Archbishop Hoban, Toledo Central Catholic end season as they started it: OHSAA football Division II state championship preview

Massillon Washington Willtrell Hartson (4) catches a touchdown pass against Archbishop Hoban Devin Bell (5) in an OHSAA Division II semifinal game, held at University of Akron InfoCision Stadium, Summa Field. Saturday, November 25, 2022. (Derek Alvez/special to cleveland.com)

Archbishop Hoban Lamar Sperling (32) scored four touchdowns against Massillon Washington in an OHSAA Division II semifinal game, held at University of Akron InfoCision Stadium, Summa Field. Saturday, November 25, 2022. (Derek Alvez/special to cleveland.com)

Action from Archbishop Hoban against Massillon Washington in an OHSAA Division II semifinal game, held at University of Akron InfoCision Stadium, Summa Field. Saturday, November 25, 2022. (Derek Alvez/special to cleveland.com)

Archbishop Hoban coach Tim Tyrell calling plays against Massillon Washington in an OHSAA Division II semifinal game, held at University of Akron InfoCision Stadium, Summa Field. Saturday, November 25, 2022. (Derek Alvez/special to cleveland.com)

Archbishop Hoban QB Jacqai Long (6) passes the ball to running back Lamar Sperling (32) against Massillon Washington in an OHSAA Division II semifinal game, held at University of Akron InfoCision Stadium, Summa Field. Saturday, November 25, 2022. (Derek Alvez/special to cleveland.com)

Archbishop Hoban QB Jacqai Long (6) has his eyes on the ball against Massillon Washington in an OHSAA Division II semifinal game, held at University of Akron InfoCision Stadium, Summa Field. Saturday, November 25, 2022. (Derek Alvez/special to cleveland.com)

Archbishop Hoban QB Jacqai Long (6) passes the ball to running back Lamar Sperling (32) against Massillon Washington in an OHSAA Division II semifinal game, held at University of Akron InfoCision Stadium, Summa Field. Saturday, November 25, 2022. (Derek Alvez/special to cleveland.com)

Action from Archbishop Hoban against Massillon Washington in an OHSAA Division II semifinal game, held at University of Akron InfoCision Stadium, Summa Field. Saturday, November 25, 2022. (Derek Alvez/special to cleveland.com)

Action from Archbishop Hoban against Massillon Washington in an OHSAA Division II semifinal game, held at University of Akron InfoCision Stadium, Summa Field. Saturday, November 25, 2022. (Derek Alvez/special to cleveland.com)

Massillon Washington Willtrell Hartson (4) caught a touchdown pass against Archbishop Hoban Devin Bell (5) in an OHSAA Division II semifinal game, held at University of Akron InfoCision Stadium, Summa Field. Saturday, November 25, 2022. (Derek Alvez/special to cleveland.com)

Action from Archbishop Hoban against Massillon Washington in an OHSAA Division II semifinal game, held at University of Akron InfoCision Stadium, Summa Field. Saturday, November 25, 2022. (Derek Alvez/special to cleveland.com)

Action from Archbishop Hoban against Massillon Washington in an OHSAA Division II semifinal game, held at University of Akron InfoCision Stadium, Summa Field. Saturday, November 25, 2022. (Derek Alvez/special to cleveland.com)

Action from Archbishop Hoban against Massillon Washington in an OHSAA Division II semifinal game, held at University of Akron InfoCision Stadium, Summa Field. Saturday, November 25, 2022. (Derek Alvez/special to cleveland.com)

Action from Archbishop Hoban against Massillon Washington in an OHSAA Division II semifinal game, held at University of Akron InfoCision Stadium, Summa Field. Saturday, November 25, 2022. (Derek Alvez/special to cleveland.com)

Action from Archbishop Hoban against Massillon Washington in an OHSAA Division II semifinal game, held at University of Akron InfoCision Stadium, Summa Field. Saturday, November 25, 2022. (Derek Alvez/special to cleveland.com)

Massillon Washington Freddie Lenix, Jr. (17) runs the ball against Archbishop Hoban in an OHSAA Division II semifinal game, held at University of Akron InfoCision Stadium, Summa Field. Saturday, November 25, 2022. (Derek Alvez/special to cleveland.com)

Archbishop Hoban Lamar Sperling (32) scored four touchdowns against Massillon Washington in an OHSAA Division II semifinal game, held at University of Akron InfoCision Stadium, Summa Field. Saturday, November 25, 2022. (Derek Alvez/special to cleveland.com)

Archbishop Hoban QB Jacqai Long (6) has his eyes on wide receiver Parker Falkenstein (22) against Massillon Washington in an OHSAA Division II semifinal game, held at University of Akron InfoCision Stadium, Summa Field. Saturday, November 25, 2022. (Derek Alvez/special to cleveland.com)

Archbishop Hoban Deon Rodgers (36) scored a touchdown against Massillon Washington in an OHSAA Division II semifinal game, held at University of Akron InfoCision Stadium, Summa Field. Saturday, November 25, 2022. (Derek Alvez/special to cleveland.com)

Massillon Washington Nolan Hendricks (87) kicks the ball against Archbishop Hoban in an OHSAA Division II semifinal game, held at University of Akron InfoCision Stadium, Summa Field. Saturday, November 25, 2022. (Derek Alvez/special to cleveland.com)

Action from Archbishop Hoban against Massillon Washington in an OHSAA Division II semifinal game, held at University of Akron InfoCision Stadium, Summa Field. Saturday, November 25, 2022. (Derek Alvez/special to cleveland.com)

Archbishop Hoban Lamar Sperling (32) scored four touchdowns against Massillon Washington in an OHSAA Division II semifinal game, held at University of Akron InfoCision Stadium, Summa Field. Saturday, November 25, 2022. (Derek Alvez/special to cleveland.com)

Archbishop Hoban Lamar Sperling (32) scored four touchdowns against Massillon Washington in an OHSAA Division II semifinal game, held at University of Akron InfoCision Stadium, Summa Field. Saturday, November 25, 2022. (Derek Alvez/special to cleveland.com)

Action from Archbishop Hoban against Massillon Washington in an OHSAA Division II semifinal game, held at University of Akron InfoCision Stadium, Summa Field. Saturday, November 25, 2022. (Derek Alvez/special to cleveland.com)

Massillon Washington QB Jalen Slaughter (2) against Archbishop Hoban in an OHSAA Division II semifinal game, held at University of Akron InfoCision Stadium, Summa Field. Saturday, November 25, 2022. (Derek Alvez/special to cleveland.com)

Action from Archbishop Hoban against Massillon Washington in an OHSAA Division II semifinal game, held at University of Akron InfoCision Stadium, Summa Field. Saturday, November 25, 2022. (Derek Alvez/special to cleveland.com)

Action from Archbishop Hoban against Massillon Washington in an OHSAA Division II semifinal game, held at University of Akron InfoCision Stadium, Summa Field. Saturday, November 25, 2022. (Derek Alvez/special to cleveland.com)

Archbishop Hoban Micah Rice (7) runs the ball against Massillon Washington in an OHSAA Division II semifinal game, held at University of Akron InfoCision Stadium, Summa Field. Saturday, November 25, 2022. (Derek Alvez/special to cleveland.com)

Action from Archbishop Hoban against Massillon Washington in an OHSAA Division II semifinal game, held at University of Akron InfoCision Stadium, Summa Field. Saturday, November 25, 2022. (Derek Alvez/special to cleveland.com)

Archbishop Hoban Jayvian Crable (2) against Massillon Washington in an OHSAA Division II semifinal game, held at University of Akron InfoCision Stadium, Summa Field. Saturday, November 25, 2022. (Derek Alvez/special to cleveland.com)

Action from Archbishop Hoban against Massillon Washington in an OHSAA Division II semifinal game, held at University of Akron InfoCision Stadium, Summa Field. Saturday, November 25, 2022. (Derek Alvez/special to cleveland.com)

Action from Archbishop Hoban against Massillon Washington in an OHSAA Division II semifinal game, held at University of Akron InfoCision Stadium, Summa Field. Saturday, November 25, 2022. (Derek Alvez/special to cleveland.com)

Archbishop Hoban QB Jacqai Long (6) against Massillon Washington in an OHSAA Division II semifinal game, held at University of Akron InfoCision Stadium, Summa Field. Saturday, November 25, 2022. (Derek Alvez/special to cleveland.com)

Archbishop Hoban Lamar Sperling (32) scored four touchdowns against Massillon Washington in an OHSAA Division II semifinal game, held at University of Akron InfoCision Stadium, Summa Field. Saturday, November 25, 2022. (Derek Alvez/special to cleveland.com)

Archbishop Hoban Deon Rodgers (36) scored a touchdown against Massillon Washington in an OHSAA Division II semifinal game, held at University of Akron InfoCision Stadium, Summa Field. Saturday, November 25, 2022. (Derek Alvez/special to cleveland.com)

Archbishop Hoban Nate Cross (54) against Massillon Washington in an OHSAA Division II semifinal game, held at University of Akron InfoCision Stadium, Summa Field. Saturday, November 25, 2022. (Derek Alvez/special to cleveland.com)

Archbishop Hoban Lamar Sperling (32) scored four touchdowns against Massillon Washington in an OHSAA Division II semifinal game, held at University of Akron InfoCision Stadium, Summa Field. Saturday, November 25, 2022. (Derek Alvez/special to cleveland.com)

Action from Archbishop Hoban vs. Massillon Washington in an OHSAA Division II semifinal game, held at University of Akron InfoCision Stadium, Summa Field. Saturday, November 25, 2022. (Derek Alvez/special to cleveland.com)

CANTON, Ohio — Three months ago, Archbishop Hoban and Toledo Central Catholic began the football season with their annual scrimmage.

They have done it since 2015.

This year’s preseason meeting brought a different tone.

“When we were shaking hands and eating pizza after the game, we said we hope to see you in December,” Hoban coach Tim Tyrrell said.

That’s what will happen. Hoban (14-1) and Central Catholic (14-1) bookend their season with Thursday night’s OHSAA Division II state championship game at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton.

Coincidentally, that’s what happened the first time they scrimmaged in 2015 with a meeting in the Division III title game.

“Every year, it’s been a great scrimmage for us,” Tyrrell said. “It’s well controlled. We talk and figure out what we want to do in the scrimmages. With the kids, there’s not any issues. There’s a lot of respect back and forth. Our kids know when you scrimmage them, they’re as good as you’re going to see.”

Between them, they have eight combined state championships. Both have moved up divisions in the last decade, spurred by competitive balance. While Hoban is back in the finals for a seventh time in eight years, Central Catholic fell short of the final four the last two years with losses to Avon and Avon Lake in the regional playoffs.

This year the Fighting Irish beat both of them on the road to Canton.

“Avon has been a playoff rival,” said Central Catholic coach Greg Dempsey, whose squad held on for a 28-20 win in the Region 6 finals. “We played really well in that game. It kind of got away from us at the end a bit, but we held on.”

His team followed that up with a 52-49 thriller in last week’s state semifinals against Kings Mills Kings, which knocked off defending state champion Cincinnati Winton Woods.

“I definitely think we’ve earned our way here,” Dempsey said.

It all started in early August against Hoban.

When Tyrrell and Dempsey met to discuss their scrimmage routine, Dempsey told him he liked his squad’s chances of making another deep run into December. The Irish returned quarterback Ty’Waun Clark and running back Chris Edmonds from last year’s regional final run.

They showed their potential as seniors to kickoff this season, starting with the Hoban scrimmage and continuing with a close loss in Week 1 at defending Division I state champion St. Edward.

“I think there’s advantages for both teams in seeing each other and knowing what you’re going against,” Dempsey said. “Teams are very vanilla that time of year. We held out a few guys.”

So did Hoban. Three of its starting offensive linemen sat out that scrimmage.

With that front at full strength, senior running back and University at Buffalo commit Lamar Sperling rushed for 3,511 yards and 55 touchdowns on 377 carries to make himself a finalist for Mr. Football. The award that goes to the state’s top individual player is set to be announced Thursday afternoon before the Division II title game.

“They’re so capable of beating you in play action,” Dempsey said. “They have other weapons, but he’s like the atom bomb. People are saying he’s Mr. Football, and I see a Mr. Football when you turn on the film.”

Dempsey coached a Mr. Football winner in 2016 with Michael Warren II. That team nearly got a rematch with Hoban from the 2015 state final, a 33-20 victory in the Knights’ first state-title run, but fell in 2016 to Trotwood-Madison in the state semifinals.

This could be Dempsey’s best team since that era, when he formed a friendship with Tyrrell as Hoban rose to power.

“Besides getting there, staying there is just as hard,” Dempsey said. “Coach Tyrrell has built on that first championship. That expectation bar keeps getting raised, and his kids keep reaching it.”

Hired in 2013, Tyrrell’s teams missed the playoffs in their first two years with a combined 11-9 record. He first met Dempsey at a coaches clinic in 2014, when it was his Central Catholic team on its way to a state crown.

“We weren’t very good at the time,” Tyrrell said. “We just talked about scrimmaging. I kind of wanted to do it because they were one of the top dogs in the state. I wanted our kids to see what it looks like to play a championship level-type team.”

Archbishop Hoban (14-1) vs. Toledo Central Catholic (14-1)

What: OHSAA Division II state championship.

When: 7 p.m. Thursday.

Where: Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton.

About the Knights: Back for a seventh state final appearance in the last eight years, Hoban suffered its first loss in an OHSAA state championship game last year with a 21-10 setback to Cincinnati Winton Woods. This year, the Knights have beaten teams in similar fashion to how the Warriors got the best of them with a quick and athletic defensive front — led by four-year starting tackle Jason Martin III with big-play juniors Devin Bell, Jordan Pritchard-Sewell and linebackers Rickey Williams, a junior, plus sophomore Eli Lee. Of course, Sperling has been the star of the show. He’s put together gaudy numbers the last two seasons after spelling Victor Dawson as a sophomore in Hoban’s 2020 title run. In three years, Sperling has rushed for 6,992 yards with 104 TDs on 851 carries. Junior quarterback JacQai Long (1,916 yards, 15 TDs), who moved from West Virginia and has scholarship offers from Toledo, Miami (Ohio), Marshall and Appalachian State, has taken over behind center with last year’s quarterback now starring on both sides of the ball. Senior Jayvian Crable (706 yards, five TDs on 44 receptions) leads Hoban in receiving and is another edge rusher to spark that Hoban defense. Crable had a big game in last week’s 41-20 win vs. Massillon Washington, his former school, with 139 yards and a score on five receptions.

About the Fighting Irish: Edmonds has sparked Central Catholic to 14 straight wins since that 23-20 loss in Week 1 at St. Edward, rushing for 2,030 yards and 34 TDs on 290 carries. His play culminated in last week’s win vs. Kings with the go-ahead touchdown in the final 30 seconds. Central Catholic held on after Kings rallied for a tying field-goal attempt that fell short. Clark is a dual threat quarterback with 860 yards and 11 TDs on the ground with another 2,100 yards and 22 TDs to four interceptions in the air. Tyrrell likened the Central Catholic offense to what USC uses with three- and four-wide sets in college football. Clark’s quartet of targets include Dur’yea Hall (594 yards, seven TDs on 36 receptions), Javon Murphy (525 yards, six TDs on 42 receptions), Braden Awls (384 yards, five TDs on 22 receptions) and Mekhi Warren (295 yards, two TDs on 29 receptions). On Edmonds, “He sees holes and hits them. He’s a home-run hitter,” Tyrrell said. “Any defense that plays them has their hands full, and we will also. You can’t just look at the run game. They throw as well as run. It’s a fun offense to watch. It’s not a fun offense to coach against.”

How to watch: Spectrum News 1 will televise the finals. They also can be streamed from the OHSAA (click here) for a $9.99 fee.

Contact sports reporter Matt Goul on Twitter (@mgoul) or email (mgoul@cleveland.com).

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