By Logan Andrew | FreeWire — Your News, Your Voice
Two area teams. One unforgettable night of high-stakes football.
High school playoff excitement reaches a peak tonight as two Crawford County programs compete for regional championships and a berth in the state Final Four. Colonel Crawford (12-1) and Galion (11-1) each take the field in separate Division VI and Division IV matchups with everything on the line.
Colonel Crawford travels to Highland High School’s Covrett Stadium to face West Jefferson (11-1) in the Division VI Region 23 final. Across the region, Galion heads to Mansfield’s historic Arlin Field for a massive rivalry rematch against unbeaten Shelby (12-0) in the Division IV Region 14 championship.
Colonel Crawford (12-1) vs. West Jefferson (11-1)
Division VI – Region 23 Final
Kickoff: 7 p.m. at Highland High School (Sparta/Marengo)
Colonel Crawford has already made school history: this is the program’s first-ever regional championship appearance, and its 12 wins mark a new record. The Eagles’ playoff run has been dominant — outscoring opponents 119–28 across three postseason games.
The Eagles: Balanced and Efficient
Colonel Crawford’s two-quarterback system remains one of the most unique and effective in Ohio. Peyton Baker and Brayden Holt have combined for over 2,500 passing yards and 25 touchdowns this season.
On the ground, Connor McMichael powers the attack with 1,565 rushing yards and 23 touchdowns, while All-Ohio defensive lineman Payne DeGray anchors a defense that hasn’t allowed more than 14 points in any playoff game this year — piling up 34 tackles for loss and 13.5 sacks.
West Jefferson: One of Ohio’s Most Explosive Offenses
West Jefferson’s senior quarterback Austin Buescher has thrown for 3,750 yards and 34 touchdowns, the second-highest passing total in the state across all divisions.
In their 34-32 regional-semifinal win, Buescher completed 31-of-44 for 344 yards and four touchdowns, with receivers Braxton Vance and Blake Bogenrife both topping 100 yards.
Head coach Shawn Buescher credited the team’s discipline up front: “We block well; we tackle well… it really all starts up front.”
Key Storyline
This is the first-ever meeting between the schools. West Jefferson is a longtime postseason power; Colonel Crawford is a rising contender chasing its first trip to the state semifinals. The matchup pits CC’s balance and physicality against one of the most explosive passing attacks in Ohio.
Galion (11-1) vs. Shelby (12-0)
Division IV – Region 14 Final
Kickoff: 7 p.m. at Mansfield Arlin Field
For Galion, tonight marks the program’s first regional final appearance since 1985 — the same year the Tigers won the Division II state championship. Their only loss this season came to Shelby, a 45-34 shootout back in Week 4.
The Tigers: Historic Season, Stingy Defense
Galion survived last week’s 17-14 thriller over Sandusky Perkins, sealing the win with a goal-line stop on the final play. Head coach Matt Dick said afterward, “We’ve been playing great defense for a while here at Galion,” noting they’d need another strong effort to slow down Shelby’s high-octane offense.
Quarterback Ayden Schmidt has thrown for 2,111 yards and 20 touchdowns, while rushing for 403 yards and seven more scores. Linebacker Cameron Kuehlman leads the team with 156 tackles, including 12 for loss and four sacks, anchoring a defense allowing just 13.5 points per game.
Shelby: Unbeaten, High-Powered, and Battle-Tested
Shelby has outscored opponents 46–7 on average, and senior quarterback Brayden DeVito has put up 3,792 total yards and 60 touchdowns this season — numbers worthy of Mr. Football consideration. Last week’s 49-7 win also marked head coach Rob Mahaney’s 100th career victory.
The Whippets’ defense has been equally dominant, posting five shutouts and allowing only 23 total points over the last five games. After the Bath win, Mahaney praised his players: “To go against an offense that averaged almost 40 points a game and hold them to a shutout until the last drive, it’s pretty special.”
Rivalry & Rematch
This is one of Ohio’s oldest rivalries, dating back to 1894. Shelby leads the all-time series 81-33-8, but playoff rematches rarely mirror the regular season. Galion scored more points against Shelby (34) than any other opponent this year — proof the Tigers can compete on the big stage.
Final Outlook
Two communities. Two historic seasons. Two massive regional championship games.
Colonel Crawford is chasing its first-ever trip to the Final Four.
Galion is aiming for its first state-semifinal appearance since 1985.
West Jefferson brings one of Ohio’s most explosive passing offenses.
Shelby brings one of the state’s most complete and battle-tested teams.
The stakes couldn’t be higher — and both matchups have all the ingredients for an unforgettable Friday night under the lights.
Editor’s Note:
FreeWire obtains information from multiple local and regional outlets, including Crawford County Now, Richland Source, and Lima News, along with direct coach quotes and verified statistical reports.
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