High school football in Columbus, Ohio, is buzzing with excitement as the 2024 season hurtles toward its playoff phase. Here’s a snapshot of the recent action and what’s coming up.

The season kicked off on August 23, following practices that began on August 1, as approved by the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA). The regular season wrapped up on October 26, with the announcement of playoff qualifiers the very next day, October 27.

As of now, the playoffs are in full swing. The first round commenced on November 1, and the regional quarterfinals are set for November 8. The competition will intensify with the regional semifinals on November 15, followed by the regional finals on November 22. The state semifinals are scheduled for November 29, leading up to the state championships from December 5-7 in Canton.

The OHSAA has finalized the divisional breakdowns for the 2024 season, with the largest 70 schools placed in Division I and the remaining schools divided into Divisions II through VII. Each division has approximately 106 schools, with competitive balance data factoring into the enrollment counts.

Several teams have been making waves this season. In Central Ohio, teams like Bishop Watterson, Walnut Ridge, and Grove City have stood strong, with Bishop Watterson currently ranked as one of the top teams. Other notable teams include St. Francis DeSales, Olentangy Liberty, Olentangy Orange, and Upper Arlington, all of which are featured in key matchups this week.

One of the thrilling highlights of the season was the Week 5 clash between undefeated teams Columbus Academy and St. Charles, showcasing the competitive spirit of high school football in the region. Other exciting matchups have included Pickerington Central vs. Harvest Prep, Grandview Heights vs. Briggs, and Upper Arlington vs. Cleveland Glenville.

Spectrum News 1, the official television partner of the OHSAA, has been broadcasting several key games each week, bringing live action to fans across the Northeast, Central, and Southwest regions of Ohio. Recent televised matchups include Cleveland Glenville vs. Upper Arlington and Medina vs. Lewis Center Olentangy.

With the playoffs underway, the excitement is palpable. Fans are eagerly anticipating the next rounds of competition, and the stage is set for some thrilling football in the coming weeks. Whether you're cheering for a local favorite or just enjoying the high-energy games, high school football in Columbus, Ohio, is certainly delivering this season.