2026 High School Football Playoff First Round Matchups Revealed
As the excitement of the high school football playoffs builds, fans and teams are gearing up for the 2026 first-round matchups announced by the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA). This year’s playoffs promise intense competition as several area schools prepare to take the field. The top four teams in each region earn a first-round bye, while the remaining teams face off this Friday, October 30, under the Friday night lights.
The stakes are high, and schools are vying for a chance to advance and ultimately compete for the state championship. Here’s a look at the matchups in each division and what fans can expect this week.
Division I: Battle for Supremacy
In Division I, Region 2, the matchups are set to be fiercely contested. **Beavercreek** travels to face **Hillard Bradley**, while **Fairmont** takes on **Grove City**. Another intriguing game will see **Miamisburg** visit **Hillard Darby**.
**Springfield** and **Wayne**, two formidable teams, have secured first-round byes, positioning themselves for the rounds ahead.
Division I Region 4 Showdowns
Region 4 promises equally thrilling encounters. **Little Miami** is set to clash with **Springboro**, while **Middletown** faces **Lebanon**. These games could be closely fought, with each team eager to prove itself on the field.
The higher-seeded teams will have the advantage of hosting these crucial first-round games.
Division II: A Test of Skill and Strategy
In Division II, Region 8, the competition remains fierce. **Butler** travels to **Troy**, and **LaSalle** meets **Talawanda** on the gridiron. **Withrow** is set to challenge **Badin**.
Meanwhile, **Trotwood-Madison** has a first-round bye and awaits the winner of the **Columbus West/Edgewood** matchup, scheduled for November 6.
Division III: The Road to Glory
In Division III, Region 12, **Alter** faces a formidable opponent in **Indian Hill**. **Bellbrook**, coming off a perfect 10-0 regular season, and **Tippecanoe**, with a strong 9-1 record, have both earned first-round byes.
Both teams are poised to make an impact as the playoffs progress.
Division IV: Determination and Grit
Division IV, Region 16, features matchups sure to captivate fans. **Clinton-Massie** plays **Urbana**, while **Dunbar** takes on **Valley View**. **Kenton Ridge** is set to battle **Oakwood**.
Each team is determined to advance and will look to show its skill and resilience.
Division V: Underdogs and Favorites
In Division V, Region 20, **Preble Shawnee** faces **Summit Country Day**, and **Greeneview** challenges **Bishop Fenwick**. **Greenon** takes on **Carlisle**, while **Dayton Christian** meets **Arcanum**.
**Graham**, **Miami East**, and **Waynesville** have each secured first-round byes, leaving plenty of room for potential upsets and surprises.
Division VI: A Showcase of Talent
Division VI, Region 24, promises exhilarating football action. **Versailles** travels to **Portsmouth West**, while **St. Bernard-Elmwood Place** meets **Mechanicsburg**. **Covington** faces **Huntington**, and **St. Henry** is set to play **Madison-Plains**.
**Tri-Village** has earned a first-round bye after finishing the regular season undefeated at 10-0.
Division VII: The Quest for Victory
Finally, in Division VII, Region 28, the competition is just as intense. **Fort Recovery** faces **Waynesfield-Goshen**, while **Ridgemont** takes on **New Bremen**. **Tri-County North** will play **Fort Loramie**. **Marion Local**, **Ansonia**, **Riverside**, and **Minster** each have first-round byes, a sign of the division’s depth.
The higher-seeded teams will host the first three rounds, giving them a home-field advantage that could prove pivotal. Regional playoff games move to neutral sites on November 20, followed by the state semifinals on November 27. The state championship games wrap up the season from December 3-5 at Tom Benson Stadium in Canton.
For more details on the matchups and playoff schedule, visit the source article.
