As the Ohio high school football season barrels into its critical final weeks, the latest power rankings after Week 7 offer a captivating snapshot of a fiercely competitive landscape where teams across all divisions are battling not just for wins, but for byes, home-field advantage, and playoff berths. With a new postseason format amplifying the stakes, stunning upsets and dominant performances by established programs reflect a dynamic mix of resurgence, momentum, and unexpected contenders. This update captures the essence of a state where football is more than a game—it’s a cultural cornerstone. The rankings provide insight into which teams are peaking at the right time and which are faltering under pressure, setting the stage for thrilling conclusions to the regular season. Across Divisions I through VII, regional rivalries and standout individual efforts are shaping narratives that promise an unforgettable postseason push.
Division I and II: Powerhouses Assert Dominance
In Division I, the spotlight shines brightly on Elder, a team that delivered a resounding 24-16 victory over the previously top-ranked Moeller, claiming the GCL South championship for the first time in nearly a decade. This triumph, witnessed by over 10,000 fans, signals a remarkable resurgence for a program determined to reestablish itself as a perennial contender. Elsewhere, Pickerington Central vaulted four spots in the rankings with a commanding 52-7 rout of Newark, fueled by the explosive play of freshman Edmund McAllister III, who racked up 134 rushing yards. These results highlight a division where traditional powerhouses are flexing their muscle, leaving little room for error as the postseason looms. The intensity of competition suggests that every remaining game will carry immense weight in determining playoff positioning and momentum for the top teams vying for supremacy.
Shifting focus to Division II, stability reigns at the top as Anderson, Walsh Jesuit, Avon, and Wadsworth all secured victories to hold their ground among the elite. However, the division is not without its redemption stories, as Trotwood-Madison rebounded from early out-of-state setbacks with a dominant 45-0 shutout of Dunbar, showcasing their potential to be a dark horse. Massillon also continued its impressive run, overcoming Missouri’s 2023 Division V state champion, Cardinal Ritter, with a 28-14 win that reinforces their status as a serious threat. The consistency among the leading teams points to a highly competitive field where missteps could prove costly. As the regular season nears its end, the focus in Division II remains on maintaining form while underdog teams look to capitalize on any opportunity to disrupt the established order.
Divisions III and IV: Emerging Contenders and Resurgent Teams
Division III is witnessing unexpected depth, particularly in Region 10, where Wapakoneta and Toledo Central Catholic seem on a collision course for a championship showdown. However, Lexington has thrown a wrench into predictions with a decisive 41-7 victory over a respectable 5-2 West Holmes squad, marking them as a legitimate contender. Additionally, Rocky River has climbed into the top 15 following a 35-0 shutout of North Olmsted, proving that lesser-known teams can make significant waves. This evolving landscape indicates a postseason picture that is far from predictable, with multiple programs capable of challenging for regional dominance. The emergence of these under-the-radar teams adds layers of intrigue to an already competitive division as the final weeks unfold.
In Division IV, Galion has surged into the top five, propelled by an impressive streak of three consecutive shutouts within the Mid-Ohio Athletic Conference. Early doubts about St. Marys’ strength after a season-opening loss to Galion have been silenced by the latter’s consistent dominance, affirming that the initial result was no fluke. A potential rematch with Shelby, the only team to defeat Galion this season, looms as a defining moment for the Tigers, offering a chance to rewrite their narrative. This division exemplifies how past encounters can heavily influence postseason storylines, with teams eager to settle scores and prove their growth. As matchups intensify, the focus will be on which programs can sustain their momentum and seize critical opportunities in the closing stretch of the regular season.
Divisions V and VI: Regional Rivalries and Surprising Upsets
Division V has turned heads with the rise of Youngstown-area teams, even as powerhouses like Ironton, Liberty Center, and Liberty-Benton dominate the conversation. Cardinal Mooney has strung together three consecutive wins against a grueling schedule, while Poland Seminary holds a strong 6-1 record, and Girard has entered the top five after a thrilling 56-35 triumph over South Range. The upcoming Week 8 clash between Girard and South Range for local bragging rights underscores the fierce rivalries that fuel this division’s competitiveness. These matchups are not just about rankings but about community pride, adding an emotional layer to the stakes. As the postseason approaches, the ability of these teams to navigate tough local battles will likely determine their readiness for broader challenges.
Meanwhile, Division VI showcases momentum and unexpected results, with Colonel Crawford earning a top-15 spot after back-to-back shutouts, including a 31-0 rout of Seneca East. In Region 23, known for its expansive geographic reach, Fort Frye has climbed into the top five with a 55-0 demolition of Greenbrier West from West Virginia. Centerburg also made headlines by upsetting previously undefeated Mount Gilead 46-0, shaking up expectations in the region. These performances highlight a division where late-season surges and surprising outcomes are redefining the competitive hierarchy. The unpredictability in Division VI suggests that teams peaking now could pose significant threats in the playoffs, making every game a critical stepping stone toward postseason success.
Division VII and Broader Trends: Regional Disparities and Momentum Shifts
In Division VII, western Ohio teams continue to hold a firm grip on the spotlight, with Minster solidifying its postseason prospects through a 27-16 upset of cross-county rival New Bremen. Columbus Grove, despite a rocky 0-3 start, has staged a remarkable turnaround with four straight wins, though a daunting slate of games against Convoy Crestview, Lima Central Catholic, and Bluffton—boasting a combined record of 18-3—awaits. This regional disparity, where western teams consistently outshine their eastern counterparts, shapes the division’s narrative. The resilience of teams like Columbus Grove serves as a reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in high school football, with late-season success often proving decisive in playoff contention.
Looking across all divisions, certain patterns emerge that define the Week 7 landscape. Momentum proved to be a game-changer, as seen with teams like Galion and Columbus Grove overcoming early struggles to build formidable campaigns. Regional depth, especially in Divisions III and VI, introduced unforeseen contenders, while standout individual efforts and team dominance shaped identities for programs like Pickerington Central and Galion. Local rivalries and pivotal upcoming games added layers of drama, ensuring that the final weeks carry heightened significance. Reflecting on these developments, it becomes clear that the new playoff format has intensified every matchup, pushing teams to refine their strategies and peak at the opportune moment for a shot at glory.
