Undefeated London Dominates Playoff Football

In the city of London, the high school football scene is buzzing as the undefeated London team, which entered the playoffs as the Div. VII, #4 seed, has been on a remarkable run. Over the past three weeks of playoff action, they have outscored their opponents by a staggering 93-33. This impressive performance has not only excited fans but has also raised questions about the balance and competitiveness of high school football.

As the playoffs have progressed, many teams have faced overwhelming challenges. For instance, teams like Covington started strong with a record of 3-1 but ended their season with six consecutive losses, including a staggering defeat of 58-0 against Coldwater in the playoffs. Similarly, Troy Christian struggled, finishing a winless season with an astonishing total score of 506-39 against them. These numbers reflect a trend seen across multiple divisions, where numerous teams have failed to achieve a winning record.

Despite the push for more inclusion in high school sports, it seems clear that the competitive gap is widening. Last week’s regional semi-finals showcased this issue, with over half of the games decided by a margin of four touchdowns or more. For teams like Cincinnati’s St. Bernard, who finished the regular season with 8-2 but faced a crushing 56-0 defeat against Coldwater, the concern about competitive balance has grown.

Many supporters of high school sports argue that the structure with seven divisions and sixteen teams per region is intended to create more opportunities. However, the reality tells a different story, as top teams consistently dominate their competition, leading to lopsided scores and making it difficult for lesser teams to catch up. Some believe that it takes time for teams to develop and grow together, but with playoff seasons stretching into weeks, it begs the question: how long is too long?

As the playoff season continues, the City of London stands proud of its football team’s performance, but the broader questions surrounding the fairness and balance of high school football remain increasingly relevant. Observers from around the state are keenly watching how the situation unfolds and whether there is a chance for competitive middle ground among Ohio’s high school teams.