Hoban holds onto top spot in high school football rankings after loss to St. Edward

Akron Beacon Journal
·3 min read

Things got a little tighter but Archbishop Hoban held onto its top spot in the Beacon Journal High School Football Rankings despite a loss to defending Division I state champion Lakewood St. Edward in its season finale.

Highland got a first-place vote but remains second. Walsh Jesuit broke a tie for fourth with St. Vincent-St. Mary with a comfortable victory over the Irish, who again fell out of the top five.

The playoffs get under way this week and there will still be chances for some more shakeup at the top.

The big picture:One-stop shopping: A breakdown of 18 games, 19 Akron-area football postseason teams

The numbers game:Top Performers in Greater Akron from Week 10 of the 2022 high school football season

Hoban, Highland, Hudson, Walsh Jesuit, Nordonia, Tallmadge, Wadsworth, Woodridge, Norton, Barberton and CVCA are among area teams to earn a home game in Week 1 of the playoffs.

Here is how the most recent vote of our high school football coverage team turned out:

Hoban wide receiver Jayvian Crable, left, is brought down after a short gain by St. Ignatius defensive back Ben Taliak during the first half of a high school football game, Friday, Sept. 16, 2022, in Akron, Ohio.
Hoban wide receiver Jayvian Crable, left, is brought down after a short gain by St. Ignatius defensive back Ben Taliak during the first half of a high school football game, Friday, Sept. 16, 2022, in Akron, Ohio.

1. Archbishop Hoban (9-1)

It is no longer unanimous but the Knights held on to the top spot in the rankings despite a loss to defending Division I champion and once-beaten Lakewood St. Edward. The Knights navigated easily the most difficult schedule in the area with only one blemish and that was enough to keep them ahead of a very strong Highland team which has its eyes on the same Division II state championship prize.

Last week: No. 1

Next: Willoughby South

Highland defensive lineman Logan Marquis celebrates after recovering a ball fumbled by the Aurora Greenmen during the first half of a high school football game, Friday, Oct. 14, 2022, in Aurora, Ohio.
Highland defensive lineman Logan Marquis celebrates after recovering a ball fumbled by the Aurora Greenmen during the first half of a high school football game, Friday, Oct. 14, 2022, in Aurora, Ohio.

2. Highland (10-0)

The Hornets put the finishing touches on an unbeaten regular season and Suburban League American Conference championship with a punishing shutout victory over Copley. Highland is scoring in bunches but its strength could be in a defense that is allowing 4.3 points per game. Coming out of Region 6, Highland will avoid Archbishop Hoban until at least the state semifinals but don't be surprised if the Hornets eventually get their shot at the top-ranked Knights,

Last week: No. 2

Next: Oregon Clay

3. Hudson (10-0)

The Explorers pulled away in the second half and finished their unbeaten regular season with a sound thumping of rival Stow and an undisputed Suburban League National Conference title. Hudson doesn't have the luxury of avoiding Hoban in the regional, so the Explorers might get a shot at the Knights before Highland does and an upset could set the stage for the Suburban League's two conference champs to square off in the final four. Hudson could have a date with Walsh Jesuit in the second round of the playoffs before the Explorers can think about Hoban.

Last week: No. 3

Next: Solon

Warriors pass big test:Winning big: Walsh helps itself in Week 11 by beating St. Vincent-St. Mary in Week 10

Walsh Jesuit running back Justin Bremner breaks away from a Lake Catholic defender as he runs for yardage during the first half of a high school football game, Friday, Oct. 7, 2022, in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio.
Walsh Jesuit running back Justin Bremner breaks away from a Lake Catholic defender as he runs for yardage during the first half of a high school football game, Friday, Oct. 7, 2022, in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio.

No. 4 Walsh Jesuit (8-2)

The Warriors used a convincing victory over rival St. Vincent-St. Mary to break a tie in the rankings and propel themselves into the playoffs on a roll. Walsh Jesuit will host a first-round playoff game. A first-round victory could set up a showdown with No. 3 Hudson in the second round and offer Walsh Jesuit another chance to show it is being sold short in these rankings.

Last week: Tied for No. 4

Next: Maple Heights

Nordonia quarterback Joey Palinkas makes a throw during the second half of a high school football game against the Wadsworth Grizzlies, Friday, Sept. 23, 2022, in Wadsworth, Ohio.
Nordonia quarterback Joey Palinkas makes a throw during the second half of a high school football game against the Wadsworth Grizzlies, Friday, Sept. 23, 2022, in Wadsworth, Ohio.

No. 5 Nordonia (8-2)

The Knights capped their season with another impressive victory and will head into the Division II playoffs with a hefty amount of momentum. The Knights are in that brutal Division II, Region 5 bracket and could end up facing either Hudson or Walsh for a berth in the regional final, perhaps against Hoban. There is a very good Painesville Riverside team that would also like that opportunity

Last week: NR

Next: Garfield Heights

Griffins dig in:'Dogs on the field': Buchtel succeeds with four senior linemen leading a strong defense

The next five: Tallmadge (8-2), St. Vincent-St. Mary (6-3); Wadsworth (6-4); Buchtel (5-4); tie Woodridge (7-3); tie Norton (8-2).

Also receiving votes: Barberton (6-4), CVCA (7-3).

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Hoban tops high school football rankings but Highland gets a vote