Quick Read
- St. Xavier (10-2) and Middletown (11-2) play in the Ohio Division I state semifinals.
- St. Xavier has won seven of eight previous semifinals, with four state titles.
- Middletown is making its first ever state semifinal appearance.
- Key players include St. Xavier’s Jackson Frey (QB) and Middletown’s Jordan Vann (DB, Michigan State commit).
- The game is covered live with updates by Sports Illustrated.
Ohio Football Playoff Drama: St. Xavier vs. Middletown
Every November, the energy around Ohio high school football reaches a fever pitch. This year, the Division I state semifinals deliver a matchup that has fans and alumni buzzing from Cincinnati to Dayton: St. Xavier Bombers vs. Middletown Middies. The stakes are immense—a single win separates these teams from the championship game, and for Middletown, it’s uncharted territory.
Historic Stakes and Unprecedented Opportunity
St. Xavier enters Friday’s contest with a 10-2 record, carrying the weight of tradition and expectation. The Bombers are no strangers to this stage; they’ve reached the semifinals eight times before, winning seven of those appearances and securing four state titles. Their recent playoff run included decisive victories against Lakota East, Archbishop Moeller, and Elder, reinforcing their reputation as perennial contenders in Ohio football.
Middletown, meanwhile, carries a different kind of story—a narrative of breakthrough. With an 11-2 record, the Middies have never played in a state semifinal before. Their playoff journey saw them overcome Lebanon, Springfield, and Wayne, demonstrating grit and ambition. For the Middies, Friday night represents more than just a game; it’s a chance to rewrite their school’s football legacy.
Key Players: Talent and Leadership on Display
Success on the field often hinges on standout performances. For St. Xavier, leadership comes from a core of experienced seniors:
- Kobe Clapper (Linebacker)
- Aden Reeder (Linebacker)
- Brayden Reilly (Defensive Back)
- Jackson Frey (Quarterback)
- Daniel Vollmer (Running Back)
- Griffin Lyons (Linebacker, Sophomore)
Each of these Bombers has contributed to the team’s dominant defensive performances and clutch offensive drives. Frey’s poise under pressure and Vollmer’s ability to break tackles have been instrumental in St. Xavier’s playoff surge.
Middletown counters with its own array of talent, led by seniors determined to make history:
- Virgil Coleman (Defensive Back)
- Jordan Vann (Defensive Back, Michigan State commit)
- Laaren Cornwall (Defensive Back)
- Wyman Carr (Defensive Back)
- C.J. Bryant (Linebacker, team’s top tackler)
- Derrick “J.D.” Singletary (Defensive Lineman, all-time sacks leader)
Singletary’s relentless pursuit of quarterbacks and Bryant’s tackling prowess have anchored the Middies’ defense throughout the season. Vann’s commitment to Michigan State highlights the caliber of talent on the roster—a sign that Middletown’s program is on the rise.
A Rivalry Renewed: Looking Back and Ahead
The last meeting between these two programs was in 2012, a distant memory for most players on the current rosters. For St. Xavier, the semifinals are familiar territory, but for Middletown, this is virgin ground. The contrast in playoff history adds a layer of anticipation—will experience prevail, or will hunger for a first-time breakthrough tip the scales?
High school football in Ohio is more than just a sport—it’s a social fabric that binds communities. Friday’s game, covered in live updates by Sports Illustrated, will be watched closely by supporters from both schools, families, and college recruiters.
The Pressure and Promise of Playoff Football
The playoffs have a way of magnifying every mistake, every moment of brilliance. For St. Xavier, there’s the pressure of living up to past glories. For Middletown, the thrill of entering the unknown brings its own pressure, but also a freedom to play without the burden of expectation.
Coaches on both sides have emphasized discipline and resilience. St. Xavier’s approach is methodical, built on years of playoff experience. Middletown’s game plan centers on aggressive defense and taking calculated risks.
Community Impact: More Than Just a Game
Beyond the field, the semifinal is a rallying point for local pride. For Middletown, a win would be transformative, potentially sparking increased investment in the football program and boosting school spirit. For St. Xavier, another title run would reinforce their position as a powerhouse in Ohio athletics.
The Pick ‘Em Challenge promoted by Sports Illustrated invites fans to weigh in, turning the game into a communal event. Whether in packed stadiums or living rooms, the outcome will be debated for years.
Looking Forward: The Legacy at Stake
Whatever the result, the 2025 semifinal between St. Xavier and Middletown will become a touchstone in Ohio football history. For seniors, it’s a final chance to etch their names into school lore. For underclassmen, it’s a preview of what’s possible.
The matchup encapsulates what makes high school football compelling: the blend of tradition, ambition, and unpredictability. As the clock ticks down, every play will carry the weight of legacy and hope.
Assessment: The facts highlight a collision between tradition and ambition—St. Xavier’s storied legacy faces Middletown’s hunger for a breakthrough. This semifinal is more than a contest; it’s a moment where history could be rewritten, reminding us that in Ohio high school football, every November can birth legends.