Benedictine, Madison, Perry, Kirtland dropping

OHSAA releases new alignments; Division III, Region 9 loaded

The two-time defending Division III state champion Chardon Hilltoppers might have a steeper hill to climb this fall.

The OHSAA released divisions and regions for its football teams for this coming fall on June 13. There were some notable changes, such as Benedictine and Madison dropping from Division II to Division III and Kirtland dropping from Division V to Division VI. But the big eyeopener to many is the landminelaced path that will face teams in Division III, Region 9.

For instance, not only is Chardon — with its 28-game winning streak — in Region 9, but Benedictine has moved in and Villa Angela-St. Joseph, with a deep, loaded roster, has moved up from Division IV, Region 13.

“The region remains tough, if you can survive it,” Chardon coach Mitch Hewitt said. “I was surprised Benny wasn’t in Region 10, which seems to be the weakest region every year.

“We lost St. Vincent-St. Mary (which moved up to Division II), but gained Benny. We lost Dover, but got St. Joe’s. What it’s going to take to get out of there (and to the state final four) remains tough.”

Kenston coach Jeff Grubich agreed. His Bombers are in the loaded Region 9 as well.

“In my opinion, it’s the toughest region in the state,” he said. “You have so many perennial powers in there, like two-time champion Chardon, Benedictine, Aurora … all the programs who do things the right way with coaches who take pride in what they do. It’s gonna be a meatgrinder again, man.”

Here’s a look at each region and how things unfold for each News-Herald area team.

• In Division I, Region 1, Mentor and Euclid remain the only area teams.

• Five area teams will be in Division II, Region 5: Brush, Mayfield, North, Riverside and South.

This region spans from biggest (605 Westerville South) to smallest (376 Akron SVSM).