Ohio -- Spectrum News 1 is the television home of OHSAA State Football Playoffs and Championships at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton.
Spectrum News 1 is available statewide to Spectrum customers on channel 1 in HD. Spectrum customers also can watch the games on the SpectrumTV app and stream the games here.
All seven state football championships will include High School Blitz pre- and post- game coverage hosted by MaryLee Melendez and Brett Hiltbrand. Each show includes analysis and interviews of the championship communities, teams, players and coaches.
Schedule of games on Spectrum News 1:
Thursday, November 29:
Division II Championship – Hoban vs. Massillon
Coverage begins at 7:15pm with Dave Bacon, Ryan Cavanaugh and Mike Case announcing.
The Knights are the three-time defending state champs, and looking to become just the fifth program in OHSAA state tournament history (since 1972) to win four or more consecutive titles:
· 5 – St. Ignatius (1991-95)
· 4 – Coldwater (2012-15)
· 4 – Marion Local (2011-14)
· 4 – Newark Catholic (1984-87)
Massillon knows plenty about titles. The Tigers can claim 23 various poll titles that pre-date the tournament, but have come up short in all three state championship game appearances (2005, 1982, 1980). With the short trip over to Canton, Massillon’s fans should provide plenty of excitement and energy Thursday night.
Friday, November 30:
Division VI Championship – Marion Local vs. Kirtland
Coverage begins at 9:45am with Todd Bell, Matt D’Orazio, and Ashley Collins announcing.
These two teams are very familiar with the spotlight – and each other. Marion Local defeated Kirtland last year 34-11, while the Hornets got the better of the same match-up (22-20) in a title game in Ohio Stadium back in 2015. These two programs have combined for nine state championships since 2011, often competing in separate divisions.
Division III Championship – Kenston vs. Alter
Coverage begins at 2:45pm with Tim Bray, Greg Frey, Mike Case announcing.
The Knights won back-to-back titles in 2008 and 2009. Alter head coach Ed Domsitz is in his 27th season at the school, and his 340 career wins are seventh on the all-time coaching victory list in Ohio history. Kenston barely missed out on the playoffs a year ago, despite an 8-2 record. The Bombers left no doubt in 2018, completing a 9-1 regular season, and take a 13-1 mark into Friday’s game.
Division I Championship – Colerain vs. St. Edward
Coverage begins at 7:45pm with Dave Bacon, Ryan Cavanaugh, and Ashley Collins announcing.
Colerain completed its 11th undefeated regular season since 2000 this year, but is search of its first state title since 2004. Meanwhile, St. Edward is looking to capture it’s third championship in five years. The powerhouse programs shared one common opponent this season. The Eagles defeated Elder 36-30 back on September 15th, while the Cardinals handed the Panthers a 42-0 defeat in the Region 4 final two weeks ago.
Saturday, December 1:
Division VII Championship – Trimble vs. McComb
Coverage begins at 9:45am with Neil Sika, Matt D’Orazio and Scott Leo announcing.
Trimble is chasing the first state title of any sport in school history, while McComb looks to celebrate the 35th anniversary of its only football championship. The Panthers have just 35 players on the roster, only nine of which are seniors. Just 14 see regular action.
Division V Championship – Johnstown vs. Orrville
Coverage begins at 2:45pm with Dave Bacon, Ryan Cavanaugh, and Mike Case announcing.
The Johnnies have made it for the first time ever to a state championship game. The Red Riders—featuring freshman quarterback Justin Zwick—last captured a championship in 1998.
Division IV Championship – Girad vs. Wyoming
Coverage begins at 745pm with Todd Bell, Greg Frey, and Ashley Collins announcing.
Both Girard and Wyoming feature record-setting quarterbacks in Mark Waid and Evan Prater, respectively. Each signal caller is over 2,000 passing and 1,500 rushing yards on the season. It’s the Indians first trip to a state championship game, while the Cowboys last won a title in 1977.
It’s all on Spectrum News 1, your home for high school sports.