by For the final time this season, here are the Top 10 rankings for High School football teams in Portage County.
- Aurora (10-0) When the most points you’ve given up in a game this season is 13, you have a pretty good defense. The Greenmen defense was nothing short of impressive this season, giving up an average of 4.7 points on the year. And the offense has also been impressive, scoring 31 points or more in each game after Week 4. They’ll definitely be one of the favorites to come out of Division III, Region 9.
- Streetsboro (10-0) The Rockets lived up to their nickname, taking off to their first undefeated regular season in school history and best program mark since 1992. This is only their third playoff appearance in school history (2012, 1992). They have a tough matchup at home against perennial power St. Vincent St. Mary’s High School, but best believe they will be ready Friday night.
- Mogadore (9-1) The Wildcats won the PTC County Division outright, utilizing a heavy running attack featuring standouts such as junior Nick Skye and sophomore Tyler Knight, among others. They are also currently riding a six-game winning streak going into Saturday night’s Division VI, Region 21 playoff matchup against Brookfield.
- Garrettsville Garfield (9-1) The G-Men are making their first playoff appearance since 2016 and second of the decade. They kick off their first home playoff game in a long while on Saturday evening, facing off against Sugarcreek Garaway.
- Ravenna (8-2) Despite a similar record as last season, due to a very competitive Region 9, the Ravens just missed out on a playoff berth, finishing in 9th place. Nevertheless, Ravenna had a great season, featuring standout players such as senior wide receiver Domo Allah and senior quarterback AJ Lunardi, and should remain competitive for years to come.
- Rootstown (7-3) The Rovers had a tough loss to Southeast to close out the regular season, and face off against Akron Manchester on Saturday evening to open up postseason play.
- Crestwood (6-4) Three tough losses to close out the year prevented the Red Devils from playing in the postseason. If both of their close games in Week 8 and 9 end up swinging in their direction, they are looking at a postseason berth. This comes despite a strong start to the year.
- Kent Roosevelt (5-5) Despite the rough finish to the season, the Rough Riders finished with their best mark since 2013, when they last qualified for the playoffs. And a winning record in conference play is also something to be proud of moving forward.
- Southeast (5-5) The Pirates got a huge victory over playoff-bound Rootstown to end the season and build some momentum going into 2020. One of the main catalysts that will be back next year is junior tailback Kaleb Wright, who rushed for over 1,500 yards this season.
- Field (4-6) The Falcons took several strides forward after a rough 2018 campaign, with two losses against teams that finished over .500 in Ravenna and Cloverleaf that if swung in the opposite direction, could have put Field into the playoffs. One of their main contributors that will be back next year is junior quarterback Dallas McAmis.
