by 8. Highland
Preseason rank: 13
2024 record: 5-0.
Results: Defeated Hudson, 31-24; defeated North Royalton, 50-20; defeated Brunswick, 37-0; defeated Copley, 44-7; defeated Tallmadge, 49-0.
Comment: The meat of the schedule still remains for the Hornets, as they face 4-1 Revere in Week 8 and 5-0 Aurora in Week 10.
9. VA-SJ
Preseason rank: 11
2024 record: 5-0
Results: Defeated Canton GlenOak, 42-7; defeated Youngstown Cardinal Mooney, 38-7; defeated Mansfield Senior, 60-0; defeated Kenston, 53-35; defeated Cleveland Central Catholic, 48-6.
Comment: Star Bo Jackson may hold off on his return until the schedule toughens up later in the season, but the Vikings have been rolling in his absence.
10. Glenville
Preseason rank: 7
2024 record: 3-2
Results: Defeated Upper Arlington, 6-0; lost to Powell Olentangy Liberty, 24-13; lost to Avon, 13-12; defeated John Hay, 34-0; defeated East Tech 48-0.
Comment: Interspersed within Glenville’s Senate schedule are upcoming matchups with St. Edward and Hoban, starting with the Eagles this week.
11. Kirtland
Preseason rank: 16
2024 record: 5-0
Results: Defeated Dalton, 55-34; defeated Ashland Crestview, 42-6; defeated Ashland Crestview, 42-6; defeated Perry, 22-21 3OT; defeated Independence, 44-0; defeated Cuyahoga Heights, 48-7.
Comment: Other than a down-to-the-wire thriller against Perry, the Hornets have been typically dominant, especially since the starters often don’t play after halftime.
12. North Ridgeville
Preseason rank: 14
2024 record: 4-1
Results: Defeated North Olmsted, 48-0; defeated Valley Forge, 49-13; defeated North Royalton, 10-0; defeated Olmsted Falls, 43-17; lost to Avon, 38-7.
Comment: Playing 0-5 Elyria this week will help lessen the disappointment of last week’s loss to Avon, and the Rangers still can make a deep Division II playoff run.
13. Lake Catholic
Preseason rank: 18
2024 record: 5-0
Results: Defeated Youngstown Cardinal Mooney, 14-0; defeated Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy, 33-7; defeated Erie (PA), 37-0; defeated Willoughby South, 47-0; defeated Kenston, 34-20.
Comment: The Cougars have allowed just 27 points thus far as an undefeated regular season and another long playoff stretch seems possible.
14. Perry
Preseason rank: 23
2024 record: 4-1
Results: Defeated Madison, 42-10; defeated Euclid, 42-0; lost to Kirtland, 22-21 3OT; defeated Cleveland Central Catholic, 42-0; defeated Geneva, 44-7.
Comment: Despite the disappointing loss to Kirtland, the defending state champions are rolling once again on both sides of the ball.
15. Aurora
Preseason rank: 22
2024 record: 5-0
Results: Defeated Twinsburg, 42-6; defeated Lutheran West, 48-0; defeated West Geauga, 37-0; defeated Revere, 42-10; defeated Copley, 49-12.
Comment: In blowing opponents away by an average score of 44-6, the Greenmen are building toward a conference showdown with undefeated Highland in Week 10.
16. Hudson
Preseason rank: 10
2024 record: 3-2
Results: Lost to Highland, 31-24; lost to North Canton Hoover, 18-7; defeated Cleveland Heights, 27-14; defeated Stow, 45-7; defeated Twinsburg, 35-0.
Comment: After a slow start, the Explorers have won three in a row with a rejuvenated running attack led by sophomore Reno Ferri.
