract that comes with incentives, according to a person familiar with the search. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because financial details were not released. The deal averages $7.45 million annually.

    Sumrall thanked the University of Florida community for the opportunity as well as Spurrier, Meyer and some current players who turned out for their support.

    “It’s great to be a Florida Gator. I am honored and humbled to be the head coach at the University of Florida,” Sumrall said.

    The Gators haven’t had a top-five offense in the Southeastern Conference since 2020-21. 

    To find the last time they had a top 10 offense in the nation, you have to go back to 2009.

    Sumrall will look to change that.

    He wasn’t the first choice of many Gators, who had hoped to hire Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin. But Kiffin selected LSU over Florida.

    At the opening of the news conference, Sumrall said he and Kiffin had discussed their job searches.

    “Lane Kiffin and I have both been going through the same thing. And we talked a lot, and we both were in agreement that I was the right man for this job,” Sumrall said.

    He also said his entire family is all in on their support for Florida.

    “We had options. My wife and I sat down, and we chose Florida,” Sumrall said. “Florida had to choose us first, but we chose it back.”

    Sumrall replaces Billy Napier, who was fired Oct. 19, after a 3-4 start to this season and a 22-23 record overall with the Gators. Napier was hired from Louisiana, where he went 40-12 over four seasons. Billy Gonzales took over as interim coach at Florida to finish out the Gators’ season.

    During Napier’s last season in particular, he took a lot of public criticism. Sumrall said that the support of the community and fan base is vital to building a championship program.

    “We can only maximize our potential with your full support. It takes all of us working together to win championships,” Sumrall said. “I love, love, love, your passion and your enthusiasm. …That’s part of what attracted me here.”

    Strickland also signed General Manager Dave Caldwell, who won a Super Bowl during his five seasons with the NFL’s Philadelphia Eagles. He also spent eight years (2013-20) with the Jacksonville Jaguars and built a roster that made the AFC title game.

    Caldwell is expected to help manage Florida’s salary cap and evaluate college talent as demands on coaches have expanded with the burgeoning transfer portal and name, image and likeness payments.

    Sumrall said is constantly recruiting, but “My No. 1 job is to coach the team. While future Gators matter to me, current players matter more.”

    The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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    Brandon Green, Spectrum Sports Staff

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  • Auburn hires USF’s Alex Golesh as new head coach

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    TAMPA, Fla. — USF head coach Alex Golesh will be heading to Auburn University to coach the Tigers in 2026, Auburn officials announced Sunday.

    Golesh has agreed to a six-year deal with Auburn, replacing Tigers head coach Hugh Freeze, according to sources with ESPN. 

    Golesh has agreed to a six-year deal with Auburn, replacing Tigers head coach Hugh Freeze, according to sources with ESPN. Officials said Golesh is expected to visit Auburn on Sunday to assess the 2026 commitments and to develop a plan for Signing Day.

    This comes after USF closed out its 2025 regular season with a win against Rice 52-3 on Saturday and with a 9-3 record overall.

    This is a developing story. Check back with Spectrum Bay News 9 for more updates.

     

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Hawks beat Cavaliers 130-123 in NBA Cup game

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    ATLANTA — Jalen Johnson had 29 points, 12 rebounds and 12 assists to lead the Atlanta Hawks to a 130-123 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers in an NBA Cup game on Friday night.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Cavs lost to the Hawks 130-123 in an NBA Cup game Friday night

    • Jalen Johnson had 29 points, 12 rebounds and 12 assists

    • Atlanta eliminated Cleveland from the in-season tournament, meaning neither team advances to the quarterfinal round
    • Donovan Mitchell led Cleveland with 42 points

    Atlanta eliminated Cleveland from the in-season tournament, meaning neither team advances to the quarterfinal round.

    Nickeil Alexander-Walker added 28 points, including a clutch late 3-pointer, helping Atlanta go on an 7-0 run in less than 30 seconds to create separation.

    Donovan Mitchell led Cleveland with 42 points. It was Mitchell’s sixth game out of the last eight scoring at least 30 points and the second-highest point total of the season.

    Atlanta’s Zaccharie Riscaher hit a go-ahead 3-pointer with 1:09 remaining to break a 123-all tie, and Alexander-Walker hit a pull-up 3-pointer with 47.7 seconds left after Mitchell misfired on a potential game-tying shot.

    Atlanta held Cleveland scoreless over the final 2:03. The Cavaliers had led by four points with 2:25 to play.

    Both teams went on extended runs in the first half. The Hawks used a 21-4 spurt in the first quarter and led by as many as 13. The Cavaliers used a 14-0 run in the second quarter to erase their deficit.

    The teams have split their first two regular-season games, with each side winning at home. The teams will meet two more times in April, during the final week of the regular season.

    Up next

    Cavaliers: Will host the Boston Celtics on Sunday.

    Hawks: Will face the 76ers in Philadelphia on Sunday.

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    Spectrum News Staff, Associated Press

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  • High school football playoffs replays on Spectrum News 1

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    OHIO — More Ohio high school football playoff games took place Friday night with several closely contested matches, including three state semifinal matchups.

    Fans can watch the OHSAA playoffs replays on Spectrum News 1 and on the Spectrum News mobile app. Fourteen total games are available to watch.

    Olentangy Orange vs. St. Edward – Northern Ohio Division I, Region 1
    Airing on Spectrum News 1 in Cleveland, Toledo and Columbus

    The undefeated Orange took on the Eagles in the the Division 1 state semifinals. It should be a high scoring matchup, with both teams averaging around 36 points per game. They battled it out at Arlin Field in Mansfield.

    St. Xavier vs. Middletown – Central Ohio Division I, Region 2
    Airing on Spectrum News 1 in Cincinnati & Dayton

    Another state semifinals battle between the Bombers and Middies took place at Welcome Stadium in Dayton. Its the Bombers first appearance in the state semifinals since 2020. Middletown will be riding high coming into this matchup after capturing their first regional title.

    Big Walnut vs. Anderson – Southern Ohio Division II, Region 7
    Airing on channel 314

    This state semifinal game was grudge match carrying over from last year. The Raptors came into this matchup undefeated on the season, while Big Walnut had only lost one game. Both teams set out to show who really is the better football organization in this matchup at Historic Crew Stadium.

    Other matchups

    Here is a list of games that will be available for fans to watch on the Spectrum News mobile app:

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    Ryan Johnston

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  • Jadan Baugh runs wild in Florida’s 40-21 victory against rival FSU

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    GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) — If Tulane’s Jon Sumrall is Florida’s next head coach, he should make keeping Jadan Baugh a priority.

    Baugh ran for a career-high 266 yards and two touchdowns — the second-most rushing yards in school history — and Florida denied rival Florida State a chance to become bowl eligible with a 40-21 victory Saturday in the Swamp.

    “I always try to go out and play my hardest because you never know who’s watching,” Baugh said. “Your first impression is your last impression.”

    This one will linger. The sophomore carried 38 times, punishing the Seminoles all night, and finished with the program’s most yards on the ground since Emmitt Smith tallied 316 against New Mexico in 1989. His last touch was a 12-yard TD scamper on a fourth-and-3 play with less than a minute remaining in which he broke two tackles.

    Baugh said interim coach Billy Gonzales told him to slide and not score. His response: “Don’t do me like that.” No one complained after he put an exclamation point on a dominant performance.

    “Jadan Baugh ran like somebody was trying to kill him all night,” center Jake Slaughter said.

    DJ Lagway added three touchdown passes for the Gators (4-8), who ended a four-game losing streak, won for the first time since firing coach Billy Napier in mid-October, and provided a final glimpse of what many thought they could be this season.

    Florida State (5-7) played its first game since announcing coach Mike Norvell would return next season. But the Seminoles lost for the seventh time in nine games and failed to extend their season. They also lost to Florida for the fifth time in the last seven meetings.

    Baugh had a lot to do with the latest one. He became the first Florida player since 2004 to top 200 yards rushing against the ’Noles.

    “We came into (the game) saying that’s a guy you have to stop. For him to have that kind of production is a complete failure,” Norvell said.

    Equally impressive, Baugh became the program’s first 1,000-yard rusher since Kelvin Taylor in 2015. Baugh became the 10th player in school history to top the single-season milestone, joining a list that includes Smith, Fred Taylor and Errict Rhett. Baugh is the first underclassman since Smith in 1987 to accomplish the feat.

    Lagway, Baugh and others put on a show in the team’s season finale — an audition of sorts for Florida’s next coach. After missing out on Lane Kiffin, the Gators have targeted Sumrall as Napier’s replacement and could make it official as early as Sunday.

    Sumrall would remain with the Green Wave for next week’s American Conference title game and through the College Football Playoff, if Tulane gets a berth.

    Florida State trailed from the second possession and never posed a threat. Thomas Castellanos threw for 240 yards, with two touchdowns and an interception. He also led the team with 77 yards rushing and a score and a lost fumble.

    The takeaway

    Florida State: The Seminoles are 7-18 since winning the Atlantic Coast Conference in 2023 and getting snubbed by the College Football Playoff selection committee. Norvell has vowed to make changes heading into 2026, but FSU is essentially in the same position Florida was at the end of last season — with a coach on the hot seat and facing long odds.

    Florida: Lagway, Baugh and a defense that finished with seven sacks could be building blocks for the next regime.

    Up next

    Florida State: Norvell has to find a quarterback and determine what quick fixes he can make to make the Seminoles more consistently competitive in 2026.

    Florida: The Gators expect to have their next head coach soon. And even though it appears to be another guy from the Group of Five, they have to hope for better results than Napier’s failed tenure.

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    Associated Press

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  • Lightning beat Rangers 4-1 and extend winning streak to 7 games

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    NEW YORK (AP) — Brandon Hagel scored twice and Jonas Johansson made 12 saves as the Tampa Bay Lighting beat the New York Rangers 4-1 Saturday to extend their winning streak to seven games.

    Nick Paul and Jake Guentzel also scored and Nikita Kucherov had three assists as the Lightning ended New York’s three-game winning streak. Tampa Bay is 7-0-0 since Nov. 18 and has outscored opponents 30-10 in that span.

    The Rangers heard boos from the Madison Square Garden crowd as they fell to 2-8-1 at home where they have been shut out five times and scored once on three other occasions. New York is 11-4-1 on the road.

    Hagel scored at 10:53 of the opening period as his shot deflected off Rangers defenseman Carson Soucy’s skate. He made it 2-0 with his team-best 15th goal at 8:57 of the second when he slid his own rebound past Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin.

    Defenseman Darren Raddysh and Kucherov assisted on both goals.

    Kucherov has a nine-game points streak of four goals and 14 assists. He leads the Lightning with 32 points. Raddysh has 11 points in his last seven games.

    J.T. Miller ruined Johansson’s shutout bid with his seventh goal at 17:31 of the second. Adam Fox and Mika Zibanejad assisted.

    Paul scored at 2:02 of the third to make it 3-1. Rookie defenseman Charle-Edouard D’Astous also assisted.

    Guentzel added an empty-netter at 19:41.

    Fox left the game at 7:03 of the third after he was checked hard into the boards by Hagel. Fox’s left arm appeared to absorb the brunt of the hit.

    Shesterkin made 31 saves.

    The Lightning outshot the Rangers 11-2 in the first. New York didn’t register its first shot on goal until the 9:29 mark.

    The Lightning were missing injured defensemen Victor Hedman, Ryan McDonagh and Erik Cernak, as well as forward Brayden Point, out for a fourth-straight game.

    Up next

    Rangers: Hosting the Dallas Stars on Tuesday.

    Lightning: At the New York Islanders on Tuesday.

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    Associated Press

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  • Moehrig to miss Panthers’ game against Rams after suspension appeal denied

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    CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Carolina safety Tre’Von Moehrig will miss the Panthers’ home game Sunday against the Los Angeles Rams after losing an appeal of a one-game suspension for unsportsmanlike conduct.

    The NFL said Wednesday that Moehrig intentionally hit San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings in the groin near the end the game Monday night.

    The suspension will cost Moehrig $65,000, or an 18th of his $1.17 million salary.

    It’s a tough loss for the Panthers, who may be also without starting cornerback Jaycee Horn after he sustained a concussion against the 49ers. Horn remains in the concussion protocol.

    Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford has thrown for an NFL-high 30 touchdowns this season.

    Follow us on Instagram at spectrumnews1nc for news and other happenings across North Carolina.

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    Associated Press

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  • St. Edward meets another Olentangy school in state semis

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    CLEVELAND — The “Road to Canton” has one more stop, one more chance for 28 vehicles to perform maintenance checks to see if they are can go the distance for a state championship. 

    What You Need To Know

    • Olentangy Orange plays St. Edward in a Division I state semifinal live in Cleveland and Columbus

    • The game will air on Spectrum News 1 and the Spectrum News App

    • An additional 13 games will be streamed at spectrumnews1.com 

    The Ohio High School Athletic Association state semifinals will be played on Friday night, with 14 winners advancing to a state championship game at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium.

    Four programs still have the directions plugged into their GPS from last year, as Avon (Division II), Watterson (III), Indian Valley (IV) and Coldwater (VI) still have title defense hopes alive.

    Six more are excitedly asking for directions, as Olentangy Orange, Middletown (both Division I), Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy (III), Indian Hill (IV), Indian Lake (V), and Colonel Crawford (VI) are coming of their first-ever regional championships. 

    Then there are schools that used paper maps the last time they were around this deep into the season. McDonald (1994) and Walsh Jesuit (1999) are both more than 25 years removed from last state semifinal appearances.

    So, start your engines. Spectrum News 1 has you covered with both Division I semifinals live Friday night as part of the OHSAA Game of the Week. All 14 semifinals are available free to Spectrum customers, with direct links below.   

    WATCH LIVE (Friday 7 p.m.) Division I – Olentangy Orange (13-0) vs. St. Edward (11-2) at Mansfield Arlin Field

    Last year at this time, St. Edward watched a 22-game playoff winning streak end at Mansfield’s Arlin Field, losing to eventual state champion Olentangy Liberty, 21-7.

    Fast forward, and it’s a different Olentangy school (undefeated Orange) standing in the way of the Eagles reaching the 2025 state title game. 

    One big difference from 12 months ago is the health of star players Brendan White (running back, Kent State commit) and Zach Hackleman (wide receiver, Toledo commit) who were not available because of injuries in that loss to the Patriots. 

    Both have entries in the St. Edward career record books and are a big reason the Eagles are contending for their fourth state championship in the past five years. 

    Olentangy Orange knows Olentangy Liberty all too well, itself. The Patriots were the only team this year (in both matchups) to finish within two touchdowns of the Pioneers.

    Orange has scored between 35 and 45 points in nine of its 13 games this year, while allowing 14 or fewer points in 11 contests. On average, the Pioneers are winning games by 26 points an outing. 

    Not too shabby for a program on the rise that’s only been in existence since the school opened in 2008. This is the first regional title in football, and the basketball team won its first regional back in March on the way to a state championship in Division I. 

    This is the first-ever meeting between the two schools.

    WATCH LIVE (Friday 7 p.m.) Division I – St. Xavier (10-2) vs. Middletown (11-2) at Dayton Welcome Stadium

    You can make a case that winning Region 4 can be so demanding that there isn’t enough gas in the tank for the state semifinals. 

    From 2021 to 2023, Moeller survived a challenging bracket only to be knocked off by talented Springfield teams in the state semifinals. However, the Crusaders got past Centerville out of Region 2 last year. 

    That’s the task facing St. Xavier, which came from behind to beat Greater Catholic League South rivals Moeller and Elder the past two weeks. Those wins erased the only two losses on the year, falling in back-to-back weeks in the regular season.

    It’s the Bombers’ first regional championship since 2020, the second straight time (2016) that X won Region 4 and went on to win the state title. 

    Advancing from Region 2 is Middletown, the first time the Middies ever lifted a regional championship trophy in football, thanks to a defense that’s only allowed 14 total points in three playoff victories (all to Wayne in the final). 

    It’s a trend that has transcended the entire season, as Middletown is permitting just a tick over eight points a game and has held nine opponents to single digits. 

    While these programs have never met in the postseason, the Middies hold a slim, 5-4 series advantage. St. Xavier won the most recent meeting in 2012, while Middletown’s last win over the Bombers was in 1998.

    It will be the second trip to Dayton Welcome Stadium in three weeks for St. Xavier, which won its playoff encounter with Moeller there.

    WATCH LIVE (Friday 7 p.m.) Division II – Big Walnut (12-1) vs. Anderson (13-0) at Historic Crew Stadium (Spectrum cable channel 314 only)

    There will also be bonus coverage on Spectrum cable channel 314 (note: channel not available on the Spectrum App) of a Division II state semifinal at Historic Crew Stadium in Columbus. 

    For the second straight year, Big Walnut and Anderson will play at this venue, with a trip to the state championship game on the line. The Raptors were 28-24 winners a year ago, before falling to Avon in the title contest.

    Ironically, the Golden Eagles beat Massillon in the Region 7 final for a second straight season last week. Big Walnut’s only loss was in week one to Division III powerhouse Watterson. 

    Its defense has five shutouts this year and nine games with opponents in single digits. Anderson will put that to the test with an offense averaging over 45 points a game. 

    The Raptors are led by junior quarterback Owen Scalf, who has thrown for 4,288 yards and 37 touchdowns this season, while scooting for an additional 634 yards rushing (and 7 more scores).

    Spectrum News 1 will also broadcast 11 games on www.SpectrumNews1.com, including the following matchups:

    Division II – Walsh Jesuit (11-1) vs. Avon (12-1) at InfoCision Stadium

    Defending Division II state champion Avon will meet Walsh Jesuit at the University of Akron’s InfoCision Stadium, the first ever meeting between the programs.

    The Warriors won their first regional title since 1999, which is also the last year they won a state football title. Walsh got revenge on Hoban (which handed it its only regular season loss in week six) by beating the Knights 35-7 in the Region 5 final.

    The Eagles’ only loss was to Spruce Creek, Florida, in week two, by just three points (25-22). Avon’s offense has hit 40 or more points eight times this year. 

    Division III – Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy (12-0) vs. Toledo Central Catholic (10-4) at Fostoria

    In Division III, the Royals meet royalty. The Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy Royals are undefeated and in the state semifinals for the first time. 

    Toledo Central Catholic has claimed five state football championships, including back-to-back Division III crowns in 2022-23.

    CVCA has only had one game (28-21 win over Lake Catholic) decided by fewer than 28 points, while allowing more than 20 just once. 

    The Fighting Irish, playing in the challenging Detroit Catholic League, started the year 0-3, including an opening loss to Walsh Jesuit (17-14). The other three defeats are at the hands of Michigan schools. 

    Division III – Watterson (12-0) vs. Tippecanoe (13-0) at Mason

    Defending Division III state champion Watterson (who split title game meetings with Toledo Central Catholic in 2023 & 2024) has scored 37 or more points in all but one game. Just as impressive, no one has topped 15 among opponents, and nine of the 12 were limited to a touchdown or less. 

    Another undefeated team stands in the way of a return trip to Canton. Tippecanoe is no slouch on offense, either, averaging over 41 points per contest. 

    Division IV – Glenville (10-3) vs. Indian Valley (12-0) at Minerva

    Division IV is loaded with three undefeated teams, including defending state champion Indian Valley, plus a Glenville team that plays a challenging schedule and won the previous two Division IV state titles (2022-23).

    The two meet in one of the semifinals at Minerva High School. 

    The Tarblooders split their first four games, a murderer’s row of Massillon, Olentangy Liberty (both wins), Avon and St. Edward (both losses). The only other Glenville defeat was by three points to Hoban. 

    The Braves have won 28 straight games, going back to the beginning of the 2024 season. Senior running back, Mr. Football candidate Grady Kinsey, has run for nearly 7,800 yards in his storied career, as well as an OHSAA record 119 rushing touchdowns.

    Division IV – Indian Hill (13-0) vs. Shelby (13-0) at Sidney

    The second matchup of undefeated teams features Indian Hill and Shelby, who square off in Sidney. 

    The Braves are coming off their first-ever regional championship under the direction of head coach John Rodenberg, who took Moeller to back-to-back state titles in 2012-13. Indian Hill’s defense shut out five opponents this year, all in a six-game span in the regular season. 

    The Whippets claimed their second-ever regional championship, winning the first back in 2017. Quarterback Brayden DeVito, another Mr. Football candidate, powers an offense that failed to hit the 40-point mark only twice this season. 

    Devito is committed to playing at Air Force, just like Indian Valley’s Grady Kinsey. 

    Division V – Cardinal Mooney (10-2) vs. Wheelersburg (13-0) at Westerville Central

    Youngstown’s Cardinal Mooney can match tradition with anyone in the state. The Cardinals have won eight state titles, tied with Coldwater and Newark Catholic. Only Marion Local (15), St. Ignatius (11) and Moeller (9) have more. 

    However, it’s been 14 years since the last one, and 12 years since the previous regional title. 

    Cardinal Mooney played only one other Division V program before the playoffs began, with the others in Division III or IV in the regular season. 

    Wheelersburg has been a machine,= coming out of Region 19. It’s the Pirates’ first state semifinal appearance since 2018, having won their second state title the year before. 

    Only three of 13 opponents have reached double-digits on the Wheelersburg defense. 

    Division V – Indian Lake (11-2) vs. Liberty Center (13-0) at Lima Spartan Stadium

    Indian Lake’s best season in school history was 2016, when the Lakers completed a 10-0 season before falling to Ottawa-Glandorf in a regional semifinal. 

    Now there’s company, as the 2025 squad clinched the school’s first football regional title, following an 8-2 regular season. It’s a team comfortable with close games, winning four of them by a field goal. 

    Liberty Center captured its fourth straight regional crown, and reached the championship game the last two years, before losing to Ironton (2024) and Perry (2023). The Tigers have a 57-3 record since 2022, with the three losses in the state semifinal or state championship game. 

    LC has not been seriously threatened yet this year, with its closest game a 19-point decision over Archbold in week nine. 

    Division VI – Kirtland (13-0) vs. Colonel Crawford (13-1) at Byers Field

    Kirtland earned its ninth straight regional championship last week, and 14th in the last 15 years. Even more remarkable, the Hornets are a perfect 14-0 in the state semifinals all-time. The last loss that wasn’t in a state championship game was to Cuyahoga Heights in a 2016 regional final. 

    The 2025 team hasn’t allowed more than seven points in a game since September 12th. Senior quarterback Jake LaVerde—son of head coach Tiger LaVerde—leads the offense. 

    Colonel Crawford is another first-time regional champion. The Eagles have five wins this season over teams with eight or more victories. The only loss was a 24-14 decision to Carey, which made the Region 22 final.

    Division VI – Coldwater (10-4) vs. Hopewell-Loudon (12-1) at Wapakoneta

    The Region 22 title was won by Hopewell-Loudon, which is a regional champion for the first time since 2021. The Chieftains reached back-to-back state championship games in 2007-08 but are still seeking the school’s first state title. 

    Hopewell-Loudon’s only loss this season was a week seven game against Margaretta (29-26). 

    On the other sideline is a Coldwater program coming off its eighth state championship, winning Division VI over Kirtland last year. 

    The Cavaliers got off to a slow start in 2025, splitting its first four games. Coldwater comes in winners of five of its last six, with the only loss to Marion Local by one point (7-6). 

    Division VII – St. Henry (12-1) vs. Columbus Grove (10-3) at Troy

    Marion Local’s 76-game winning streak (and four consecutive state championships) ended at the hands of fellow Midwestern Athletic Conference member St. Henry.

    The Redskins atoned for their only defeat of the year, a 21-14 decision to the Flyers in week three, with a 24-7 triumph in the Region 28 final.

    The same program that sent Jim Lachey, Bobby Hoying, Tommy Hoying and Todd Boeckman on to play at Ohio State has won six state championships of its own, with the most recent in 2006, which also happens to be the last regional title. 

    Columbus Grove, meanwhile, won its fourth straight regional last week. However, the Bulldogs could not advance past the state semifinals since winning it all in 2003. 

    The 2025 team has won ten straight games after beginning the campaign 0-3. 

    This is the second all-time meeting, with Redskins taking a 1995 regional semifinal played in Celina with a 21-0 score. 

    Division VII – Hillsdale (12-1) vs. McDonald (13-0) at New Philadelphia

    While all of Division VII breathed a sigh of relief when St. Henry knocked off Marion Local, no one exhaled louder than Hillsdale. 

    Coming off the school’s first-ever regional title and championship game appearance a year ago, the Falcons were overwhelmed 74-0 by the Flyers in last year’s championship.

    However, Hillsdale responded with a strong season in 2025, experiencing just one blemish, a 24-17 decision to Norwayne in the regular season finale. 

    McDonald hasn’t played in a state semifinal in 31 years, beating Beallsville before losing to St. Henry in the state championship game in 1994. 

    The Blue Devils completed their first undefeated regular season since 2018 and are making their fourth state semifinal appearance all-time. 

    Let Spectrum News 1 and the Spectrum News App chauffeur you next week for the state championships, Dec. 4 to Dec. 6 in Canton:

    Thursday, Dec. 4: Division II Championship at 7 p.m.

    Friday, Dec. 5: Division IV Championship at 10:30 a.m.

    Friday, Dec. 5: Division III Championship at 3 p.m.

    Friday, Dec. 5: Division I Championship at 7:30 p.m.

    Saturday, Dec. 6: Division VII Championship at 10:30 a.m.

    Saturday, Dec. 6: Division VI Championship at 3 p.m.

    Saturday, Dec. 6: Division V Championship at 10:30 a.m.

    Coverage begins 15 minutes prior with OHSAA Championship Gameday, which returns following each game for interviews and analysis. 

    Previous games from the season are also available on demand through our website.

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    Rob Kunz

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  • Title game trip on the line between St. X and Middletown

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    CINCINNATI — The “Road to Canton” has one more stop, one more chance for 28 vehicles to perform maintenance checks to see if they can go the distance for a state championship.

    What You Need To Know

    • St. Xavier takes on Middletown in a Division I state semifinal

    • The game will air on Spectrum News 1 and the Spectrum News App

    • An additional 13 games will be streamed at spectrumnews1.com 

    The Ohio High School Athletic Association state semifinals will be played on Friday night, with 14 winners advancing to a state championship game at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium.

    Four programs still have the directions plugged into their GPS from last year, as Avon (Division II), Watterson (III), Indian Valley (IV) and Coldwater (VI) still have title defense hopes alive.

    Six more are excitedly asking for directions, as Olentangy Orange, Middletown (both Division I), Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy (III), Indian Hill (IV), Indian Lake (V), and Colonel Crawford (VI) are coming of their first-ever regional championships. 

    Then there are schools that used paper maps the last time they were around this deep into the season. McDonald (1994) and Walsh Jesuit (1999) are both more than 25 years removed from last state semifinal appearances.

    So, start your engines. Spectrum News 1 has you covered with both Division I semifinals live Friday night, as part of the OHSAA Game of the Week. All 14 semifinals are available free to Spectrum customers, with direct links below. 

    WATCH LIVE (Friday 7 p.m.) Division I – St. Xavier (10-2) vs. Middletown (11-2) at Dayton Welcome Stadium

    You can make a case that winning Region 4 can be so demanding that there isn’t enough gas in the tank for the state semifinals. 

    From 2021 to 2023, Moeller survived a challenging bracket only to be knocked off by talented Springfield teams in the state semifinals. However, the Crusaders got past Centerville out of Region 2 last year. 

    That’s the task facing St. Xavier, which came from behind to beat Greater Catholic League South rivals Moeller and Elder the past two weeks. Those wins erased the only two losses on the year, falling in back-to-back weeks in the regular season.

    It’s the Bombers’ first regional championship since 2020, the second straight time (2016) that X won Region 4 and went on to win the state title. 

    Advancing from Region 2 is Middletown, the first time the Middies ever lifted a regional championship trophy in football, thanks to a defense that’s only allowed 14 total points in three playoff victories (all to Wayne in the final). 

    It’s a trend that has transcended the entire season, as Middletown is permitting just a tick over eight points a game and has held nine opponents to single digits. 

    While these programs have never met in the postseason, the Middies hold a slim, 5-4 series advantage. St. Xavier won the most recent meeting in 2012, while Middletown’s last win over the Bombers was in 1998.

    It will be the second trip to Dayton Welcome Stadium in three weeks for St. Xavier, which won its playoff encounter with Moeller there.

    WATCH LIVE (Friday 7 p.m.) Division I – Olentangy Orange (13-0) vs. St. Edward (11-2) at Mansfield Arlin Field

    Viewers in Northeast and Central Ohio will see the other Division I state semifinal

    Last year at this time, St. Edward watched a 22-game playoff winning streak end at Mansfield’s Arlin Field, losing to eventual state champion Olentangy Liberty, 21-7.

    Fast forward, and it’s a different Olentangy school (undefeated Orange) standing in the way of the Eagles reaching the 2025 state title game. 

    One big difference from 12 months ago is the health of star players Brendan White (running back, Kent State commit) and Zach Hackleman (wide receiver, Toledo commit) who were not available because of injuries in that loss to the Patriots. 

    Both have entries in the St. Edward career record books, and are a big reason the Eagles are contending for their fourth state championship in the past five years. 

    Olentangy Orange knows Olentangy Liberty all too well, itself. The Patriots were the only team this year (in both matchups) to finish within two touchdowns of the Pioneers.

    Orange has scored between 35 and 45 points in nine of its 13 games this year, while allowing 14 or fewer points in 11 contests. On average, the Pioneers are winning games by 26 points an outing. 

    Not too shabby for a program on the rise that’s only been in existence since the school opened in 2008. This is the first regional title in football, and the basketball team won its first regional back in March on the way to a state championship in Division I. 

    This is the first-ever meeting between the two schools.

    WATCH LIVE (Friday 7 p.m.) Division II – Big Walnut (12-1) vs. Anderson (13-0) at Historic Crew Stadium (Spectrum cable channel 314 only)

    There will also be bonus coverage on Spectrum cable channel 314 (note: channel not available on the Spectrum App) of a Division II state semifinal at Historic Crew Stadium in Columbus. 

    For the second straight year, Big Walnut and Anderson will play in this venue, with a trip to the state championship game on the line. The Raptors were 28-24 winners a year ago, before falling to Avon in the title contest.

    Ironically, the Golden Eagles beat Massillon in the Region 7 final for a second straight season last week. Big Walnut’s only loss was in week one to Division III powerhouse Watterson. 

    Its defense has five shutouts this year and nine games with opponents in single digits. Anderson will put that to the test with an offense averaging over 45 points a game. 

    The Raptors are led by junior quarterback Owen Scalf, who has thrown for 4,288 yards and 37 touchdowns this season, while scooting for an additional 634 yards rushing (and 7 more scores).

    Spectrum News 1 will also broadcast 11 games on www.SpectrumNews1.com, including the following matchups:

    Division II – Walsh Jesuit (11-1) vs. Avon (12-1) at InfoCision Stadium

    Defending Division II state champion Avon will meet Walsh Jesuit at the University of Akron’s InfoCision Stadium, the first ever meeting between the programs.

    The Warriors won their first regional title since 1999, which is also the last year they won a state football title. Walsh got revenge on Hoban (which handed it its only regular season loss in week six) by beating the Knights 35-7 in the Region 5 final.

    The Eagles’ only loss was to Spruce Creek, Florida, in week two, by just three points (25-22). Avon’s offense has hit 40 or more points eight times this year. 

    Division III – Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy (12-0) vs. Toledo Central Catholic (10-4) at Fostoria

    In Division III, the Royals meet royalty. The Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy Royals are undefeated and in the state semifinals for the first time. 

    Toledo Central Catholic has claimed five state football championships, including back-to-back Division III crowns in 2022-23.

    CVCA has only had one game (28-21 win over Lake Catholic) decided by fewer than 28 points, while allowing more than 20 just once. 

    The Fighting Irish, playing in the challenging Detroit Catholic League, started the year 0-3, including an opening loss to Walsh Jesuit (17-14). The other three defeats are at the hands of Michigan schools. 

    Division III – Watterson (12-0) vs. Tippecanoe (13-0) at Mason

    Defending Division III state champion Watterson (who split title game meetings with Toledo Central Catholic in 2023 & 2024) has scored 37 or more points in all but one game. Just as impressive, no one has topped 15 among opponents, and nine of the 12 were limited to a touchdown or less. 

    Another undefeated team stands in the way of a return trip to Canton. Tippecanoe is no slouch on offense, either, averaging over 41 points per contest. 

    Division IV – Glenville (10-3) vs. Indian Valley (12-0) at Minerva

    Division IV is loaded with three undefeated teams, including defending state champion Indian Valley, plus a Glenville team that plays a challenging schedule and won the previous two Division IV state titles (2022-23).

    The two meet in one of the semifinals at Minerva High School. 

    The Tarblooders split their first four games, a murderer’s row of Massillon, Olentangy Liberty (both wins), Avon and St. Edward (both losses). The only other Glenville defeat was by three points to Hoban. 

    The Braves have won 28 straight games, going back to the beginning of the 2024 season. Senior running back, Mr. Football candidate Grady Kinsey, has run for nearly 7,800 yards in his storied career, as well as an OHSAA record 119 rushing touchdowns.

    Division IV – Indian Hill (13-0) vs. Shelby (13-0) at Sidney

    The second matchup of undefeated teams features Indian Hill and Shelby, who square off in Sidney. 

    The Braves are coming off their first-ever regional championship under the direction of head coach John Rodenberg, who took Moeller to back-to-back state titles in 2012-13. Indian Hill’s defense shut out five opponents this year, all in a six-game span in the regular season. 

    The Whippets claimed their second-ever regional championship, winning the first back in 2017. Quarterback Brayden DeVito, another Mr. Football candidate, powers an offense that failed to hit the 40-point mark only twice this season. 

    Devito is committed to playing at Air Force, just like Indian Valley’s Grady Kinsey. 

    Division V – Cardinal Mooney (10-2) vs. Wheelersburg (13-0) at Westerville Central

    Youngstown’s Cardinal Mooney can match tradition with anyone in the state. The Cardinals have won eight state titles, tied with Coldwater and Newark Catholic. Only Marion Local (15), St. Ignatius (11) and Moeller (9) have more. 

    However, it’s been 14 years since the last one, and 12 years since the previous regional title. 

    Cardinal Mooney played only one other Division V program before the playoffs began, with the others in Division III or IV in the regular season. 

    Wheelersburg has been a machine coming out of Region 19. It’s the Pirates’ first state semifinal appearance since 2018, having won their second state title the year before. 

    Only three of 13 opponents have reached double-digits on the Wheelersburg defense. 

    Division V – Indian Lake (11-2) vs. Liberty Center (13-0) at Lima Spartan Stadium

    Indian Lake’s best season in school history was 2016, when the Lakers completed a 10-0 season before falling to Ottawa-Glandorf in a regional semifinal. 

    Now there’s company, as the 2025 squad clinched the school’s first football regional title, following an 8-2 regular season. It’s a team comfortable with close games, winning four of them by a field goal. 

    Liberty Center captured its fourth straight regional crown, and reached the championship game the last two years, before losing to Ironton (2024) and Perry (2023). The Tigers have a 57-3 record since 2022, with the three losses in the state semifinal or state championship game. 

    LC has not been seriously threatened yet this year, with its closest game a 19-point decision over Archbold in week nine. 

    Division VI – Kirtland (13-0) vs. Colonel Crawford (13-1) at Byers Field

    Kirtland earned its ninth straight regional championship last week, and 14th in the last 15 years. Even more remarkable, the Hornets are a perfect 14-0 in the state semifinals all-time. The last loss that wasn’t in a state championship game was to Cuyahoga Heights in a 2016 regional final. 

    The 2025 team hasn’t allowed more than seven points in a game since September 12th. Senior quarterback Jake LaVerde—son of head coach Tiger LaVerde—leads the offense. 

    Colonel Crawford is another first-time regional champion. The Eagles have five wins this season over teams with eight or more victories. The only loss was a 24-14 decision to Carey, which made the Region 22 final.

    Division VI – Coldwater (10-4) vs. Hopewell-Loudon (12-1) at Wapakoneta

    The Region 22 title was won by Hopewell-Loudon, which is a regional champion for the first time since 2021. The Chieftains reached back-to-back state championship games in 2007-08 but are still seeking the school’s first state title. 

    Hopewell-Loudon’s only loss this season was a week seven game against Margaretta (29-26). 

    On the other sideline is a Coldwater program coming off its eighth state championship, winning Division VI over Kirtland last year. 

    The Cavaliers got off to a slow start in 2025, splitting its first four games. Coldwater comes in winners of five of its last six, with the only loss to Marion Local by one point (7-6). 

    Division VII – St. Henry (12-1) vs. Columbus Grove (10-3) at Troy

    Marion Local’s 76-game winning streak (and four consecutive state championships) ended at the hands of fellow Midwestern Athletic Conference member St. Henry.

    The Redskins atoned for their only defeat of the year, a 21-14 decision to the Flyers in week three, with a 24-7 triumph in the Region 28 final.

    The same program that sent Jim Lachey, Bobby & Tommy Hoying, and Todd Boeckman on to play at Ohio State has won six state championships of its own, with the most recent in 2006, which also happens to be the last regional title. 

    Columbus Grove, meanwhile, won its fourth straight regional last week. However, the Bulldogs have not been able to advance past the state semifinals since winning it all in 2003. 

    The 2025 team has won ten straight games after beginning the campaign 0-3. 

    This is the second all-time meeting, with Redskins taking a 1995 regional semifinal played in Celina with a 21-0 score. 

    Division VII – Hillsdale (12-1) vs. McDonald (13-0) at New Philadelphia

    While all of Division VII breathed a sigh of relief when St. Henry knocked off Marion Local, no one exhaled louder than Hillsdale. 

    Coming off the school’s first-ever regional title and championship game appearance a year ago, the Falcons were overwhelmed 74-0 by the Flyers in last year’s championship.

    However, Hillsdale responded with a strong season in 2025, experiencing just one blemish, a 24-17 decision to Norwayne in the regular season finale. 

    McDonald hasn’t played in a state semifinal in 31 years, beating Beallsville before losing to St. Henry in the state championship game in 1994. 

    The Blue Devils completed their first undefeated regular season since 2018 and are making their fourth state semifinal appearance all-time. 

    Let Spectrum News 1 and the Spectrum News App chauffeur you next week for the state championships, Dec. 4 to Dec. 6 in Canton:

    Thursday, Dec. 4: Division II Championship at 7 p.m.

    Friday, Dec. 5: Division IV Championship at 10:30 a.m.

    Friday, Dec. 5: Division III Championship at 3 p.m.

    Friday, Dec. 5: Division I Championship at 7:30 p.m.

    Saturday, Dec. 6: Division VII Championship at 10:30 a.m.

    Saturday, Dec. 6: Division VI Championship at 3 p.m.

    Saturday, Dec. 6: Division V Championship at 10:30 a.m.

    Coverage begins 15 minutes prior with OHSAA Championship Gameday, which returns following each game for interviews and analysis. 

    Previous games from the season are also available on demand through our website.

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    Rob Kunz

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  • St. Pete Catholic reaching new heights this season

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    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — When you put the work in, big things can happen.

    Senior quarterback Chase Burrill and his St. Pete Catholic teammates are enjoying the spoils of a successful season.

    What You Need To Know

    • The St. Pete Catholic Barons have advanced to the regional finals of Class 1A

    • Enroute to the postseason, the Barons were undefeated in the regular season for the first time in school history

    • Quarterback Chase Burrill has posted impressive stats, including a new Pinellas County passing touchdowns record

    • SPC (12-0) faces West Palm Beach Cardinal Newman (9-3) on Friday, Nov. 28 at 7 p.m.; The winner advances to the state semifinals


    The Barons are in the playoffs where the stakes get higher each week. But Burrill thrives when the game gets bigger.

    “Being able to handle the pressure and everything that comes at you,” Burrill said. “I like a challenge. So as soon as I decided to play football, it was definitely something that caught my eye.”

    The Barons have caught the eye of a lot of people this season.

    They set out to win a lot of games. Turns out, they won them all. The Barons an undefeated 10-0 in the regular season for the first time in school history. That string of victories catapulted them into the postseason. And Burrill is a big reason why they’ve enjoyed unprecedented success.

    “Any great quarterback, everybody has to gravitate to and I think when he walks into a meeting room or into a huddle, everybody kind of feels that presence of Chase and the guys want to play for him, they want to play with him,” head coach Jesse Chinchar said.

    Burrill’s stats this season are impressive: 2,789 passing yards and 45 touchdowns, through the first week of the playoffs. But as eye opening as those numbers are, it’s his two interceptions that stands out the most.

    “When you talk about quarterbacks, you want to have at least a two to one touchdown to interception ratio so when you have his, which is almost 50 to 2, it’s unbelievable,” Chinchar said. “It’s just a testament to him knowing the game and being able to protect the ball.”

    His 45 touchdowns set a new Pinellas County record. And he’s not done. Chase has a shot at the state record. But that’s not his focus. He wants to see how far this team can go this year.

    “It’s a blessing to be a part of it,” Chase said. “We’ve been working all year for this, so it’s expected but we definitely have more to come.”

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    Katherine Smith

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  • Armwood offensive lineman is home on the range and the football field

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    SEFFNER, Fla. — It takes a special player to wear the Armwood High uniform.

    There’s a big responsibility when you play for one of the top football teams in the state.

    What You Need To Know

    •  The Armwood Hawks are once again in the regional finals of Class 6A. They play South Lake Friday night

    •  One of the leaders on the team, Logan Miller, is a senior offensive lineman who sets a tone with his work ethic

    •  Logan works hard off the field too by raising cattle


    Senior offensive lineman Logan Miller welcomes the pressure. He thrives on it. The bigger the game, the brighter he shines.

    “For me, I can be as violent as I possibly can — everything single down, every single play,” Miller said. “And it’s just fun.”

    But the football field isn’t the only place Miller feels at home. Want to put a huge smile on his face? Put him in a pasture with his cows.

    In his spare time, Miller raises cattle. He wants to be a cattle rancher when his football-playing days are done. He raises the steers to be sold or bred.

    “I love showing cattle because that’s the industry I want to go in the future,” he said. “I’m going to the University of West Georgia for agricultural business and hope to have my own cow operation out in Georgia or wherever I may go. So, it’s been my passion for a good two or three years, and this is my final little baby I have.”

    There is a carryover between Miller’s two loves: football and raising cattle. One passion bleeds into the other. His head coach, Evan Davis, sees the correlation between the two.

    “The energy, the love, the passion and dedication that he has for that is exactly what he brings out here on the football field,” Davis said.

    Being an offensive lineman is not easy. There is a lot of responsibility that comes with the position. You don’t get the touchdowns or the highlight reel plays. The work in the trenches shows up in others player’s stats. But that’s okay with Miller.

    “That kid’s 100 percent, whatever he’s doing,” Davis said. “He truly is the statement of ‘Be present where your feet are.’ Wherever his feet are, he is present and he is active.”

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    Katherine Smith

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  • Christian McCaffrey’s big night leads 49ers to 20-9 victory over Panthers

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    SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — Christian McCaffrey maintained that playing Carolina for the first time since the Panthers traded him to San Francisco three years ago wouldn’t raise his level of urgency one bit.

    McCaffrey responded to the reunion game like he does almost every week, with a productive performance that led the 49ers to another win.

    McCaffrey gained 142 yards from scrimmage and scored a touchdown, and San Francisco overcame a rough performance by quarterback Brock Purdy to beat the Panthers 20-9 on Monday night.

    “Obviously when you see familiar faces, it’s always good to see them before the game and after the game,” McCaffrey said. “But that’s a completely new team than when I was there. So it’s really just business once the ball was snapped.”

    McCaffrey’s big night helped the 49ers (8-4) overcome three interceptions in the first half by Purdy to remain in playoff position heading into the stretch run of the season.

    Bryce Young and the Panthers (6-6) struggled to take advantage of their opportunities a week after he threw for a franchise-record 448 yards in a win at Atlanta. Young threw for 169 yards with one touchdown and one interception as Carolina missed a chance to move into sole possession of first place in the NFC South.

    Purdy wasn’t much better in his second start back from a toe injury as he became the first player this season to throw three interceptions in the first half of a game. Purdy said neither the toe nor rust was an issue.

    “Honestly, the decisions of going to those spots, I was fine with,” he said. “It’s just the execution of throwing a better ball. I feel like on really all of them, I needed to just drive the ball a little bit more. I kept it up in the air too long on multiple of them.”

    The 49ers went conservative in the second half after Purdy’s rough start to the game, relying mostly on McCaffrey and short passes. The strategy worked with McCaffrey scoring on a 12-yard run to make it 17-3 and the Niners adding a field goal by Matt Gay.

    Young did connect on one big play, a 29-yard TD pass to Tetairoa McMillan, but Carolina couldn’t convert on 2-point try after a penalty moved the ball to the 1.

    Young then threw his second interception of the game to Ji’Ayir Brown with Carolina in scoring position with a 20-9 deficit.

    “Just lack of execution,” Young said. “Couple of plays I’d like to have back, some stuff we could do better. Not what we wanted. We didn’t do good enough and I take ownership of that.”

    The frustration from the loss contributed to a spat, with Carolina safety Tre’Von Moehrig hitting San Francisco receiver Jauan Jennings in the groin after a run play late in the game and Jennings responding with a punch to the helmet after the game.

    “I was just responding to some childish behavior,” Jennings said.

    McCaffrey, who has transformed the 49ers’ offense since being acquired in October 2022, finished with 89 yards rushing and 53 receiving for his 10th 100-yard game of the season — two shy of the franchise record he set in 2023.

    The 49ers gave the ball to McCaffrey on the first five plays, leading to the first opening-drive TD of the season against Carolina. Purdy connected on a 12-yard pass to Jennings for the score.

    The two offenses did nothing after that. Jaycee Horn had two of Carolina’s three picks of Purdy, but the Panthers turned those takeaways into only three points. Young ruined one drive when he was intercepted by Brown on a first-down play from the 1.

    “I like the call,” coach Dave Canales said. “It was an aggressive call, a play action that we had opportunities on. Unfortunately came out with an interception.”

    The teams traded field goals and the Niners led 10-3 at the half.

    Injuries

    Panthers: Horn and LB Claudin Cherelus left the game in the first half with concussions and didn’t return. … G Chandler Zavala (calf) and CB Corey Thornton (ankle) both left in the second half and didn’t return.

    49ers: DE Sam Okuayinonu (ankle) left in the second half and didn’t return.

    Up next

    Panthers: Host the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday.

    49ers: Visit Cleveland on Sunday.

    Follow us on Instagram at spectrumnews1nc for news and other happenings across North Carolina.

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    Associated Press

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  • Ohio becomes next state to allow NIL at high school level

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    OHIO — Ohio has become the 45th state to allow Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) at the high school level after OHSAA member schools voted in favor of an emergency bylaw referendum. 

    What You Need To Know

    • The results show 447 schools voted in favor of the referendum, 121 schools voted against it and 247 schools abstained

    • The new bylaw is now in effect

    • This bylaw will allow OHSAA student-athletes to enter into agreements that will allow them to be compensated for appearances, licensing, social media, endorsements and more, OHSAA explained

    In a release, OHSAA explained that the voting period ended on Friday. The results show 447 schools voted in favor of the referendum, 121 schools voted against it and 247 schools abstained. 

    The new bylaw is now in effect. The emergency referendum vote occurred after a Franklin County judge had issued a temporary restraining order after a student-athlete filed a lawsuit on Oct. 15. This bylaw will allow OHSAA student-athletes to enter into agreements that will allow them to be compensated for appearances licensing, social media, endorsements and more, OHSAA explained. 

    “We would like to thank our member schools for taking ownership of this NIL bylaw proposal,” said Doug Ute, OHSAA executive director. “Whether our schools or individuals agree with NIL at the high school level or not, the courts have spoken on this issue across the country that the NCAA and high school athletic associations cannot prevent a student-athlete from making money on their NIL.” 

    OHSAA said it believes the new bylaw will create a stable framework for NIL and Personal Branding Rights at the high school level. 

    The bylaw proposal has been developed over the past year and a half, with consultation from school administrators, the OHSAA board of directors and member school feedback, OHSAA said. 

    “Our member schools helped develop this language,” said Ute. “Now the real work begins, because this will be a continually evolving piece of high school athletics. The OHSAA will track NIL deals and make sure that our recruiting bylaws and transfer bylaws are still enforced, which is something our member schools have asked for throughout this process.”

    Read the full NIL emergency bylaw below: 

    “Pursuant to Bylaw 4-10-1, a student may not participate in an interscholastic sport unless the student is an amateur. Pay-for-play (receiving payments simply for being a student-athlete), entering an agreement/contract with a professional sports team and improper recruiting inducements remain prohibited.

    4-11-1   For purposes of this bylaw, Name, Image and Likeness (NIL)/Personal Branding Rights shall mean the use of self-publicity due to public recognition (athletic fame) and/or the notoriety a student may attain to receive a benefit through appearances, licensing, social media, endorsements and/or the use of branding.

    Note 1: This bylaw has no connection to Bylaw 5, which permits a student to accept awards, gifts and prizes resulting from their participation/finish in athletic competitions. The requirements outlined within Bylaw 4-11 are solely related to a student-athlete’s promotional and marketing efforts based on their public recognition (athletic fame) or notoriety.

    Note 2: A collective is a third-party group, typically formed by alumni and supporters, that pools donations and fundraising to create and manage NIL/Personal Branding Rights opportunities for student-athletes. The collectives provide student-athletes with sponsorships, endorsement deals and other ways to monetize their NIL/Personal Branding Rights, bridging the gap between athletes and the brands or businesses looking to leverage their popularity and control their earnings from their public persona. Collectives are strictly prohibited.

    4-11-2   A student may enter into an agreement/arrangement whereby the student capitalizes on their Name, Image and Likeness/Personal Branding Rights provided the following criteria are met:

    a) The student does not utilize the name, logos, mascots, trademarks or other proprietary properties of the OHSAA or any OHSAA member school or school team while receiving the compensation and/or during any promotions or imply that the OHSAA or the OHSAA member school or school team approves the NIL/personal branding activity, and

    b) The student does not engage in an NIL/Personal Branding Rights agreement that is provided by an OHSAA member school or an agent of the school (e.g. collectives, booster clubs, foundations, administrators, coaches or other individuals), and

    c) The student does not engage in any name and image/personal branding activities during school hours, while traveling to or from any OHSAA event or during school or team events including any practice, meeting, contest, tournament or any similar event or facility the OHSAA deems inappropriate or distracting (defined henceforth as “official team activities”), and

    d) The student does not engage in an NIL/Personal Branding Rights agreement that provides compensation based on specific athletic performance or achievement (e.g. points scored, etc.), and

    e) The student does not engage in an NIL/Personal Branding Rights agreement that is provided as an inducement to attend a particular school, and      

    f) The student does not display the sponsor’s product or otherwise advertise for a sponsor during official team activities, and            

    g) The student is the only person impacted by the NIL/Personal Branding Rights agreement and this agreement shall never provide any money, merchandise, services of value or any other benefits directly to the student’s school and/or team, and

    h) The student does not engage in an NIL/Personal Branding Rights agreement associated with gaming/gambling, alcoholic beverages, tobacco, cannabis, banned or illegal substances, adult entertainment products or services, firearms or other weapons or any other product or service the OHSAA deems inappropriate or distracting, and

    i) The student is responsible for determining what, if any, effect the NIL/Personal Branding Rights agreement may have on eligibility with the NCAA, NJCAA and/or the NAIA.

    4-11-3   A student engaged in an NIL/Personal Branding Rights agreement shall disclose each agreement to the OHSAA within 14 days after entering into said agreement. Students who fail to disclose their agreement(s) or fail to disclose their agreement(s) in a timely fashion shall be subject to a period of ineligibility up to 20 percent of the sport season in which they participate and/or any other penalties as outlined in Bylaw 11.

    Note: Details on how to disclose said agreement(s) shall be posted on the OHSAA website.

    4-11-4   A student engaged in an NIL/Personal Branding Rights agreement shall also comply with any other applicable OHSAA bylaws and regulations and any applicable policies of his or her school.

    4-11-5   If a student transfers to a school and the transfer can be shown to be reasonably linked to a student’s NIL/Personal Branding Rights agreement, a rebuttable presumption shall exist that the student has been recruited, which is in violation of Bylaw 4-9. The Executive Director’s Office may suspend the privilege of participation in interscholastic athletics during the pendency of any alleged violation of this bylaw.

    4-11-6   Member school administrators and coaches shall have an obligation to educate the school community that any attempt to facilitate an NIL/Personal Branding Rights agreement to help secure the enrollment of a prospective student shall result in penalties as prescribed in Bylaw 11, including a review of the school’s membership status.

    4-11-7   Student-athletes with NIL/Personal Branding Rights deals, along their parents or guardians, are encouraged to seek professional advice, understand contracts thoroughly and prioritize academic and athletic commitments to protect the student-athlete’s eligibility and long-term success. These activities should be regarded as a business, and participants should stay compliant with school and state regulations and focus on building a strong support system to avoid mismanagement of funds and protect future opportunities. 

    4-11-8   Any violation of Bylaw 4-11 shall be subject to penalties outlined in Bylaw 11.”

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    Lydia Taylor

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  • DeBrincat scores in overtime as the Red Wings beat the Blue Jackets 4-3

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    DETROIT — Alex DeBrincat scored 1:50 into overtime, and the Detroit Red Wings beat the Columbus Blue Jackets 4-3 on Saturday.

    DeBrincat skated in from the right side and lifted a shot over goaltender Jet Greaves’ left shoulder. It was his 10th goal this season.

    Moritz Seider and Ben Chiarot each had a goal and an assist for Detroit, which won for the third time in four games. Lucas Raymond also scored, Patrick Kane added two assists and Cam Talbot stopped 30 shots.

    Zach Werenski had a goal and an assist for Columbus. Adam Fantilli and Miles Wood also scored, and Greaves made 29 saves.

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    Spectrum News Staff, Associated Press

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  • Cavaliers beat Pacers 120-109 in NBA Cup

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    CLEVELAND — Donovan Mitchell scored 32 points, Darius Garland had 20 in his return to Cleveland’s lineup and the Cavaliers pulled away in the second half for a 120-109 victory over the Indiana Pacers in an NBA Cup game on Friday night.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Cavs took down the Pacers 120-109 in an NBA Cup game Friday

    • Donovan Mitchell put up 32 points, and Darius Garland scored 20

    • The Cavaliers will host the LA Clippers on Sunday

    It was the first meeting between the teams since the Pacers eliminated the top-seeded Cavaliers in five games in last season’s Eastern Conference semifinals.

    Evan Mobley added 22 points and 12 rebounds for the Cavaliers, who improved to 2-1 in East Group A.

    Andrew Nembhard had a career-high 32 points for injury-plagued Indiana, which fell to 0-2 in group play. Pascal Siakham added 26 points and nine rebounds and Bennedict Mathurin scored 21 points.

    The NBA finalists from a year ago are 2-14 and missing six players. Indiana has dropped nine of its last 10.

    Garland missed five games due to a contusion on the left big toe that he had surgically repaired in June.

    The two-time All-Star point guard played 26 minutes and scored 18 points in the first half. He finished 5 for 12 from the field, including three 3-pointers, and made all seven of his free throws.

    The Cavaliers led 62-55 at halftime before they went on a 21-9 run over a four-minute span in the third quarter to take control. Jalen Tyson scored eight of his 14 points during the spurt, which pushed their advantage up to 16 midway through the quarter.

    Cleveland’s largest lead was 103-81 on Mitchell’s pullup 3-point early in the fourth quarter. It was the ninth time in 15 games this season the All-Star guard has scored at least 30 points.

    Indiana made a 16-4 run to get within 10 with five minutes remaining, but could not draw closer.

    Up Next

    Pacers: Host Detroit on Monday.

    Cavaliers: Host LA Clippers on Sunday.

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    Spectrum News Staff, Associated Press

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  • High school football playoffs on Spectrum News 1

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    OHIO — This Friday, the Ohio high school football playoffs advance to the championships with several closely contested matches on the menu, including five must-see games.

    Fans can watch the OHSAA playoffs live on Spectrum News 1 and on the Spectrum News mobile app. Twenty-two total games will be available to watch at 7 p.m.

    Mentor vs. St. Edward – Northern Ohio Division I, Region 1
    Airing on Spectrum News 1 in Northern Ohio

    The cardinals are taking on St. Edward in the championship game. The Cardinals are coming off a nail-biter against McKinley that they won 25-24. The Eagles dominated Whitmer last week, winning 38-6.

    Pickerington Central vs. Olentangy Orange – Central Ohio Division I, Region 3
    Airing on Spectrum News 1 in Central Ohio

    Another battle between the top two seeds will take place in region 3. Pickerington Central will take on Olentangy Orange with a championship title on the line. The Pioneers are coming off a hard fought battle with Olentangy Liberty, winning 21-17, while the Tigers are coming off a close win against Upper Arlington that ended 17-16 in their favor.

    St. Xavier vs. Elder – Southern Ohio Division I, Region 4
    Airing on Spectrum News 1 in Southern Ohio

    The 3-seeded Bombers are facing off against Elder in the region 4 championship game. Elder last played Princeton, barely coming out on top in the 32-30 victory. St. Xavier also had a close game last week, defeating Archbishop Moeller 17-13.

    Wayne vs. Middletown – Southern Ohio Division I, Region 2
    Airing on Spectrum News 1 in Western Ohio

    The 6-seeded Wayne Warriors are looking to upset 1-seeded Middletown in the championship game. Wayne pulled off its previous upset against Troy last week with a 6-point victory. Middletown is coming off a 14-point shutout against Springfield.

    Massillon vs. Big Walnut – Northern Ohio Division II, Region 7
    Airing on channel 314

    The Golden Eagles will be taking on 3-seeded Washington region 7’s title game. The Tigers trounced St. Francis DeSales in their last outing, winning 48-14. Big Walnut also dominated their competition with a 35-point shutout against Canal Winchester. 

    Other matchups

    Here is a list of games that will be available for fans to watch on Friday on the Spectrum News mobile app:

     

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    Ryan Johnston, Cody Thompson

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  • St. Xavier gets the payoff at Paycor

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    OHIO — St. Xavier and Elder played on the biggest football stage in Cincinnati and didn’t disappont, with the Bombers winning Region 4 at Paycor Stadium, the home of the NFL’s Cincinnati Bengals. 

    — Watch the full replay here —

    Moved after the original site sold out of 7,000 tickets in roughly an hour on Monday, the OHSAA announced a crowd of over 22,000 in rainy weather on the banks of the Ohio River. 

    One week after Elder (12-1) rallied from a 23-0 deficit to defeat Princeton, it was St. Xavier’s rally towels that worked Friday. Trailing 27-7 and then later by a 34-21 score, the Bombers (10-2) scored the game’s final 21 points in the 42-34 win. 

    Daniel Volmer, also the hero scoring the winning touchdown last week against Moeller, put X ahead for good with just over four minutes to play. 

    Middletown (11-2) is next in a Division I state semifinal next week for St. Xavier. 


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    Rob Kunz

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  • History making night for Middletown

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    OHIO — After a benign first half with no scoring, Middletown and Wayne turned up the excitement with the Middies scoring the winning touchdown with just 34 seconds left, to win the Region 2 championship, 21-14.

    — Watch the full replay here —

    Middletown’s Jordan Vann took back the opening kickoff of the third quarter to break the scoreless tie. On the ensuing kickoff, Ohio State commit Jamier Brown returned the favor. It was the second straight week the wideout scored a long special teams touchdown, returning a punt for six against Troy. 

    In the fourth quarter, Brown hauled in a touchdown reception to put the Warriors ahead, 14-7. However, with just under five minutes remaining, Demetrian James, knotted things up again with a scoring run. 

    Vann’s secord touchdown with less than a minute to play provided the winning margin for the Middies (11-2), who advance to face St. Xavier next Friday in a Division I state semifinal. 

    Wayne’s season concludes with a 9-5 mark. 


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    Rob Kunz

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  • Byrum Brown’s 5 total touchdowns lead USF to 48-18 rout of UAB

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    BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) — Bryum Brown threw for 353 yards and accounted for five total touchdowns in USF’s 48-18 victory over UAB on Saturday.

    The Blazers played hours after an incident at their football operations center in which two players were stabbed. Both were reported to be in stable position at a local hospital.

    The Bulls (8-3, 5-2 American Athletic Conference), who had already clinched a program-record third consecutive bowl appearance, trailed 10-7 after the first quarter but they scored the next 27 points to lead 34-10 heading to the fourth quarter.

    The highlight of Brown’s day was a 60-yard touchdown pass to Mudia Ruben that gave USF a 24-10 lead on the first play of the third quarter. Brown had a 1-yard run for the Bulls’ first touchdown and a 2-yard run for their final score to go with three TD passes. His five total touchdowns match his career high.

    Nykahi Davenport added 117 yards rushing and had a short touchdown run for USF. The Bulls had 191 yards rushing and a total offense of 544 yards. Reuben, a senior who had never had a 100-yard receiving game, had 174 yards and two touchdowns on five receptions.

    Jalen Kitna had 230 yards passing for the Blazers (3-8, 1-6) but he threw three interceptions. Iverson Hooks caught 10 passes for 146 yards.

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    Associated Press

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  • UAB football player accused of stabbing 2 teammates before game against USF

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    BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) — A University of Alabama at Birmingham football player stabbed two teammates Saturday morning, hours before the team’s game against the University of South Florida, the university said in a statement.

    Both wounded players were in stable condition, and the teammate suspected of stabbing them was in custody, the statement said. The university did not release the names of the players involved.

    The stabbing occurred on campus at the Football Operations Building.

    The team elected to play the afternoon game at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, where 29 players were being honored on Senior Day.

    “UAB’s top priority remains the safety and well-being of all of our students,” the statement said.

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    Spectrum News Staff

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