Springfield can earn Clark County’s first state football championship with win over Lakewood St. Edward tonight in Division I title game.
SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield High School football program is one win away from claiming Clark County’s first state football championship since the Ohio High School Athletic Association playoff era began in 1972.
The Wildcats (13-1) will play Lakewood St. Edward (14-1) in the Division I state championship game at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton.
After falling in the state semifinals each of the past two seasons, the Wildcats were finally able to break through, beating Cincinnati Moeller 22-21 last week to advance to Week 16 in Canton.
“We’re excited about the opportunity to be in this situation,” said Springfield coach Maurice Douglass, who is in his eighth season with the program. “We haven’t been there the last two years prior to this one. We’ve been knocking at the door being in the final four and not getting in. We’re excited about the opportunity to play (in the state finals).”
One of Ohio’s most successful programs stands in Springfield’s way. Lakewood St. Edward is making its eighth appearance in the state championship game, winning four state titles with its most recent coming in 2018.
The Eagles have won six straight games since falling to Moeller 28-21 in overtime on Oct. 16.
Offensively, St. Edward averages 36.7 points per game. The Eagles are led by dual threat quarterback senior Christian Ramos, who’s thrown for 2,003 yards and 20 TDS and rushed for 720 yards and 15 TDS. Senior running back Danny Enovitch has rushed for 1,425 yards and 15 TDS. The St. Edward receiving corps has five players with 15 or more catches, led by senior wideout Rayshawn Manning, Jr. (36 catches, 499 yards, 4 TDS).
The Eagles’ defensive unit is allowing just 9.2 points per game. They’re led by senior linebacker Zyion Freer-brown (128 tackles) and two strong defensive ends — senior Matt Kilbane (96 tackles, 16 sacks) and junior Wyatt Gedeon (96 tackles, 9 sacks).
“We’re going to have our hands full on both sides of the ball,” Douglass said.
When asked what he’s concerned about with Springfield, Lakewood St. Edward coach Tom Lombardo said,