By 1812Blockhouse
The stage is set for an electrifying rematch as Richland County rivals Ontario (11-1) and Shelby (12-0) clash in the Division IV Region 14 regional semifinals this Friday, November 15, at 7 PM at Mansfield’s Arlin Field.
Shelby, riding an undefeated season, advanced to the semifinals with a come-from-behind 26-14 victory over Ottawa-Glandorf on November 8. The Whippets have showcased resilience and offensive prowess throughout the season, making them a formidable opponent.
Ontario, not far behind with an impressive record, earned their spot by dominating Clyde 38-7 on November 8 and overpowering Bellville Clear Fork 24-2 on November 1. The Warriors are eager to avenge their only loss of the season, a high-scoring 50-36 defeat to Shelby on October 18 during their Mid-Ohio Athletic Conference (MOAC) matchup.
This game is more than just a playoff battle; it’s a meeting of two powerhouse programs with a rich history of competition. Fans can expect a thrilling contest filled with high stakes and intense local pride.
OHSAA Football Regional Semifinals Details
The Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) has announced the football regional semifinal playoff pairings and neutral sites for the third round of the playoffs. Neutral sites like Mansfield’s Arlin Field are crucial for these matchups, and their selection depends on availability and willingness to host. The first team listed in the pairings is designated as the home team, but factors like regional seed, state rank, or overall record do not influence the choice of venue.
Neutral Site Hosting
Host sites receive a stipend from the OHSAA and retain revenue from concessions, parking, 50-50 raffles, and program sales. The OHSAA covers the costs of officials for the games. Without the cooperation of these host schools, organizing neutral-site games would not be possible.
Ticketing and Broadcast Information
- Tickets: Available starting Mondays at www.ohsaa.org/tickets. Details for state championship game tickets are also posted on the OHSAA website.
- Media and Press Box: Host sites handle media credentials for all regional playoff games. Media seating is allocated based on the OHSAA Football Press Box Priority Seating Chart.
- Broadcasts: Spectrum will announce its playoff game selections by noon on Mondays, followed by the NFHS Network. If a game is selected by either, no other live video broadcasts are permitted.
Looking Ahead
The regional playoffs follow a bracket format, with the regional finals scheduled for Friday, November 22, and the state semifinals on Friday, November 29. The state championship games will be held at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton from December 5-7.
For full brackets and additional information, visit the OHSAA Football Playoffs Coverage page.
Source: OHSAA
