nice start

nice start

Salem was one of eight Ohio teams to win its playoff debut last weekend, joining Lewis Center Olentangy Orange (Div. II), Peninsula Woodridge (Div. IV), Jeromesville Hillsdale (Div. V), Oak Hill (Div. V), Grove City Christian (Div. VI) and Fort Loramie (Div. VI). Six other first-time playoff teams lost last weekend.

welcome back

Mooney is in the playoffs for the 23rd time, one of 10 teams with at least 20 playoff appearances in this year’s tournament. The others are Cleveland St. Ignatius (22nd), Cincinnati Moeller (28th), Columbus DeSales (20th), Columbus Watterson (20th), Steubenville (22nd), Orrville (20th), Ironton (27th), Wheelersburg (22nd) and Mogadore (23rd).

page turner

Ursuline’s run this year is all the more impressive considering they lost All-American defender Jamel Turner before the season. The Ohio State recruit now plays at Fork Union (Va.) Military Academy, which is 5-4. “He’s doing real well,” said Irish coach Dan Reardon. “Academically, he’s on track to graduate and be eligible for the NCAA.”

Fine dining

If you’re heading to Uniontown to see Girard or Poland, first stop by the famous Hartville Kitchen, which is less than a mile away. “I got the meatloaf, sweet potato casserole and the peach cobbler,” said Poland coach Mark Brungard, while driving back from a meeting earlier this week. “I’m about ready to fall asleep right now.”

top stadiums

Canton’s Fawcett Stadium, which will host the Div. I, IV and V state finals, was named the nation’s best high school football stadium by ESPN.com last year. Massillon’s Paul Brown Tiger Stadium, which hosts the II, III and VI finals, was ranked 10th. To read more, visit the football page on www.ohsaa.org.