The Ohio High School Athletic Association slashed the playoff field from 16 teams down to a brutal 12 per region last season, and that move is going to loom large for every single squad kicking off their 10-game regular season this week. With fewer spots up for grabs, every snap, every game, every drive just ratcheted up the intensity. For teams like Bloom-Carroll and Fairfield Union, who know what it takes to get to October, the grind starts now.
Bloom-Carroll Faces a New Playoff Gauntlet
Talk about stepping into a fire! Bloom-Carroll, fresh off an 8-4 season where they were Mid-State League-Buckeye Division champions and made it to the second round of the playoffs, now has Steve Daulton taking the head coaching reins. It’s Daulton’s first year, but he’s no stranger to the Bulldogs, having started his teaching and coaching career there 18 years ago. He’s got high expectations for sure, telling us, “We are blessed with kids who are willing to work hard and show up every day with great attitudes. We are led by a strong senior class made up of great young men. I’m excited to see where this season will take us.”
That senior class is stacked, too. Guys like running backs Kyson Cline and Cameron Spencer are back, ready to chew up yards. Then you’ve got Weston Coppess at linebacker, and a rock-solid offensive line with Carson Drury, Cole Thacker, and Landon Hansel all returning. Ronnie Smith, a senior wide receiver, is a key newcomer who could make some noise. Bloom-Carroll knows how to win the MSL-Buckeye Division, but with fewer playoff berths, that 8-4 record might not cut it anymore. Every game on their schedule, starting with River Valley, is going to be a battle.
Fairfield Union’s Experience Could Be a Game Changer
Over at Fairfield Union, Coach Andy Clark is entering his fourth year, and his Falcons are flying high after a 7-5 record last season that included their first playoff win in a stunning 24 years! That’s incredible momentum right there, and it’s fueled by a ton of returning talent. Clark isn’t holding back, saying, “We return a large senior class; 10 starters on offense and 8 on defense.” This isn’t just about raw numbers, either. He credits injuries last year for forcing juniors and sophomores into action against tough opponents, giving them invaluable experience. “They stepped in, and our team didn’t miss a beat. We won our last four regular-season games and our first playoff games in 24 years,” Clark said. That’s resilience, man!
Their senior-heavy offensive line, led by Jacob Nye, is going to be crucial for paving the way. Quarterback Dean Clark is back as a senior dual threat, along with Lane Burkhardt at RB/DB. Guys like Boston McKoyes and Kohen Arnett, both juniors, will be making plays at receiver and in the defensive backfield. With that kind of veteran leadership and recent playoff success, Fairfield Union could be a dangerous team looking to snag one of those coveted 12 playoff spots.
The season opener for these teams is Friday, August 21. Bloom-Carroll hits the road to face River Valley. For every team, it’s about setting the tone early. With the playoffs starting October 30 and fewer spots available, every single regular-season game is a playoff game in disguise. You gotta bring it from day one, or your season could be over before you know it.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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