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  • Cincinnati AD apologizes for fans’ derogatory chants aimed at Mormons during BYU’s win over Bearcats

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    CINCINNATI (AP) — Cincinnati athletic director John Cunningham issued an apology to BYU and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Monday for derogatory chants by fans at Nippert Stadium during the Bearcats’ game against the Cougars.

    “The use of offensive or religiously derogatory language by a group of fans during Saturday’s game was unacceptable and does not reflect our values,” Cunningham wrote in a post on X. “We remain committed to creating an environment at Nippert Stadium where every visiting team and its supporters are treated with dignity and respect.”

    BYU is the flagship school for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, widely known as the Mormon church.

    Videos shared on social media showed fans repeatedly chanting “(expletive) the Mormons” as No. 11 BYU was on its way to a 26-14 win. The game was played a day after the church community delivered a truckload of 27,000 pounds of food to the UC campus pantry, which provides students, staff and faculty assistance for food insecurity.

    Cincinnati was the second school this season to apologize for fan behavior during a game against BYU. In September, Colorado coach Deion Sanders issued the apology shortly before the Big 12 Conference reprimanded the Buffaloes and issued a $50,000 fine for similar chants.

    The Big 12 did not immediately respond to an Associated Press request for comment on possible disciplinary action against Cincinnati.

    BYU closes the regular season at home against UCF on Saturday and Cincinnati visits TCU.

    ___

    Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here and here (AP News mobile app). AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football

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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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  • Ohio’s largest district considers ending high school buses

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    COLUMBUS, Ohio — Columbus City Schools is considering eliminating yellow bus transportation for high school students or shifting them to Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) service as it looks to close a $50 million budget gap, raising safety and access concerns among families.

    What You Need To Know

    • Columbus City Schools may eliminate high school bus service or shift students to COTA to help close a $50 million budget gap, with a board vote set for Dec. 2

    • Parents have raised safety and access concerns, including early-morning waits and loss of transportation for sports and after-school activities

    • District leaders say major cuts are unavoidable, and the board continues to gather community feedback

    Superintendent Angela Chapman said transportation is one of several spending areas under review as the district searches for substantial savings.

    “Small cuts will not close this budget gap. We have to make big decisions, tough decisions,” Chapman said.

    One proposal would end high school bus service entirely, leaving students in grades 9 through 12 without transportation and returning the district to the state minimum. Another option would replace district-run buses with COTA passes for high school students. Parent Latrice Bradley, whose son is a junior, said the change would disrupt his commute and daily routine.

    “The fact that there’s a chance you will not have a bus sounds ludicrous to me. It doesn’t make sense,” she said.

    Bradley said she is concerned about her son waiting for a public bus before sunrise, riding alongside adults and depending on drivers who are not trained to transport minors. She added that he relies on district buses to travel between schools for sports and after-school activities.

    “That’s a big deal to put kids in front of adults that are going to work, that are just riding a bus,” she said.

    Board members acknowledged the difficulty of the decisions.

    “No matter what decision we make, kids will be affected by those determinations,” board member Sarah Ingles said.

    Bradley said she fears some students may skip school without the structure that traditional transportation provides. School Board President Michael Cole said attendance will remain a firm expectation.

    “Not attending school is not an option. It is not for legal purposes and most importantly, for the highest aspirational purposes of your education and your future,” he said.

    District officials say they will continue collecting community feedback as they finalize the budget reduction plan. The school board is expected to vote on the cost-cutting recommendations at its Dec. 2 meeting.

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    Saima Khan

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  • The Michigan-Ohio State football rivalry now includes who handles their trash better

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    When you’re part of one of the greatest rivalries in sports, Michigan vs. Ohio State, you’ll talk trash about anything, including actual game day trash — and who cleans it up better. 

    Lately, that’s been Ohio State, where Mary Leciejewski is associate director of environmental sustainability.

    “I mean, it just comes with the territory,” Leciejewski said.

    In this competition, armies of volunteers collect and sort through mountains of trash, separating what’s recyclable from what’s compostable, like food scraps and cups, forks and plates that are made to decompose over time. 

    The annual challenge is organized by the Campus Race to Zero Waste program. Campuses nationwide compete each season to see who can recycle and compost the most waste generated at home football games.

    Last season, Ohio State claimed two national titles: one in football and one in trash. The Buckeyes diverted 94% of game day waste away from the landfill, topping the Wolverines’ 79%.

    Paul Dunlop, Michigan’s associate athletic director for facilities, is still proud of the message that stadium sustainability sends to fans.

    “I think if we can do it for over 100,000 people, you can do it at your house,” Dunlop said.

    At both schools, students play an important role. 

    Buckeye Meredith Butt studies ecology, but on the weekends, she’s at the stadium educating fans and making sure all the trash is properly sorted.

    “So much of what we throw away doesn’t need to be thrown away, and it just feels really rewarding to be a part of that,” Butt said.

    At Michigan’s campus farm, game day compost is turned back into soil that helps grow some of the produce served at the stadium.

    “For me, waste is a very tangible part of sustainability. You don’t really see emissions, but you see waste, you see litter on the floor,” said Mia Terek, a Michigan graduate student studying sustainability.

    Leciejewski said she is proud of what fans have accomplished.

    “It’s nice to be champions on the field, but for us, it’s all about the diversion rate,” she said.

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  • Hundreds in drug treatment lose housing after fraud allegations

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    DAYTON, Ohio — Hundreds of patients in drug treatment say they were left out in the cold with no warning. A major treatment provider in Dayton is in crisis and its future uncertain after its former owner was charged with fraud.

    What You Need To Know

    • Clearview treatment patients were told Medicaid paying for their housing was cut off over fraud charges against the former owner Terry Hill Jr. 

    • The U.S. Attorney’s Office states Hill was charged with health care fraud earlier this year and Medicaid fraud in 2021 

    • Volunteers from other treatment centers have been stepping in to help some of the Clearview patients who have been displaced 

    Daniel Bavicks and Amanda May are packing up what little they have left after they say they were forced out of their drug treatment program.

    “We got a knock on the door at 6:30 at night and was told be out of the rooms in an hour, so I’m out there stranded and nowhere to go, you know, and not knowing who to call, what to do,” said May. 

    They’d both spent the last two months trying to get clean through Clearview Treatment Center in Dayton. Now, they worry as hundreds like them are at risk of relapse.

    “I feel like it’s going to have a lot of impact on a lot of people’s treatment. like, people have nowhere to go. They’re going to end up relapsing or doing something stupid to find somewhere to go or anything like that,” said Bavicks. 

    An estimated 400 people lost their housing and treatment Friday night. 

    Clearview management would not comment on the situation. 

    But a statement from the U.S. attorney’s office shows Clearview’s previous owner Terry Hill Jr. was charged with health care fraud earlier this year for the second time. The statement shows the first time Hill was convicted of Medicaid fraud back in 2021.

    But patients were told Medicaid money was supposed to be paying for their hotel while in treatment and that Medicaid money has been cut off.

    Now, volunteers, many in recovery themselves, are racing to keep people from ending up on the street.

    “I know what it’s like to walk around without shoes on my feet in the middle of cold in the hopes of just getting high one more time, and I don’t like seeing that,” said TJ Brinnon, Safe Haven Recovery Housing owner. 

    Brinnon and his fiance, Molly Cruz, are starting a new recovery house and helping bring patients from Clearview to other housing.

    “I definitely wanted to help because of that and because there’s so many great options for treatment that it really it kind of hurts my soul,” said Cruz. 

    Now, they’re taking Bavicks and May to their next stop for treatment.

    “Just having that extra person to have your back and especially your spouse be in there with you makes a huge difference,” said May. 

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    Sheena Elzie

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  • Ohio Turnpike announces ban as Thanksgiving travel begins

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    OHIO — The Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission has issued a High Wind Travel Ban for the entire 241-mile toll road for high-profile vehicles. 

    What You Need To Know

    • The Ohio Turnpike said high-profile vehicles are those with a height exceeding 7 feet and 6 inches

    • The ban begins at 8 a.m. on Wednesday and lasts through 11:59 p.m. on Thursday

    • Wind chills will drop into the 20s on Wednesday

    The ban begins at 8 a.m. on Wednesday and lasts through 11:59 p.m. on Thursday. 

    Spectrum News 1 meteorologists say there will be an active weather pattern through the rest of the week and into the weekend. Starting on Wednesday, a strong cold front will bring a few more showers, but mostly a blast of cold air, that send temperatures plummeting through the day. After starting off in the 50s, we’ll see afternoon temperatures in the 30s, and wind chills in the 20s. A full forecast can be found here. 

    The Ohio Turnpike said high-profile vehicles are those with a height exceeding 7 feet and 6 inches. This means the ban applies to the following vehicles: 

    • All high-profile tow-behind trailers, campers, boats and enclosed trailers (fifth wheel trailers are excluded)
    • Commercial trucks towing an empty single 53-foot trailer
    • All mobile homes, office trailers and livestock trailers
    • All long combination vehicles (LCV) that include long double-trailer combinations exceeding 90-feet in length (enclosed trailers only, including Conestoga type trailers)
    • All LCV triple-trailer combinations
    • 2-axle buses longer than 40 feet
    • Buses with three or more axles greater than 45 feet

    (Ohio Turnpike)

    Here are the types of vehicles that will be allowed on the turnpike: 

    • Self-propelled motor homes
    • Low-profile trailers
    • Fold-down camper trailers
    • Pickup trucks with slide-on camper units
    • Vehicles towing fifth-wheel type trailers or any other type of trailers towed by passenger vehicles or pickup trucks
    • Commercial trucks towing single flatbed or box-type trailers
    • Commercial trucks towing a single 53-foot trailer with cargo/loaded
    • Commercial trucks towing a car hauler trailer
    • Commercial trucks towing flatbed double-trailer combinations more than 90 feet
    • Commercial trucks towing any double-trailer combinations less than 90 feet
    • Two-axle buses less than 40 feet
    • Buses with three or more axles less than 45 feet

     

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    Lydia Taylor

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  • Dayton Mediation Center seeks volunteers to help with youth

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    DAYTON, Ohio — The Dayton Mediation Center is looking for volunteers aiming to make an impact within their Juvenile Court Diversion Program. 

    What You Need To Know

    • Volunteers will be asked to share wisdom, life experience, care and their time with young people in special circumstances 

    • Through the panels, conversations are held between a young person, their parents/guardians and the community volunteers

    • Following the panel, the case is closed and sealed, and the young person will not have a mark on their record

    Volunteers will be asked to share wisdom, life experience, care and their time with young people in special circumstances as members of Community Impact Panels, which are part of the Juvenile Court Diversion Program for children between 11 and 17-years-old. 

    Through the panels, conversations are held between a young person, their parents/guardians and the community volunteers. Members of the panel will discuss what led to the youth’s interaction with the police and how the community is affected. 

    “Volunteers don’t blame, shame, or judge the teen’s choices and may talk about similar choices they have made,” the center said in a news release. “The young person may see what was in their control, and what was not, with a hope of making better choices in the future.”

    Following the panel, the case is closed and sealed, and the young person will not have a mark on their record. Volunteers are needed on one Saturday morning per month. 

    To submit an application to be a volunteer, click here.

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    Madison MacArthur

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  • Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine Whines About Sports Betting

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    Posted on: November 24, 2025, 11:05h. 

    Last updated on: November 24, 2025, 11:05h.

    • Ohio’s governor says he regrets signing the state’s 2021 sports betting law
    • Mike DeWine is leading an effort to eliminate player props from professional and college sports

    Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine (R) signed the state’s sports betting bill into law in December 2021. With nearly four years of hindsight, the Republican says he regrets the decision.

    Ohio sports betting Mike DeWine
    Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine says he regrets signing the state’s sports betting law. In hindsight, the Republican thinks the state would be better off without sports gambling. (Image: Governor Mike DeWine)

    House Bill 29 authorized mobile and retail sportsbooks within the Buckeye State. The law paved the way for the state’s casinos and racinos to partner with sportsbooks to conduct both in-person and internet bets. The statute also allowed restaurants and bars to offer in-person sports betting kiosks through the Ohio Lottery.

    Since going operational in January 2023, Ohio’s sports betting market has become one of the richest in the nation. More than $23.3 billion has been risked legally on sports, with oddsmakers keeping over $2.5 billion of the bets. Though the emerging gaming industry has generated almost half a billion in tax revenue, DeWine has regrets about lending his support to sports gambling.

    DeWine Misgivings

    During a recent interview with the Associated Press discussing the MLB sports betting scandal involving pitchers with the Cleveland Guardians, DeWine revealed that he underestimated how many marketing dollars sportsbooks would spend to bring sports gambling mainstream.

    “We’ve always had gambling, but the power of these companies and the deep, deep, deep pockets they have to advertise and do everything they can to get someone to place that bet is really different once you have legalization,” DeWine said.

    Ohio absolutely shouldn’t have done [sports betting],” DeWine declared.

    With eight professional sports teams and a college sports-obsessed demographic, paired with the seventh-largest population, the major sportsbook operators pounced at the Ohio opportunity when DeWine formally opened it almost four years ago. The sportsbooks spent many millions of dollars securing market share, with today the market leaders being FanDuel, DraftKings, Fanatics, BetMGM, and Caesars Sportsbook. 

    Sports Betting Reforms 

    DeWine, along with NCAA boss Charlie Baker, has been at the forefront of trying to rid player props, both professionally and collegiately, from sportsbooks.

    Player props typically depend on the outcome of a single player’s performance. Critics say props jeopardize the integrity of sports, as a single compromised player can weigh heavily on a game’s outcome.

    Guardians pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz are accused of throwing certain pitches to appease rogue bettors in exchange for financial bribes. In the NBA, star Terry Rozier is accused of faking injuries and throwing games, again for the benefit of outside influences.

    Last year, DeWine called on the Ohio Casino Control Commission to ban player props involving collegiate sports. The state gaming regulatory authority obliged, though player props on professional sports remain.

    In the wake of the Guardians’ scandal, the MLB and legal sportsbooks earlier this month agreed to eliminate certain player props.

    “I commend Commissioner Rob Manfred, Major League Baseball, and its partners for taking this action to address the problem of micro-prop bets. By limiting the ability to place large wagers on micro-prop bets, Major League Baseball is taking affirmative steps to protect the integrity of the game and reduce the incentives to participate in improper betting schemes,” said DeWine. “I urge other sports leagues to follow Major League Baseball’s example with similar action.”

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    Devin O’Connor

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  • Tips for Ohioans to avoid kitchen fires this holiday season

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    OHIO — As Thanksgiving approaches, many may be excited about the togetherness and the food they’re about to devour. 

    But if not careful, Ohioans may be dealing with some fires this year.

    What You Need To Know

    • Data from the National Fire Protection Association states that Thanksgiving is the leading day for home cooking fires

    • In Ohio last year, fire departments repsonded to more than 350 fires during the week of Thanksgiving

    • Experts offered tips to reduce the risk of fires this holiday season

    The Ohio state fire marshal is urging Ohioans to keep fire and cooking safety at the forefront as the holiday season gets in full swing. 

    Data from the National Fire Protection Association states that Thanksgiving is the leading day for home cooking fires, with an estimated 1,446 home cooking fires annually on the holidays. That’s a 388% increase over the daily average. 

    In Ohio last year, fire departments repsonded to more than 350 fires during the week of Thanksgiving. Of those, 66 were related to cooking. 

    “Thanksgiving is a time for celebration, but it’s also a time when distractions in the kitchen can quickly turn fun gatherings into dangerous situations. We unfortunately see this happen every year across the state,” said State Fire Marshal Kevin Reardon. “We want all Ohioans to enjoy a safe, happy and memorable holiday by staying alert and following basic safety tips that, while they seem simple, can really make all the difference.”

    To reduce the risk of fires this season, the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of State Fire Marshal offers these tips:

    • “Never leave cooking food unattended. Always remain in the general location where food is being cooked. If you have to step away for a moment, ask a guest or family member to stay in the kitchen so they can keep an eye on things. In addition, use timers to remind yourself of food that may be on the stove or in the oven.
    • Keep flammable materials away from heat sources. Paper towels, napkins and other combustibles should be stored safely away from heat sources, such as stoves, air and oil fryers, and grills.
    • Use caution with turkey fryers. Only utilize turkey fryers outdoors on flat surfaces and away from structures. Turkey fryers should not be used inside garages or on/near decks. Always follow the provided instructions and make sure to use the appropriate amount of oil to avoid overflows, which can cause dangerous and intense fires. The appropriate level of oil can be determined by first placing your turkey in the cold pot, then filling the pot with water until the water covers the top of the turkey. Once you remove your turkey, the remaining water level indicates how high you will want to fill the pot with oil when it’s time to fry the turkey.
    • Turn pot handles inward. Prevent accidents by keeping pot handles out of reach from children and away from the edge of the stove where someone might bump into them.
    • Have a fire extinguisher ready. In addition to having an extinguisher on hand, make sure you understand how to use it if needed. If a fire becomes unmanageable, evacuate your home immediately and call 911.
    • Keep kids and pets away from cooking areas. Ensure young children and pets maintain a safe distance of at least three feet from indoor and outdoor cooking areas, especially when they’re playing.
    • Use this as a teachable moment. Consider how you can involve your children in the cooking process while also teaching them how to do so safely.”

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    Lydia Taylor

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  • Thanksgiving week starts mild but ends on wintry note

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    OHIO — This busy holiday week is starting off with dry roads and way above normal temperatures. However, pre-Thanksgiving dinner we will see a very strong cold front.

    What You Need To Know

    • Roads will be wet on Tuesday from rain
    • Temperatures will fall throughout the day Wednesday with gusty winds

    • Lake-effect snow will likely impact travel late Wednesday through early Friday
    • A weekend storm of snow and rain will complicate travel to wrap up the holiday week

    Our first storm system on Tuesday will be all rain with highs in the 50s and even some lower 60s.

    On Wednesday, a strong cold front will approach but the morning will be mild so we will see scattered showers early Wednesday.

    Our highs on Wednesday will likely happen in the morning and then fall throughout the day with winds starting to pick up.

    Late Wednesday night lake-effect snow will kick in for northern Ohio and will likely continue through early Friday.

    Gusty winds combined with lake-effect snow could produce hazardous travel along the turnpike during this timeframe.

    We may see a short break on Friday night from the active weather before a storm system approaches from the west.

    It looks like initially this will be snow showers on Saturday but then could change to a wintry mix and rain on Sunday as warmer air moves in.

    Either way, these are big travel days and the roads will be wet or slippery.

    Spectrum News 1 will monitor the weekend storm for adjustments throughout the week. 

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    Spectrum News Weather Staff

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  • Ohio Turnpike partners with OSHP for safe holiday travel

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    OHIO — Officials across the state are urging drivers to follow traffic laws this week with increases in traffic expected for the Thanksgiving holiday. 

    The Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission and the Ohio State Highway Patrol want to remind drivers to buckle up, drive sober and avoid distractions when behind the wheel.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Ohio Turnpike is aiming to accommodate the increase in traffic by reducing construction in work zones to two work zones from Wednesday, Nov. 26 through Sunday, Nov. 30

    • In 2024, 800,000 vehicle transactions were recorded Wednesday through Sunday and nearly 50 million vehicle miles were traveled

    • Over the past five years, or 25 total days, during the Thanksgiving Holiday reporting period the OSHP has issued more than 1,200 speeding citations on the turnpike

    “We have much to be thankful for, and we’d like to see everyone arrive safely for the holidays,” said Executive Director Ferzan Ahmed, P.E., of the Turnpike Commission. “Plan ahead, leave early and take a break if you need to at one of our conveniently located 14 service plazas.”

    The Ohio Turnpike is aiming to accommodate the increase in traffic by reducing construction in work zones to two work zones from Wednesday, Nov. 26 through Sunday, Nov. 30. Officials said at least two lanes of traffic will remain open in both the eastbound and westbound directions along the turnpike. 

    In 2024, 800,000 vehicle transactions were recorded Wednesday through Sunday and nearly 50 million vehicle miles were traveled. 

    “Weather conditions across the northern counties are currently looking favorable, but as we all know, this is Ohio — things can change quickly,” said Chief Engineer and Deputy Executive Director Chris Matta, P.E. “If snow does arrive, please give our snowplow operators the space they need to work safely. Never pass them on the right and always maintain a distance of at least 200 feet behind them.”

    Over the past five years, or 25 total days, during the Thanksgiving Holiday reporting period, the OSHP has issued more than 1,200 speeding citations on the turnpike. These include nearly 500 for speeds of 20 mph or more over the limit. 

    “As motorists, there are many choices within our control when we get behind the wheel,” said OSHP Sgt. Ryan Purpura. “Wearing your safety belt, staying focused, driving sober and obeying the speed limit are simple steps that will make this Thanksgiving travel period safer for everyone. This holiday is about family, friends and loved ones coming together, and we do not want a preventable mistake to turn celebration into tragedy.”

    A customer appreciation event is being held on Wednesday, Nov. 26, from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. at the Middle Ridge Service Plaza (milepost 139.5 westbound) in Amherst to promote roadway safety

    The public is encouraged to call #677 to report impaired or reckless drivers and stranded motorists.

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    Madison MacArthur

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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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  • Black news: Quarterback Shedeur Sanders leads Cleveland Browns in win over Las Vegas Raiders…Sanders is Black..By Clevelandurbannews.com, Ohio’s Black digital news leader

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    Staff article

    LAS VEGAS, Nevada-Led by quarterback Shedeur Sanders (pictured), who is Black, the Cleveland Browns beat the Las Vegas Raiders 24-10 on Sunday at Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nevada, near the Las Vegas Strip, ending the team’s 13-game, on-the-road losing streak.

    After serving as a backup for the first nine games of the season, Sanders, 23, made his debut in Week 11 as a backup against the Baltimore Ravens after Dillon Gabriel suffered a concussion. He went 4-of-16 passing for 47 yards and an interception in a 7-point loss to the Ravens. Notably, he is the son of NFL Hall of Famer Deion Sanders and was selected by the Browns in the 5th round of the 2025 draft.

    In bringing home a win for the Browns on Sunday, Sanders went 11 of 20 passing for 209 yards, 1 touchdown, and 1 interception, along with 1 rushing yard and 1 carry. He threw his first NFL career touchdown to Dylan Sampson and completed passes to receivers like Isaiah Bond, Harold Fannin Jr., and Jerry Jeudy.

    Clevelandurbannews.com and Kathywraycolemanonlinenewsblog.com, the most-read Black digital newspaper and Black blog in Ohio and the Midwest. Tel: (216) 659-0473. Email: editor@clevelandurbannews.com. We interviewed former President Barack Obama one-on-one when he was campaigning for president. As to the Obama interview, CLICK HERE TO READ THE ENTIRE ARTICLE AT CLEVELAND URBAN NEWS.COM, OHIO’S LEADER IN BLACK DIGITAL NEWS.

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    editor@clevelandurbannews.com (Kathy)

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  • Quarterback Shedeur Sanders leads Cleveland Browns in win over Las Vegas Raiders…Sanders is Black..By Clevelandurbannews.com, Ohio’s Black digital news leader

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    Staff article

    LAS VEGAS, Nevada-Led by quarterback Shedeur Sanders (pictured), who is Black, the Cleveland Browns beat the Las Vegas Raiders 24-10 on Sunday at Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nevada, near the Las Vegas Strip, ending the team’s 13-game, on-the-road losing streak.

    After serving as a backup for the first nine games of the season, Sanders, 23, made his debut in Week 11 as a backup against the Baltimore Ravens after Dillon Gabriel suffered a concussion. He went 4-of-16 passing for 47 yards and an interception in a 7-point loss to the Ravens. Notably, he is the son of NFL Hall of Famer Deion Sanders and was selected by the Browns in the 5th round of the 2025 draft.

    In bringing home a win for the Browns on Sunday, Sanders went 11 of 20 passing for 209 yards, 1 touchdown, and 1 interception, along with 1 rushing yard and 1 carry. He threw his first NFL touchdown to Dylan Sampson and completed passes to receivers like Isaiah Bond, Harold Fannin Jr., and Jerry Jeudy.

    Clevelandurbannews.com and Kathywraycolemanonlinenewsblog.com, the most-read Black digital newspaper and Black blog in Ohio and the Midwest. Tel: (216) 659-0473. Email: editor@clevelandurbannews.com. We interviewed former President Barack Obama one-on-one when he was campaigning for president. As to the Obama interview, CLICK HERE TO READ THE ENTIRE ARTICLE AT CLEVELAND URBAN NEWS.COM, OHIO’S LEADER IN BLACK DIGITAL NEWS.

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    editor@clevelandurbannews.com (Kathy)

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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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  • Federal Shutdown Raises Concerns Over Childcare Funding

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    COLUMBUS, Ohio — A brief pause in federal funding left early learning centers across Ohio scrambling to maintain operations, prompting school leaders in Columbus to call for more stable childcare funding to prevent future disruptions.

    What You Need To Know

    • A federal funding pause caused closures and uncertainty at early learning centers across Ohio

    • School leaders said childcare should be funded like infrastructure to withstand federal disruptions

    • Economic losses tied to childcare shortages in Ohio are estimated at $5.4 billion annually, according to the Ohio Chamber of Commerce

    During the freeze, some early childcare programs closed while others struggled to stay open. Staff at the Columbus Early Learning Center said families and educators felt the effects immediately.

    Antywanna Williams, a teacher’s aide whose son attends the center, said the uncertainty would deeply affect young children if access to schools were suddenly cut off.

    “How do you explain to your four-year-old that there is no school?” Williams said. “You have to wait until you’re five years old to go to kindergarten.” 

    Williams said the situation also raised concerns about her own job security and what a shutdown would mean for her family. She said her work is rooted in close relationships with the children in her classroom and their families, and losing that stability would affect them as much as it would affect her.

    Columbus Early Learning Centers CEO Gina Ginn said the funding pause highlighted how dependent early learning providers are on federal dollars and how vulnerable families become when that support stalls. She said the instability also carries a broader economic cost.

    “We are missing out in the state of Ohio on $5.4 billion a year in our economy because families can’t go to work because they can’t find affordable, high-quality childcare,” Ginn said.

    Ginn said the disruption underscored the need to treat childcare as core infrastructure—similar to roads, water systems and K–12 schools—so centers can withstand fluctuations in federal support. Without stable options, she said, families face long-term barriers.

    “It really is the foundation and the backbone of families being able to work. And then also create pathways out of poverty,” she said.

    School leaders said they are now evaluating how local funding structures could be modernized to prevent future shocks to early learning programs.

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    Saima Khan

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  • Grassroots effort to prevent AEP rate hike

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    OHIO — The holidays are around the corner with Christmas songs on radio and movies decorated in red and green shiny colors, and while it’s a joyous time for many people, for others the holidays may be jarring.

    Julia Orban is a community advocate who said, this holiday season, there’s a problem brewing.

    What You Need To Know

    • A community advocate says families right now are having to choose between whether they pay their rent or their utilities or food for their kids, and an unprecedented amount of people are coming to her with disconnect notices
    • AEP is asking for a 2.14% increase in distribution base rates
    • Its media relations team says in a statement that if this rate increase is approved, an average customer using 1,000 kilowatt hours of electricity a month would see their monthly bill increase by $3.95
    • A grassroot campaign is fighting back by asking working families and small businesses to sign a petition and speak up during the December hearings

    “People are really struggling right now. I work with a lot of families that are having to choose between whether or not they pay their rent or their utilities or food for their kids,” Orban said. “There’s a woman who was on oxygen, she requires, to live and she had her power turned off.”

    Orban said that woman couldn’t afford to pay her electric bill, and she’s not the only one.

    “It’s been an unprecedented amount of people coming to me with disconnect notices really struggling,” Orban said. “And I’ve been trying to help them get connected to assistance, but a lot of the assistance programs that were out for different things are starting to go away.”

    In the meantime, there’s another threat to higher bills lurking around the corner.

    The American Electric Power or AEP has filed a request with the state to increase its distribution base rates.

    The company told Spectrum News 1 they would not provide an interview but they sent a statement as a response to the story.

    “AEP Ohio has requested the PUCO approve a 2.14% increase in distribution base rates,” according to AEP Ohio Media Relations. “Those rates cover the costs of equipment like power poles, lines and transformers, and pay the salaries of the line workers who restore power after storms and other outages and of those people who manage the electric grid to keep the lights on. AEP Ohio’s distribution rates have been essentially flat for the last 10 years — distribution rates like the one before the commission now are not the reason energy costs have been increasing for our customers. If this rate increase is approved, an average customer using 1,000 kilowatt hours of electricity a month would see their monthly bill increase by $3.95.”

    Morgan Harper is the co-founder of grassroots organization Columbus Stand Up, and she said they’re fighting back.

    They have a petition and are knocking on doors asking people to attend the public hearing to testify against the increase.

    “So, we launched a campaign called lights out on AEP to prevent the public utilities commission of Ohio from allowing AEP to raise electricity prices,” Harper said. “Even for people who are making decent money, they’re noticing that their price, their bills are getting up to $600, $700 a month they’re like, ‘I don’t know that I can continue to take this.”

    Harper said there’s also another concern regarding the request for the increase.

    “Look at the public utilities commission of Ohio staff report,” Harper said. “They’re also asking for more money to be able to improve the fitness center and the executive compensation retirement packages.”

    AEP Media Relations explained how customers get billed within their statement:

    “AEP Ohio customers’ bills are made up of three parts: generation, transmission and distribution. Ohioans are seeing increased energy costs for two primary reasons: generation costs and transmission costs. Generation costs are those that cover electricity generation to meet a person’s energy needs — the power plants, wind farms and other generation sources that provide electricity to the system. Transmission costs are the costs of building and maintaining high-voltage lines that move energy over large distances, from generation sources to communities. Simply put, there is not enough electricity being generated in Ohio to meet our state’s electricity needs, creating an imbalance in the supply of energy and the demand for it. That imbalance is now forcing Ohio to import electricity from other states through high-voltage transmission lines. As generation supply has decreased, both generation and transmission costs have increased. AEP Ohio shares our customers’ concerns about the imbalance between the supply of energy and demand for it, and we are frustrated, too. In Ohio, utilities like AEP Ohio are legally prohibited from building new generation sources. We sincerely hope the market will respond soon with additional generation sources in Ohio to help alleviate this burden for our customers.”

    “We serve Ohioans in 61 counties, and we care about them and their communities — we live in these communities, too. If customers are struggling with their electric bills, AEP Ohio can help. We offer programs to spread out the costs of electricity over multiple months, which can help families budget, and we can connect customers with programs that cover parts of their electric bill, depending on their income. Our energy dashboard can help customers understand how much energy they are using, and find ways to use less energy, which can help them save money. Customers can learn more about those programs or log in to view their personalized dashboard at AEPOhio.com/Savings/Home, or they can call us at 800-672-2231 for more information.”

    “Finally, we wanted to mention that we know energy bills can be complicated, and we hope to clarify those for our customers by providing more transparent and easier to understand information on bills. We have started sending weekly emails to customers to help them track their electricity usage, and we have filed a separate request with the PUCO to create a more transparent and easy-to-understand bill. We hope that request will be approved to help our customers better understand their bills.”

    But Orban said the assistance programs that are meant to help are often really hard to get. 

    And while the holidays are supposed to be a time of hope, Orban said her hope is for the state to hear their testimonies at public hearings, starting on Dec. 3

    “There was a woman that I was just working with a couple weeks ago, she’s a single mom, she has a five-year-old son, she’s fighting breast cancer and works full time at a school. She makes like $50 more, too much to qualify for the assistance programs,” Orban said. “I’m planning and just sharing just how hard it is for people right now.”

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    Chrissa Loukas

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  • Seniors need food after apartment explosion

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    AUSTINTOWN TOWNSHIP, Ohio — The Board of Mahoning County Commissioners was grateful for community support after an explosing at the Phoenix House Senior Living Aapartment complex, causing several to be evacuated.

    What You Need To Know

    • An explosion took place Saturday at the Phoenix House Senior Living Apartment complex in Austintown Township

    • Officials are asking people to avoid the area

    • They said first responders are assessing the situation and providing aid to those affected

    “Our heartfelt thanks go out to all of our first responders, Austintown Township and all of our partnered agencies, who quickly arrived on the scene, successfully evacuated individuals, transported them to alternate locations, screened them for medication needs and secured temporary living arrangements,” a recent release reads.

    There was an explosion at the complex on North Meridian Road in Austintown Township on Saturday, according to a press release from the Board of Mahoning County Commissioners.

    The board states that first responders are offering aid to everyone affected, evacuating residents and “assessing the situation.” They said the explosion caused “significant structural damage to the building.”

    “The Commissioners’ are devastated by this incident and are focused on the safety and well-being of the residents and our community,” the release reads. “The Commissioners’ priority is to support our first responders to ensure that all those affected will receive the necessary medical attention, shelter and assistance!”

    Officials are asking the public to avoid the area and allow emergency personnel to work.

    “The Commissioners’ are coordinating and working with all local and surrounding agencies to provide shelter and resources for displaced residents to be moved from The Phoenix House to the Austintown Elementary School and the Austintown Senior Center,” the release reads.

    They also note that Animal Charity and the Mahoning County Dog Warden are working to shelter any animals that were displaced.

    While they do not know the cause of the explosion, they said updates will be provided as they get more information.

    “We thank our brave first responders and emergency personnel for their rapid response and dedication to keeping our community safe,” the release reads.

    The board is still looking for help providing food to residents who are being housed in hotels.

    Anyone who wants to drop off food items for displaced residents should drop them off at the Austintown Senior Center located at 112 Westchester Drive.

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    Cody Thompson, Ryan Johnston

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  • Plan for $20 Million Firefighter Training Center Near the Site of Ohio Derailment Revived

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    Norfolk Southern railroad worked with the state of Ohio and Youngstown State University to revive plans for a $20 million first responder training center near the site of the worst derailment in a decade in East Palestine, Ohio.

    Building a training center to help prepare firefighters to deal with a railroad disaster was quickly part of the plan after the derailment on Feb. 3, 2023, that forced the evacuation of roughly half the small town near the Ohio-Pennsylvania border and left residents with worries about the potential long-term health impacts.

    But Norfolk Southern said last January that East Palestine officials had agreed with the railroad as part of the town’s $22 million settlement that the training center wasn’t going to be feasible because of concerns about the ongoing operating costs. The railroad even agreed to give 15 acres of land it had bought for the center to the town.

    Now the railroad is going to partner with Youngstown State to build and operate the training center to help prepare first responders to deal with the unique challenges of a train derailment that can spill hazardous chemicals being carried in railcars. In East Palestine, the derailed train cars burned for days, and officials decided to blow open five tank cars of vinyl chloride because they feared those cars might explode.

    “By working together, we’ve turned this vision of an economic and educational center dedicated to enhancing community safety into a sustainable reality,” railroad CEO Mark George said.

    The railroad has committed more than $135 million to help the town recover from the derailment and agreed to pay $600 million in a class-action settlement with residents, though those settlement payments are on hold because of a pending appeal and accounting problems with the first company that was distributing checks.

    Local East Palestine first responders will have free access to training at the facility. Mayor Trent Conaway said this will “better prepare them to serve our village and the communities in our region.”

    Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

    Photos You Should See – Nov. 2025

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    Associated Press

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