High school football in Columbus, Ohio, is buzzing with excitement as the 2024 season reaches its climax. The action kicked off on August 23, with practices having begun on August 1, as approved by the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA).

This season has seen some thrilling matchups, with Spectrum News 1, the official television partner of the OHSAA, bringing live games to fans every week. The Friday night OHSAA Game of the Week has been a highlight, featuring games from the Northeast, Central, and Southwest regions of Ohio. Notable matchups included Cleveland Glenville vs. Upper Arlington and Cincinnati Archbishop Moeller vs. Cincinnati Princeton in the opening week. Other exciting games have been Medina vs. Lewis Center Olentangy and Hamilton vs. West Chester Lakota West.

In the Columbus area, teams like Bishop Watterson, Upper Arlington, and Olentangy Liberty have been leading the pack. Bishop Watterson remains undefeated with a 7-0 record, boasting a strong overall rating. Upper Arlington follows closely with a 6-1 record, making these teams the ones to watch as the season progresses.

The regular season wrapped up on October 26, with the announcement of playoff qualifiers on October 27. The playoffs commenced on November 1, with all first-round games scheduled for 7 p.m. unless otherwise indicated. This marks the beginning of an intense playoff run, leading up to the state semifinals on November 29 and the state championships from December 5-7 in Canton.

The OHSAA has also 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.

As the playoffs unfold, fans are gearing up for a series of intense matchups. Spectrum News 1 will continue to provide extensive coverage, including all 14 state semifinal games and all seven state championship games available on channel 1, the Spectrum News App, and at OHSAA.tv.

With education-based initiatives also in focus, the OHSAA has partnered with "Change The Game Ohio" to provide various educational programs, emphasizing the importance of education alongside athletic excellence.

As the high school football season in Columbus, Ohio, heats up, it's clear that this year is filled with thrilling matchups, impressive rankings, and comprehensive coverage, making it an unforgettable season for teams and fans alike.