by Now that the regular season has reached its midpoint, it’s time to update the Kee On Sports Top 25 football rankings.
1. Avon
Preseason rank: 3
2024 record: 5-0
Results: Defeated St. Ignatius, 42-12; defeated Canton McKinley 21-14; defeated Glenville, 13-21; defeated Elyria, 58-0; defeated North Ridgeville, 38-7.
Comment: Could this finally be the year the Eagles break through after reaching the state semifinals in six of the past seven campaigns?
2. Akron Hoban
Preseason rank: 2
2024 record: 4-1
Results: Lost to Severn Archbishop Spalding (MD), 28-14; defeated Don Bosco Prep (NJ), 21-7; defeated Akron Buchtel, 56-0; defeated Akron East, 42-6; defeated St. Ignatius, 45-14.
Comment: After hosting a team from Illinois, the Knights then will face unbeaten Walsh Jesuit, a team Hoban beat in last year’s regional final before eventually finishing as state runner-up.
3. Mentor
Preseason rank: 4
2024 record: 5-0
Results: Defeated Massillon Jackson, 36-13; defeated St. Ignatius, 20-14; defeated Erie (PA) McDowell, 50-14; defeated Medina, 49-14; defeated Cleveland Heights, 35-27.
Comment: With West Virginia commit Scotty Fox slinging the ball around the yard, the Cardinals are putting up big numbers.
4. St. Edward
Preseason rank: 1
2024 record: 3-2
Results: Defeated Pickerington North, 28-0; defeated St. Joseph’s Prep (PA), 35-21; lost to Boyle County (KY), 38-21; defeated Cincinnati Elder, 24-17; lost to Massillon, 31-21.
Comment: Facing the usual killer schedule, the Eagles need someone to step up for injured running back Brandon White.
5. Wadsworth
Preseason rank: 6
2024 record: 5-0
Results: Defeated Barberton, 42-0; defeated New Albany, 42-21; defeated Medina, 51-7; defeated Twinsburg, 55-10; defeated Brecksville-Broadview Heights, 56-14.
Comment: It’s difficult to imagine a team that has been more dominant than Wadsworth, which has scored 246 points while giving up just 52.
6. Walsh Jesuit
Preseason rank: 9
2024 record: 5-0
Results: Defeated Youngstown Ursuline, 37-35; defeated Erie (PA) McDowell, 47-21; defeated St. Vincent-St. Mary, 52-0; defeated St. Ignatius, 42-7; defeated Akron Firestone, 49-0.
Comment: This is a key stretch to the season for the Warriors, who face 4-1 Benedictine at John Carroll this week and host 4-1 Hoban next week.
7. Nordonia
Preseason rank: 17
2024 record: 5-0
Results: Defeated Bedford, 41-6; defeated Berea-Midpark, 35-28; defeated Mayfield, 35-7; defeated Solon, 45-7; defeated North Royalton, 46-13.
Comment: Other than a 35-28 victory over Berea-Midpark, the Knights have been dominating opponents by the average score of 42-8.
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