Mentor (13-1) 27, Olentangy Liberty (11-3) 21
For the fourth time ever, the Cardinals will play for the Division I state championship. Tadas Tatarunas (as usual) paced the offense, running for two touchdowns and throwing for another. Only one question remains: can Steve Trivisonno and Mentor beat Pickerington Central next week to win the school's first state title?
Archbishop Hoban (13-1) 30, Avon (13-1) 6
The Knights were state champions the last two years in Division III, and they haven't missed a beat in D-II. After falling behind 6-0 early and leading just 10-6 at halftime, Deamonte Trayanum went off, rushing for scores of 18 and 22 yards and picking off a pass for good measure.
Also, Hoban senior receiver and defensive back Garrett Houser is the Channel 3 "Game Changer" for week 14 of the high school football season. The two-time state champion has committed to continue his football career and serve his country at the United States Naval Academy.
Winton Woods (13-1) 56, Massillon Washington (10-4) 21
The Warriors prevented an all-area D-II state title game by coming back from a 21-0 deficit and never looking back. Chris Oats gave Winton Woods their first lead with a 52-yard interception return in the third quarter, and Cornell Beachem added touchdowns from both a punt return and a run. Meanwhile, Massillon's long drough of not winning a championship in the playoff era will continue.
Tri-Valley (13-1) 24, St. Vincent-St. Mary (10-4) 6
The Irish actually defeated the Scotties way back in week one, but this night proved to be a completely different story as Tri-Valley jumped out to a 24-0 lead. Quarterback Andrew Newsom led the way with two touchdown passes, and the Scotties will take on Trotwood Madison for the D-III title.
Kirtland (14-0) 44, Nelsonville-York (13-1) 0
This matchup of D-VI unbeatens wasn't even close, as the Hornets out-gained the Buckeyes 465-58. Four different Kirtland running backs scored touchdowns, and Jake Neibecker and Joey Torok each ran for over 100 yards. The Hornets will look for their fourth state title since 2011 when they take on Marion Local, the team that won it last year.
Cuyahoga Heights (12-1) 38, Danville (12-2) 8
The Redskins dominated almost from start to finish, and Ryan Polk overcame an early goal line fumble to run for three scores, including one from 70 yards out. After losing last year's D-VI state title game, Cuyahoga Heights will look for redemption against Minister, this time in D-VII.