With the first round behind them, the OHSAA Football Playoffs continue this weekend.
Below are games involving area teams, including those who either opted out of the playoffs or have scheduled regular season games for the weekend. Kick-off is 7pm for the games.
TheLitter Media Cameras will be at Paint Valley as the Bearcats host the Greeneview Rams with the Litter Media Game of the Week.
PLAYOFFS – Friday, October 16:
II – Region 8
Teays Valley at Anderson (Winner plays Piqua/Harrison)
III – Region 11
Miami Trace at London (Winner plays Jonathan Alder/Zanesville)
Tri-Valley at Jackson (Winner plays Hartley/Western Brown)
VII – Region 27
Berne Union at Eastern Pike (Winner plays Trimble/Monroe Central)
REGULAR SEASON – Friday:
Huntington at River Valley
East Clinton at Hillsboro
South Point at Zane Trace
Alexander at Southeastern
PLAYOFFS – Saturday, October 17:
IV – Region 15
Indian Valley at Bloom-Carroll (Winner plays Marion-Franklin/Carrollton)
Vinton County at Gallia Academy (Winner plays Meadowbrook/Philo)
Logan Elm at Licking Valley (Winner plays Heath/Cambridge)
IV – Region 16
Norwood at Waverly (Winner plays Unioto/Anderson)
Unioto at McNicholas (Winner plays Norwood/Waverly)
V – Region 19
Portsmouth West at Wheelersburg (Winner plays Northwest/Ready)
Northwest at Ready (Winner plays Portsmouth West/Wheelersburg)
Wellston at Johnstown Monroe (Winner plays Ironton/New Lexington)
Oak Hill at Ridgewood (Winner plays Amanda Clearcreek/Liberty Union)
Amanda Clearcreek at Liberty Union (Winner plays Oak Hill/Ridgewood)
Piketon at Harvest Prep (Winner plays Columbus Academy/Coshocton)
VI – Region 23
Lucasville Valley at Worthington Christian (Winner plays Barnesville/Marion Elgin)
VI – Region 24
Parkway at Adena (Winner plays Harrod Allen East/Minster winner)
Greeneview at Paint Valley (Winner plays Mechanicsburg/Deer Park winner)
Two weeks ago, Chillicothe dominated Miami Trace 44-3. Last week, the Cavaliers were celebrating a Frontier Athletic Conference Championship in a double overtime victory over Jackson.
But the Regional Playoff game on October 9th at The O belonged to the Panthers, rallying from a halftime deficit of 14-13 to win 27-14. The win advances Miami Trace to face London next Friday night.
Chillicothe was playing shorthanded after a Junior Varsity player tested positive for COVID-19 mid-week. That placed 39 players into quarantine protocol, leaving the Cavs with just 19 players to dress for the game.
In the previous meeting, Miami Trace was hampered without starters Jayden LeBeau (RB) and Josh Gilmore (WR). Both were injured the week before against Jackson, but they were instrumental with a second opportunity to face Chillicothe.
Despite being short on players, Chillicothe got off to a good start and took a 14-6 lead. Jaiden Cain, playing quarterback for the first time since the 2019 opener at Teays Valley, was pressed into action after QBs Kamron Smith and Mason Doughty were both quarantined, leaving Cain to get caught up in a hurry.
Maxwell Lee plunged into the end zone with 5:23 left in the 1st quarter to get the scoring started. Without place-kickers, the Cavs went for two-point conversions when they had the opportunity. The first attempt failed and Chillicothe led 6-0.
Miami Trace tied the score on a pass by Weston Melvin, the first of his four scoring passes on the night. Three of those went to Gilmore, including the game tying touchdown from five yards out. The Panthers PAT failed to knot the score at 6 through the first quarter.
Scales had a 37-yard run inside the Miami Trace five. Cain crossed the goal line on a keeper to put Chillicothe and Scales followed with the 2-point PAT ahead 14-6.
Miami Trace pinned the Cavaliers back to their 1 yard line forcing a punt from their end zone. Gilmore return the kick to the Chillicothe 27. Melvin connected with Gilmore again just before the half. Zach Warnock’s PAT pulled the Panthers to within 14-13.
Late in the third period, Melvin scrambled left and found Hunter McBee on the sideline for a 28-yard touchdown pass and with 2:38 remaining Miami Trace led for the first time, 20-14.
The Panthers dashed any possibility of a Cavaliers come back bid with a 67-yard strike from Melvin to Gilmore for a 27-14 lead with just 6:54 left in the game.
Melvin completed 11-of-20 passes for 201 yards and four TD passes. Gilmore (151 yards receiving) and LeBeau (154 yards rushing) were the workhorses for Miami Trace. Cain was 11-of-19 for 106 yards and Scales rolled to 158 yards on 19 carries.
The Panthers (4-3) will travel to London next Friday in the next round of the Regional Playoffs. The Cavaliers (5-2) may have more football to play. Coach Doug Pryor confirmed Chillicothe is negotiating for some regular season action. The OHSAA modifications for football (due to the pandemic) gives schools a chance for more games after the playoffs, until the week of November 15th.
(COLUMBUS, Ohio)—Ohio Governor Mike DeWine today provided the following updates on Ohio’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Today’s press conference was held in Marion, Ohio at the home of President Warren G. Harding.
UPDATED COUNTY RISK LEVELS
Governor DeWine today released Ohio’s updated Public Health Advisory System map. New health data compiled by the Ohio Department of Health found that 18 counties currently have a very high risk of exposure and spread (Level 3): Ashland, Butler, Fayette, Hamilton, Lawrence, Madison, Mahoning, Marion, Mercer, Montgomery, Muskingum, Pike, Portage, Putnam, Richland, Ross, Scioto, and Trumbull.
“We have 18 Red counties, which is more than we’ve seen since the week of July 23,” said Governor DeWine. “Additionally, there are 58 Orange counties this week, the highest ever. 96% of Ohioans are living in a Red or Orange county. The virus continues to spread quickly throughout the state, and we need to continue staying at home when sick, wearing a mask when out, and keeping at least six feet between you and those outside of your household.”
Governor DeWine announced that Ohio Department of Health Interim Director Lance Himes has signed the order that allows nursing facilities to permit indoor visitation beginning Monday, October 12th. In order to permit indoor visitation, facilities are required to meet certain health and safety requirements.
The visits will be limited to two visitors and will be a maximum of 30 minutes. Visitors will have to be socially distanced and wear a face covering. Visits are to occur in areas that are separate from a resident’s room.
Facilities are required to report visitation information, including visitation status, hours, maximum visitation time, and number of visitors via an online dashboard at coronavirus.ohio.gov. Facilities must register with the state by October 19th.
In addition, this order also details compassionate care visits, which are separate and distinct from normal visitation. These visits are not exclusively for end-of-life situations, but can also include situations where a resident was recently admitted to the home and are struggling with the change in environment and lack of family support.
Other situations can include when a resident is grieving someone who recently passed away, a resident that may need encouragement to eat or drink that was previously provided by a family member or caregiver and is experiencing weight loss or dehydration, or when a resident is experiencing emotional distress.
Facilities should work with residents, families, caregivers, resident representatives, clinicians, and the Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman program to identify the need, length, and frequency of these visits.
Prior to today’s press conference, Governor DeWine visited the site of a future H2Ohio wetland complex in Wyandot County. The new wetland complex, with several new and restored wetlands, will be developed at the headwaters of the Blanchard River, which flows into Lake Erie.
H2Ohio is a comprehensive, data-driven water quality plan to reduce harmful algal blooms, improve wastewater infrastructure, and prevent lead contamination. An important part of this plan includes expanding and protecting wetlands throughout the state.
OHIO TASK FORCE ONE
Governor DeWine acknowledged Ohio’s Task Force One as they were activated and deployed yesterday to assist those impacted by Hurricane Delta in Louisiana. Ohio’s Task Force One is headquartered near Dayton, Ohio, and serves as one of the top Urban Search and Rescue teams.
WOMEN’S ENTERPRISE CERTIFICATION
Beginning tomorrow, the Ohio Department Administrative Services (DAS) will launch the Ohio Women’s Enterprise Certification (WBE). This first-of-its-kind certification will allow women-owned businesses to seek certification from the Equal Employment Opportunity office at DAS.
CENTER FOR COMMUNITY SOLUTIONS
Governor DeWine today acknowledged Kimberly Hall, Director of the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services and Congresswoman Marcia Fudge for being named the 2020 Center for Community Solutions Public Service award winners.
The Center for Community Solutions awarded both Director Hall and Congresswoman Fudge for their commitment to ensuring Ohioans have access to food and nutrition services through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, as well as for their efforts to create the Pandemic-EBT program, which provides critical assistance to hundreds of thousands of Ohio school-aged children.
DONATE LIFE
Donate Life Ohio will be holding Ohio’s first-ever online donor registration drive today. Donate Life’s “Don’t Wait, Save 8” campaign encourages Ohioans to register online to become a donor, rather than waiting until a visit to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV). In Ohio, more than 3,000 people are waiting for a life-saving organ transplant.
FIRST LADIES FOR HEALTH- FAMILY HEALTH DAY
The Ohio National Guard will be assisting with free COVID-19 testing in the Cincinnati-area on Sunday, October 11. Testing will be available in nine Cincinnati locations from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.. Several of these locations also offer flu shots.
Additional information about COVID-19 testing throughout the state is available at coronavirus.ohio.gov under the Testing and Community Health Centers tab.
CURRENT COVID-19 DATA
There are 164,262 confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19 in Ohio and 4,983 confirmed and probable COVID-19 deaths. A total of 16,200 people have been hospitalized, including 3,395 admissions to intensive care units. In-depth data can be accessed by visiting coronavirus.ohio.gov.
Video of today’s full update, including versions with foreign language translation, can be viewed on the Ohio Channel’s YouTube page.
For more information on Ohio’s response to COVID-19, visit coronavirus.ohio.gov or call 1-833-4-ASK-ODH.
The Ohio Department of Transportation recently held a virtual ribbon cutting for the Ohio 207 Connector between US 23 and Ohio 159.
On the video below, representatives and business leaders talk about what the connector means to the economic future for the region and the safety for travelers on Ohio 159 through the area’s first two roundabouts.
(COLUMBUS, Ohio)—Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Lt. Governor Jon Husted today provided the following updates on Ohio’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
HOSPITAL ADMISSIONS
Governor DeWine noted today that although COVID-19 hospital admissions in Ohio had been declining since peaking in mid-July, hospitalizations are now trending upwards with an increasing number of hospitalizations in rural Ohio.
The average age of hospitalized patients has also gone up in recent weeks. Ohioans 60 and older now account for approximately 70 percent of COVID hospital admissions as compared to 50 percent of hospitalizations in July.
“As we said earlier in August and September, spread among the young and healthy will eventually impact those who are older and more vulnerable, which is why it is so very important that younger Ohioans do all they can to prevent spread,” said Governor DeWine.
Regionally, the western part of the state has been seeing an increase in hospital admissions and relatively fewer hospital admissions have been occurring in northeast and central Ohio.
All regions of the state currently have adequate hospital capacity.
NOTE: Hospital admissions are a lagging indicator. Admissions for the week of September 27th are expected to rise as new information is received.
CONTINUED PRECAUTIONS
Governor DeWine today reminded Ohioans to continue to take necessary precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19. He stressed that President Trump’s COVID-19 diagnosis should serve as a reminder that anyone can become ill with coronavirus and that citizens should remain diligent in their efforts to prevent virus spread.
“Each of us can demonstrate our love and respect for our fellow Ohioans by wearing a mask, avoiding large gatherings, keeping at least 6 feet of distance from others, and frequently washing our hands. This is in our control,” said Governor DeWine. “This virus is an enemy of our freedom, but by doing these things to fight back against it, we’ll keep our kids in school and our economy moving forward. All of us working together will allow us to live with this virus until the time when it is gone.”
QUARANTINE STUDY
Governor DeWine announced today that he has authorized a study focused on school students who are quarantined due to meeting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s definition of close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.
“We have heard anecdotally that most quarantined students are not getting sick, but I believe that it is important to have data and evidence before considering a change to the recommended guidance,” said Governor DeWine.
ECONOMIC RECOVERY RELIEF PACKAGE
Governor DeWine announced that his administration is working closely with the Ohio General Assembly on a plan to distribute CARES Act funding to help citizens who are struggling to pay their rent, mortgage, or water and sewage utility bills. The plan will also focus on providing aid to small businesses and non-profits.
More information on the economic recovery relief package is expected to be released soon.
PPE MANUFACTURING
Lt. Governor Husted recognized Phoenix Quality Manufacturing for their work to produce N95 masks, creating 40 jobs in Jackson County. The facility will convert 23,000 square feet of the former Elemetal (Ohio Precious Metals) facility into an N95 mask manufacturing operation.
The project has received a $250,000 JobsOhio revitalization grant and a $500,000 PPE grant from the Ohio Development Services Agency. They also received support from the Governor’s Office of Appalachia, Appalachian Growth Capital, and various investors. Phoenix Quality Manufacturing plans to start producing masks in November for local, state, and international customers.
CURRENT COVID-19 DATA
There are 161,299 confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19 in Ohio and 4,947 confirmed and probable COVID-19 deaths. A total of 15,972 people have been hospitalized, including 3,367 admissions to intensive care units. In-depth data can be accessed by visiting coronavirus.ohio.gov.
Video of today’s full update, including versions with foreign language translation, can be viewed on the Ohio Channel’s YouTube page.
For more information on Ohio’s response to COVID-19, visit coronavirus.ohio.gov or call 1-833-4-ASK-ODH.
COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Ohio High School Athletic Association Board of Directors held a scheduled meeting last Thursday (Oct. 1) virtually. The following are highlights from the meeting. Complete meeting minutes will be posted at OHSAA.org.
– The Board was updated by the OHSAA staff regarding various adjustments to the upcoming fall sports tournaments due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Among the changes are:
o CROSS COUNTRY: The regional and state tournaments will have a two-day format this year to spread out the event. The Division III races will be run on Friday afternoons (regionals on Oct. 30; state on Nov. 6), while the Division II and I races will be run on Saturdays (regionals on Oct. 31; state on Nov. 7). In addition, the current Ohio Department of Health order limits the number of runners in a cross country race to 150, which is less than a typical regional or state championships race. If the OHSAA’s variance request is not approved, each race will be run in two sections. As previously announced, the state championships will be at Fortress Obetz, while the regional sites are posted at: http://ohsaaweb.blob.core.windows.net/files/Sports/Cross%20Country/CCRegionals.pdf
o GOLF: At all levels of the tournament (sectional, district and state), tickets are required for entrance and must be purchased in advance. At most tournaments, there will be a limit of two tickets available for each qualifier. The state tournament venues remain the same, with NorthStar Golf Club in Sunbury hosting the boys Division III state tournament, and The Ohio State University Golf Club in Columbus hosting the Division I and II girls and boys state tournaments. There will be limited ticketing at Ohio State. Golf Genius will be utilized for live scoring, with the link posted on the state tournament coverage page at OHSAA.org. There will be no awards presentations on Saturday.
o FIELD HOCKEY: The state tournament will move to Thomas Worthington High School after being hosted at Upper Arlington High School, which cannot host the event this year. The state semifinals will be on Thursday, Nov. 5, and the state championship game will be on Saturday, Nov. 7.
o SOCCER: The state championships venue has not been finalized. Traditional host MAPFRE Stadium in Columbus may or may not host the games.
o GIRLS TENNIS: The Lindner Family Tennis Center in Mason will continue to host the state tournament, as the venue graciously does not charge the OHSAA a rental fee. If inclement weather forces play indoors, the OHSAA will communicate the limited spectator policy.
o VOLLEYBALL: The state tournament venue has not been finalized. Traditional host Wright State University in Dayton may or may not host the event.
– The board approved a recommendation from OHSAA staff to use the current base enrollment data in 2021-22 for a third school year, instead of obtaining new enrollment data this fall from the Ohio Department of Education to start a new two-year cycle next school year. Therefore, a new two-year cycle for enrollment data will begin in 2022-23. The data is used to help determine divisional alignments for tournaments, in addition to school classifications for District Athletic Board elections.
– The board approved a joint proposal from the softball and baseball coaches associations that provides an exception within General Sports Regulation 8 to increase the number of team members permitted to be together to receive individual skill instruction outside of the school season or defined no-contact period. Softball and baseball coaches are now permitted to provide coaching to a maximum of six members of their school team at the same time in all facilities.
– The board approved a proposal from the Ohio High School Ice Hockey Advisory Committee to move the non-interscholastic date back to December 30 instead of the previously established date of November 20 to assist student-athletes who are pursuing a future team placement with USA Hockey.
– The board approved the 2020-21 OHSAA budget, which includes a projected $1.3 million deficit due to decreased spectators permitted at tournament contests. The OHSAA continues to explore cost saving measures and is working toward reducing that deficit as much as possible in order to continue providing services to member schools, its 26 sanctioned sports, and more than 15,000 contest officials.
– The Board reviewed the list of recent infractions by OHSAA member schools. Since the Board’s last meeting, Consequences were issued to 11 schools for violations of OHSAA bylaws or sports regulations. The list of infractions will be included in the complete Board meeting minutes posted at OHSAA.org.
– The Board ratified the contract between the OHSAA and Spectrum to serve as the OHSAA’s official television partner for the 2020-21 school year, which will include exclusive live television coverage of selected football and basketball games. Delayed television coverage, and some live video streaming coverage, is permitted for football and basketball games not selected by Spectrum. The board also approved the OHSAA to finalize a contract with the NFHS Network to provide live streaming coverage of selected tournament contests. The OHSAA will also promote the network to member schools for their regular-season contests.
– The board approved the softball and baseball divisional breakdowns for the 2021 spring season. Of note, competitive balance data from the cancelled 2020 season was not used when determining divisional alignments for 2021, and only school enrollment data (EMIS) was used.
Flu shots are now available through both Pickaway County Public Health and Ross County Health Districts.
Pickaway County Public Health will be holding a mass flu drive-thru vaccine clinic Wednesday October 7th from 10am-6pm at Ted Lewis Park, 443 North Court Street, Circleville.
Walk-ups will be permitted. The vaccine is available for all ages 6 months and up. There will be a limited supply of high dose flu vaccine for ages 65 and up. Interested persons are asked to pre-register at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SVJG3WF
Pickaway Health officials ask to bring your insurance card and Photo ID. If uninsured, the cost is $15 for the flu vaccine, $48 for the high dose vaccine. Masks are required for residents receiving walk-up and drive-thru vaccinations.
Call Pickaway County Health for more details: 740-477-9667 Monday through Friday 8am-4:30pm.
Ross County Health District is vaccinating Senior Citizens at the Health District Office, 150 East Second Street in Chillicothe Friday October 9th from 9am-2pm. The cash price is $25 and they accept Medicare, All Medicaid, HMO’s, Anthem BCBS, United Health Care, Medical Mutual, Aetna, Coresource Cigna insurances.
The Ross County Flu Clinic schedule in the area townships include:
Tuesday, October 13th: Adelphi Community Center 9a-10a; Kingston Annex 10:30a-11:30a; Springfield Township Garage 1p-2p and Harrison Twp. Fire Department 2p-3:30p.
Wednesday, October 14th: Liberty Twp. Fire Department 9a-10a; Richmond Dale Twp. Hall 10:30a-11:30a; Franklin Twp. Fire Department 1:30p-2p and Huntington Twp. Fire Department 2:30p-3:30p.
Thursday, October 15th: Frankfort Fire Department 9a-10a; Clarksburg Fire Department 10:30a-11:30a; Union Twp. Fire Department 1p-2p.
Monday, October 19th: Lyndon Twp. Hall 9a-10a; Paint Twp. Hall 10:30a-11a; Paxton Theater in Bainbridge 1p-2p and Bourneville Fire Department 2:30p-3p.
To contact the Ross County Health District, call 740-779-9652.
After a 10 year absence and finishing second the last two seasons, the Adena Warriors are finally back atop the Scioto Valley Conference.
Adena blanked Zane Trace 46-0 to finish 6-0 in the COVID-19 shortened football season. The Warriors nearly matched their game average of 48 points per game to earn a Gold Ball for the undefeated SVC season.
Preston Sykes had a scoop and score just 11 seconds into the game and tacked on a 56-yard TD pass on the Warriors first offensive play to post an early 16-0 lead.
“I came on a blitz” said Sykes “I didn’t think I was gonna get there – then all of a sudden, linebacker Cole Williams, he smacked a guy and I saw the ball shootin’ out… my eyes got real big. I thought ‘Oh I can scoop this and score on this’.” And like that, it was 8-0 after Sykes scored on a two-point conversion.
After forcing the Pioneers to punt on their next series, Sykes connected with Tate Myers on a 56-yard pass for a touchdown. And like that, the Warriors were ahead 16-0 1:54 into the first quarter.
Cade McWhorter tacked on a 18 yard field goal for a 19-0 lead. Nate Throckmorton punched in a 5-yard run and with just 13 seconds before halftime, Sykes found Logan Bennett on an 8-yard pass to lift the Warriors to a 32-0 lead.
Sykes wasn’t finished, he broke into the open field and sprinted 67-yards for a score. Gabe Stark was on the receiving end of Sykes’ third TD pass to finish the scoring.
“Starting off fast was the key” said Adena’s John Penwell. “It’s a big deal. Especially when you have a team like Zane Trace, who’s talented, young… The ,kids came out and played well. “
Adena was awarded a first round bye for the playoffs and won’t play until they host on October 17th. Zane Trace travels to Coshocton next Friday as the playoff season begins.
Adena’s John Penwell was all smiles with his family celebrating a 46-0 win over Zane Trace. The Warriors fell short of a title the previous two seasons. Photo by Dan Ramey/Litter Media
684 High School Football Teams prepare for first round of playoffs October 9th and 10th. (See schedule involving local teams below)
COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Ohio High School Athletic Association has announced the regional brackets for the football playoffs Thursday, which currently include 648 schools that will take part in the 2020 postseason.
In a normal season, 224 schools qualify for the playoffs, with eight schools from each of 28 regions earning a bid through the OHSAA’s Harbin computer ratings system, which will not be used this season. However, this season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the playoffs will begin in Week 7 (Oct. 9-10) and all teams could opt in.
TICKETING PROCESS
The OHSAA will send playoff ticketing guidelines and information to schools on Friday and will meet virtually with all playoff schools on Monday morning to discuss. According the latest order from the Ohio Department of Health and the Governor, only 15 percent of the stadium’s permanent seating capacity are permitted to attend games, unless the site has been approved for a variance by the Ohio Department of Health. Note that the home team can have its band in attendance for its games, while both teams can have cheerleaders.
All playoff tickets will be sold online through www.OHSAA.org/tickets and will be available starting Tuesday, October 6.
PLAYOFF SCHEDULE AND FORMAT
Earlier this week, the head coaches in each region voted to determine the seeding in their region. On Thursday, the OHSAA placed teams on brackets according to the seeds. Many of the higher seeds will have a first-round bye in most regions.
Divisions, I, II, III and VII will play on Friday nights. Divisions IV, V and VI will play on Saturday nights. All games kick off at 7 p.m.
For each game through at least the regional semifinals, the higher seeded team will have the first opportunity to host the game. If the higher seeded team cannot host, the other team will host the game. The OHSAA will determine sites for the regional finals, state semifinals and state championships. If a team is unable to play a playoff game on the assigned day according to the bracket, its opponent will advance on the bracket.
Schools eliminated from the OHSAA playoffs or that chose not to enter the playoffs have the option to schedule additional regular season contests through Saturday, November 14 (maximum of 10 regular season contests permitted).
STATE CHAMPIONSHIP GAMES
The Division I state championship game will be played Friday, November 13. The specific dates and times for the state championship games in Divisions II through VII will be announced at a later date, but will be played within the November 19-22 date range. Sites will be announced at a later date, as well, but it is unlikely that all seven games will be played at the same venue. There will be no state championship games that happen simultaneously, as each game will have its own time slot.
Football Playoff Games for Local Teams, All kickoffs, 7pm:
