High school football in Columbus, Ohio, is buzzing with excitement as the 2024 season hurtles toward its playoff phase. Following the conclusion of the regular season, the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) has announced the playoff qualifiers and first-round pairings.

On Friday, November 1, the top eight seeds in each region will host the first-round games, all set to kick off at 7 p.m. In Division I, Region 1, Cincinnati Elder, seeded first, will face off against Cleveland St. Ignatius, while Cincinnati West Clermont will battle Liberty Township Lakota East.

In the Columbus area, several compelling matchups are on the horizon. Upper Arlington will travel to Hilliard to take on Hilliard Davidson, a game that promises to be one of the highlights of the first round. Other notable games include Olentangy Liberty at Olentangy Orange and St. Francis DeSales at Bishop Watterson.

The Central Ohio region has seen its fair share of thrilling games throughout the season. Week 5 featured an undefeated clash between Columbus Academy and St. Charles, showcasing the competitive spirit of high school football in the area. Spectrum News 1, the official television partner of OHSAA, has been broadcasting key games each week, providing comprehensive coverage of the Northeast, Central, and Southwest regions of Ohio.

As the playoffs begin, teams are gearing up for intense competition. Practices started on August 1, and the first games took place on August 23, setting the stage for a season filled with rivalry matches and standout performances. Despite early challenges from a heat wave that forced some games to be rescheduled, the season has been filled with action-packed matchups.

In addition to the on-field action, there have been heartwarming moments. For instance, a special play allowed a Gahanna student with Down syndrome to score a touchdown, highlighting the inclusive and supportive spirit of high school football in Columbus.

As the first round of playoffs approaches, fans are eagerly anticipating the next phase of the season. With games televised on Spectrum News 1 and available on the Spectrum News App and OHSAA.tv, there are plenty of ways to stay tuned to all the action. Whether you're cheering from the stands or watching from home, high school football in Columbus is certainly an event not to be missed.