(OHSAA) -- Due to a new health advisory issued by the Franklin County Department of Health and the Columbus Department of Health Wednesday afternoon that recommends the games not be played in Franklin County, the Ohio High School Athletic Association is moving this weekend’s football state championship games to Paul Brown Tiger Stadium in Massillon, which has offered to host all six games. The games were scheduled to be played at Fortress Obetz in southeast Columbus.
The schedule remains the same as announced Wednesday, with games on Friday and Saturday at 1:15 and 6:15 and then Sunday at 12:15 and 5:15. Of note, in the Division II title game, Akron Archbishop Hoban High School has agreed to play Massillon Washington on Massillon’s home field. The OHSAA has now designated Hoban as the home team in the game.
The decision came Thursday morning after discussions with officials at Obetz and Franklin County. The OHSAA met virtually with the 12 finalist schools at 11:30 a.m. to inform them and answer questions.
“Completing this weekend’s state championship games is very important to the schools, student-athletes and communities, so we felt strongly about finding a place to play,” said OHSAA Executive Director Doug Ute. “These 12 schools just want to play and we thank them for accepting this change. We would also like to especially thank Massillon Washington High School for stepping up to host, and also Hoban for agreeing to play there.”
Paul Brown Tiger Stadium served as a host of the OHSAA football state championships from 1990 through 2013.
“This is a big change at the 11th hour, but Massillon Washington can accommodate these games and the number of fans that are permitted to attend,” said Beau Rugg, OHSAA Senior Director of Officiating and Sport Management and the OHSAA’s football administrator. “We are pleased to be playing football this weekend and are excited that these 12 schools will be able to finish their seasons.”
The Franklin County and Columbus health advisory recommends a pause on all extra-curricular activities for schools and asks all persons to be home by 6 p.m.
“Fortress Obetz was excited to host these games and we appreciate all the work that they put into preparations,” Ute said.
Football State Championship Games
All games at Massillon Paul Brown Tiger Stadium. Home team listed first.
Division VII
Friday, November 20, 1:15 p.m. - New Bremen (9-2) vs. Warren John F. Kennedy (9-2)
Division II
Friday, November 20, 6:15 p.m. - Akron Archbishop Hoban (10-0) vs. Massillon Washington (10-1)
Division V
Saturday, November 21, 1:15 p.m. - Kirtland (10-0) vs. Ironton (11-0)
Division III
Saturday, November 21, 6:15 p.m. - Columbus St. Francis DeSales (9-1) vs. Chardon (11-0)
Division IV
Sunday, November 22, 12:15 p.m. - Van Wert (10-1) vs. Mentor Lake Catholic (8-2)
Division VI
Sunday, November 22, 5:15 p.m. - New Middletown Springfield (11-0) vs. Coldwater (11-0)