Marion Local vs. Dalton preview: Ohio high school football Division VII state championship notes, history, prediction
The OHSAA football playoffs are down to the last 14 teams standing, as the final two teams in each division will take the field in Canton this weekend for a chance to hoist the championship hardware.
>> Ohio high school football playoffs roundup: St. Edward, Massillon, Marion Local among winners in state semifinals (11/17/2023)<<
The seven OHSAA football State championship games will be played in Canton at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium from Nov. 30-Dec. 2. The Division VII state championship will be on Saturday, Dec. 2 at 10:30 am.
>> Ohio high school football playoff brackets 2023 <<
Here, we will take a look at the teams remaining in Division VII, along with the matchup, history, notes and a predicted winner for the state championship game.
Stay with SBLive Ohio for all of the matchups, game times and scores throughout the 2023 OHSAA football playoffs.
(All state championship information used is since the beginning of the playoff era in Ohio, which began with the 1972 season)
Division VII state semifinals bracket
State championship game:
Maria Stein Marion Local vs. Dalton, Saturday, Dec. 2 at 10:30 am
Results from state semifinals:
Marion Local: Def. Patrick Henry 42-0
Dalton: Def. Caldwell 55-7
Number of state championships:
Marion Local: 13 (2022, 2021, 2019, 2017, 2016, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2007, 2006, 2001, 2000)
Dalton: 0
Notes: Marion Local is trying to not only extend their record for most state championships to 14, but the Flyers are also trying to finish 16-0 for the third straight season.
In five playoff games, Marion Local is outscoring opponents 250-7 and have won the last two games by a combined 90-0.
After losing 14-7 to Division VI state finalist Kirtland in the season opener, Dalton has won 14 straight games, including winning the last two playoff games by a combined 88-15. They led the state semifinals against Caldwell 49-0 before giving up a score.
Predicted state champion: Marion Local
-- Ryan Isley | ryan@scorebooklive.com | @sbliveoh
(Feature photo: Marion Local players await the presentation of the championship trophy following the 2022 Division VI state championship game. Photo credit: Jeff Harwell)
