Ohio's Top HS Football Tradition?

[Tom Landry]

Which is it?

[manowar]

While I feel that Big Red's tradition takes a back seat to no one, I would have to vote for the Tigers.

[Hocus Pocus]

Moeller and Iggy are tops. Hard to compete with the history and tradition of a century+ old program like Massillon or Canton...
No disrespect, but Coldwater should not be on the list.

[MACster]

Moeller and Iggy are tops. Hard to compete with the history and tradition of a century+ old program like Massillon or Canton...
No disrespect, but Coldwater should not be on the list.

I think Coldwater is just on the list because of their history in the past 15 years. Although, it does not even compare to many on those lists in overall history.

[eaton7911]

It has to be the Tigers.

[general bigred]

roll-red-roll

[bnace]

Amanda clearcreek

[Hocus Pocus]

I think Coldwater is just on the list because of their history in the past 15 years. Although, it does not even compare to many on those lists in overall history.

My thoughts too...the past 15 years have been TREMENDOUS, no doubt about that!!

Here's to another good year with Coach Otten.

[aces_for_life]

Amanda Clearcreek has to be on this list...

[Gz1up 2 Down]

So does Fisher Catholic...

[MrBob]

I have to agree with other statements, Well I'm an Ursuline grad. I don't believe they should be on the list either, even though I believe we have a great tradition , But I did vote for the Tigers, I do have to say that one small school that should be on the list is probably Martins Ferry, but just my opinion!

[USA70PP]

Anyone think of Ironton?

[rhinoright]

west jefferson went 43 straight years without a losing season i think that's the record in the state.

[thePITman]

Per the OHSAA web site: (please excuse any bad counting on my part)

Newark Catholic
(31 Playoff Appearances, 8 State Championships, 5 State Runner-Ups)
2010, 2007 (1st), 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000, 1999, 1998, 1997, 1995, 1993, 1992 (2nd), 1991 (1st), 1990, 1988, 1987 (1st), 1986 (1st), 1985 (1st), 1984 (1st), 1983 (2nd), 1982 (1st), 1981 (2nd), 1980 (2nd), 1978 (1st), 1976, 1975 (2nd), 1974, 1973

Cincinnati Archbishop Moeller
(29 Playoff Appearances, 7 State Championships, 4 State Runner-Ups)
2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2000, 1999, 1997 (2nd), 1996, 1993 (2nd), 1990, 1989 (2nd), 1988, 1985 (1st), 1984, 1983, 1982 (1st), 1981 (2nd), 1980 (1st), 1979 (1st), 1977 (1st), 1976 (1st), 1975 (1st), 1974, 1973

Youngstown Cardinal Mooney
(24 Playoff Appearances, 7 State Championships, 3 State Runner-Ups)
2010, 2009 (1st), 2008, 2007 (2nd), 2006 (1st), 2005 (2nd), 2004 (1st), 2003, 1999, 1996, 1995, 1994, 1992, 1990, 1989, 1988, 1987 (1st), 1986, 1985 (2nd), 1982 (1st), 1981, 1980 (1st), 1976, 1973 (1st)

Cleveland St. Ignatius
(22 Playoff Appearances, 10 State Championships, 1 State Runner-Up)
2009, 2008 (1st), 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001 (1st), 2000, 1999 (1st), 1998, 1997, 1996 (2nd), 1995 (1st), 1994 (1st), 1993 (1st), 1992 (1st), 1991 (1st), 1990, 1989 (1st), 1988 (1st)

Steubenville
(23 Playoff Appearances, 3 State Championships, 3 State Runner-Ups)
2010, 2009, 2008 (2nd), 2007, 2006 (1st), 2005 (1st), 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001, 1999, 1994, 1991, 1990, 1989, 1988 (2nd), 1987 (2nd), 1986, 1985, 1984 (1st), 1983, 1982, 1981

Canton McKinley
(19 Playoff Appearances, 3 State Championships, 3 State Runner-Ups)
2010, 2009, 2008, 2006, 2005, 2004 (2nd), 2001, 1999, 1998 (1st), 1997 (1st), 1996, 1995, 1994, 1993, 1986, 1985 (2nd), 1981 (1st), 1980, 1977 (2nd)

Massillon Washington
(19 Playoff Appearances, 0 State Championships, 3 State Runner-Ups)
2010, 2009, 2008, 2006, 2005 (2nd), 2002, 2001, 2000, 1999, 1996, 1994, 1993, 1991, 1990, 1989, 1982 (2nd), 1980 (2nd), 1979, 1972

Youngstown Ursuline
(16 Playoff Appearances, 4 State Championships, 1 State Runner-Up)
2010 (1st), 2009 (1st), 2008 (1st), 2007 (2nd), 2004, 2002, 2000 (1st), 1998, 1996, 1995, 1993, 1992, 1990, 1989, 1984, 1983

Coldwater
(16 Playoff Appearances, 2 State Championships, 3 State Runner-Ups)
2010 (2nd), 2009, 2008, 2007 (1st), 2006, 2005 (1st), 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000 (2nd), 1999, 1998 (2nd), 1997, 1995, 1986

I wish I had done this research BEFORE I voted for St. Ignatius. I'd say Newark Catholic's resume is pretty impressive!

[toledomansfield]

I am no fan of Massilon, but they cannot be punished for the way state championships were awarded.

You all believe Ohio State won the football championship that was mostly determined by poling. Give Massilon the credit they are due.

[Moose73]

There are many on here that feel high school football did not exist prior to 1972. After all, that's when the OHSAA initiated their playoffs. Therefore, the many accomplishments of many schools through the 1920's, 30's, 40's, 50's and 60's means absolutely nothing should not count for any recognition.:(

The Moose is not one of them....

[MrBob]

There are many on here that feel high school football did not exist prior to 1972. After all, that's when the OHSAA initiated their playoffs. Therefore, the many accomplishments of many schools through the 1920's, 30's, 40's, 50's and 60's means absolutely nothing should not count for any recognition.:(

The Moose is not one of them....

Those are probably the same people who believe NFL Championships that took place before "SuperBowls" don't count either!! LOL

[toledomansfield]

Those are probably the same people who believe NFL Championships that took place before "SuperBowls" don't count either!! LOL


Well I do believe that cause then the browns would have some and we can't have that. GO STEELERS!!!:D

[MrBob]

8 actually 1946, 47, 48, 49 All American Football Conference Champions and 1950, 54, 55, and 64 National Football League Chmpionships!

[Hocus Pocus]

Per the OHSAA web site: (please excuse any bad counting on my part)

Newark Catholic
(31 Playoff Appearances, 8 State Championships, 5 State Runner-Ups)
2010, 2007 (1st), 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000, 1999, 1998, 1997, 1995, 1993, 1992 (2nd), 1991 (1st), 1990, 1988, 1987 (1st), 1986 (1st), 1985 (1st), 1984 (1st), 1983 (2nd), 1982 (1st), 1981 (2nd), 1980 (2nd), 1978 (1st), 1976, 1975 (2nd), 1974, 1973

Cincinnati Archbishop Moeller
(29 Playoff Appearances, 7 State Championships, 4 State Runner-Ups)
2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2000, 1999, 1997 (2nd), 1996, 1993 (2nd), 1990, 1989 (2nd), 1988, 1985 (1st), 1984, 1983, 1982 (1st), 1981 (2nd), 1980 (1st), 1979 (1st), 1977 (1st), 1976 (1st), 1975 (1st), 1974, 1973

Youngstown Cardinal Mooney
(24 Playoff Appearances, 7 State Championships, 3 State Runner-Ups)
2010, 2009 (1st), 2008, 2007 (2nd), 2006 (1st), 2005 (2nd), 2004 (1st), 2003, 1999, 1996, 1995, 1994, 1992, 1990, 1989, 1988, 1987 (1st), 1986, 1985 (2nd), 1982 (1st), 1981, 1980 (1st), 1976, 1973 (1st)

Cleveland St. Ignatius
(22 Playoff Appearances, 10 State Championships, 1 State Runner-Up)
2009, 2008 (1st), 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001 (1st), 2000, 1999 (1st), 1998, 1997, 1996 (2nd), 1995 (1st), 1994 (1st), 1993 (1st), 1992 (1st), 1991 (1st), 1990, 1989 (1st), 1988 (1st)

Steubenville
(23 Playoff Appearances, 3 State Championships, 3 State Runner-Ups)
2010, 2009, 2008 (2nd), 2007, 2006 (1st), 2005 (1st), 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001, 1999, 1994, 1991, 1990, 1989, 1988 (2nd), 1987 (2nd), 1986, 1985, 1984 (1st), 1983, 1982, 1981

Canton McKinley
(19 Playoff Appearances, 3 State Championships, 3 State Runner-Ups)
2010, 2009, 2008, 2006, 2005, 2004 (2nd), 2001, 1999, 1998 (1st), 1997 (1st), 1996, 1995, 1994, 1993, 1986, 1985 (2nd), 1981 (1st), 1980, 1977 (2nd)

Massillon Washington
(19 Playoff Appearances, 0 State Championships, 3 State Runner-Ups)
2010, 2009, 2008, 2006, 2005 (2nd), 2002, 2001, 2000, 1999, 1996, 1994, 1993, 1991, 1990, 1989, 1982 (2nd), 1980 (2nd), 1979, 1972

Youngstown Ursuline
(16 Playoff Appearances, 4 State Championships, 1 State Runner-Up)
2010 (1st), 2009 (1st), 2008 (1st), 2007 (2nd), 2004, 2002, 2000 (1st), 1998, 1996, 1995, 1993, 1992, 1990, 1989, 1984, 1983

Coldwater
(16 Playoff Appearances, 2 State Championships, 3 State Runner-Ups)
2010 (2nd), 2009, 2008, 2007 (1st), 2006, 2005 (1st), 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000 (2nd), 1999, 1998 (2nd), 1997, 1995, 1986

I wish I had done this research BEFORE I voted for St. Ignatius. I'd say Newark Catholic's resume is pretty impressive!

Wanted to add:
Germantown Valley View
16 Playoff appearances- 3 State Championships- 0 State Runner-Ups
2009, 2008, 2007, 2005, 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000, 1999, 1998, 1997 (1st), 1996 (1st), 1995, 1994 (1st), 1993, 1992
...not bad for a school only established in 1977.

[MJB]

I agree with Hocus Pocus that Moeller and Iggy are tops.

Massillon is up there, but only in their own 'mythical' minds.

[citybuck]

I think Columbus DeSales needs to be on the list..jmo

[Hocus Pocus]

Massillon is getting votes partly because of name recognition?

How about:
St. Henry - 6 State Titles
2009, 2006 (1st), 2004 (1st), 1999 (2nd), 1998, 1997, 1996 (2nd), 1995 (1st), 1994 (1st), 1993, 1992 (1st), 1990 (1st), 1987, 1986

Still doesn't have the heritage, tradition, longevity, of a successful century+ old program...

[FairwoodKing]

Steubenville won state championships in the 1920s and we did in the 2000s. Our tradition is tops!

[dbarnian]

IMO it's Igggy. They may not have the most history dating back to the 1970's and before but their domination of D1 in the 1990's is incredible. Nobody will ever do this again and out of every time period that has been dominated by a team, theirs is the most impressive.
State Championships-88,89,91,92,93,94,95,99,01,09
State runner up-96
National Champions-89,93,95
If i had to make a top 5 from this list, it would be..
1. Iggy
2. Moeller
3. Massilion Washington
4. Newark Catholic
5. Mooney, Steubenville

[Freak On A Leash]

Wanted to add:
Germantown Valley View
16 Playoff appearances- 3 State Championships- 0 State Runner-Ups
2009, 2008, 2007, 2005, 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000, 1999, 1998, 1997 (1st), 1996 (1st), 1995, 1994 (1st), 1993, 1992
...not bad for a school only established in 1977.

1977? What? Valley View was a member of the SWBL in 1975... I think that is actually 1967 if anything.

Everyone is forgetting Versailles. Not too many programs that compare with mighty Tigers.

Versailles - 2005, 2004 (2nd), 2003 (1st), 1999, 1998 (1st), 1997, 1996 (2nd), 1995 (1st), 1994 (1st), 1993 (1st), 1990 (1st), 1989, 1988 (2nd), 1987, 1986, 1985
16 playoff appearances, longest winning streak in Ohio, 6 state titles, 3 second place finishes.

[Hocus Pocus]

Freak it might have been 1975 or 76...but before that it did not exist.

Versailles Tigers from the Mighty-MAC!!!

[whirlaway]

What about Delphos St. John's, with 6 State Titles and 1 runner-up?

[Hocus Pocus]

The last 15 years have been "owned" by the MAC! Incredible...

[Freak On A Leash]

Freak it might have been 1975 or 76...but before that it did not exist.

Versailles Tigers from the Mighty-MAC!!!

Sorry Hocus... I was at the 1975 game and it was Valley View blue I saw. got this from the school website. My ex-pastor Burton Wolf was an assistant coach there in the early 70s and he has an old VV shirt from then. It sure doesn't say Germantown Cardinals and it isn't red and white.

The district was formed in 1968, as the result of the consolidation of Germantown High School and Farmersville High School. The resulting district adopted the Spartan name, of which the first class graduated in 1969.

Oh check this out...

http://www.vvspartans.com/the-early-years.html

[UDFAN]

Won there first state championship playing AAA back in 73' behind one of the best backs to carry the ball in Ohio during the past 60 years---Ted Bell!

[Moose73]

Everyone here seems to be equating tradition with championships. There is a lot more to establishing tradition than winning state titles. Some schools for decades were perennial doormats and have only started achieving success in the last 8 to 10 years or so. Those are ones that are establishing a tradition, but some want to hoist them to the top of the list. Maybe in today's era of instant gratification that works, but... look up the definition of the word "tradition". The schools that have the top tradition are the ones that can point back to day 1 in their existence and say "look at the cumulative total of what we have achieved". Massillon - no state titles in the playoff era, but you can't argue with their success since day 1. In the Moose's humble opinion...

[Freak On A Leash]

research Massillon. That is a "traditional" program. They were the start of excellence in Ohio High School football. Canton McKinley would be there with them.

[roll_red_roll]

Massillon and Canton McKinley gotta be at the top. Tradition doesn't just mean championships. If it weren't for these two programs, what would Ohio High School really be like. They started it all.

[manowar]

But Big Red was Ohio's first Dynasty.

McKinley's biggest win back then is when they finally got over the hump and beat Big Red in 1933.

[UDFAN]

What is McKinley's record VS. Mooney? Have Mooney and Massilon played?

[redengineer]

But Big Red was Ohio's first Dynasty.

McKinley's biggest win back then is when they finally got over the hump and beat Big Red in 1933.

Ah, don't forget the 1931 68-0 thumping of the Tigers that directly led to Paul Brown's hiring in 1932. And then he wouldn't play Steubenville again until 1937. Cartledge was so far ahead of his time it wasn't even close.

[langet]

Delphos St. John's has 6 state titles and 13 state appearances. Nothing to sneeze at.

[Hocus Pocus]

Sorry Hocus... I was at the 1975 game and it was Valley View blue I saw. got this from the school website. My ex-pastor Burton Wolf was an assistant coach there in the early 70s and he has an old VV shirt from then. It sure doesn't say Germantown Cardinals and it isn't red and white.

The district was formed in 1968, as the result of the consolidation of Germantown High School and Farmersville High School. The resulting district adopted the Spartan name, of which the first class graduated in 1969.

Oh check this out...

http://www.vvspartans.com/the-early-years.html

You are right Freak...as usual. I had no idea that website existed. Thanks for sharing!

[orca83]

Per the OHSAA web site: (please excuse any bad counting on my part)

Newark Catholic
(31 Playoff Appearances, 8 State Championships, 5 State Runner-Ups)
2010, 2007 (1st), 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000, 1999, 1998, 1997, 1995, 1993, 1992 (2nd), 1991 (1st), 1990, 1988, 1987 (1st), 1986 (1st), 1985 (1st), 1984 (1st), 1983 (2nd), 1982 (1st), 1981 (2nd), 1980 (2nd), 1978 (1st), 1976, 1975 (2nd), 1974, 1973

Cincinnati Archbishop Moeller
(29 Playoff Appearances, 7 State Championships, 4 State Runner-Ups)
2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2000, 1999, 1997 (2nd), 1996, 1993 (2nd), 1990, 1989 (2nd), 1988, 1985 (1st), 1984, 1983, 1982 (1st), 1981 (2nd), 1980 (1st), 1979 (1st), 1977 (1st), 1976 (1st), 1975 (1st), 1974, 1973

Youngstown Cardinal Mooney
(24 Playoff Appearances, 7 State Championships, 3 State Runner-Ups)
2010, 2009 (1st), 2008, 2007 (2nd), 2006 (1st), 2005 (2nd), 2004 (1st), 2003, 1999, 1996, 1995, 1994, 1992, 1990, 1989, 1988, 1987 (1st), 1986, 1985 (2nd), 1982 (1st), 1981, 1980 (1st), 1976, 1973 (1st)

Cleveland St. Ignatius
(22 Playoff Appearances, 10 State Championships, 1 State Runner-Up)
2009, 2008 (1st), 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001 (1st), 2000, 1999 (1st), 1998, 1997, 1996 (2nd), 1995 (1st), 1994 (1st), 1993 (1st), 1992 (1st), 1991 (1st), 1990, 1989 (1st), 1988 (1st)

Steubenville
(23 Playoff Appearances, 3 State Championships, 3 State Runner-Ups)
2010, 2009, 2008 (2nd), 2007, 2006 (1st), 2005 (1st), 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001, 1999, 1994, 1991, 1990, 1989, 1988 (2nd), 1987 (2nd), 1986, 1985, 1984 (1st), 1983, 1982, 1981

Canton McKinley
(19 Playoff Appearances, 3 State Championships, 3 State Runner-Ups)
2010, 2009, 2008, 2006, 2005, 2004 (2nd), 2001, 1999, 1998 (1st), 1997 (1st), 1996, 1995, 1994, 1993, 1986, 1985 (2nd), 1981 (1st), 1980, 1977 (2nd)

Massillon Washington
(19 Playoff Appearances, 0 State Championships, 3 State Runner-Ups)
2010, 2009, 2008, 2006, 2005 (2nd), 2002, 2001, 2000, 1999, 1996, 1994, 1993, 1991, 1990, 1989, 1982 (2nd), 1980 (2nd), 1979, 1972

Youngstown Ursuline
(16 Playoff Appearances, 4 State Championships, 1 State Runner-Up)
2010 (1st), 2009 (1st), 2008 (1st), 2007 (2nd), 2004, 2002, 2000 (1st), 1998, 1996, 1995, 1993, 1992, 1990, 1989, 1984, 1983

Coldwater
(16 Playoff Appearances, 2 State Championships, 3 State Runner-Ups)
2010 (2nd), 2009, 2008, 2007 (1st), 2006, 2005 (1st), 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000 (2nd), 1999, 1998 (2nd), 1997, 1995, 1986

I wish I had done this research BEFORE I voted for St. Ignatius. I'd say Newark Catholic's resume is pretty impressive!

Facts speak for themselves. I'd have to with Newark Catholic.... Green Wave... the best tradition by far

[MrBob]

Can someone tell me if ALL boys born in Massillion still get a football in the hospital or did that tradition stop? If so I figure it did when the other schools in Massillion were built. ( Jackson and Perry)

[cthelites]

8 actually 1946, 47, 48, 49 All American Football Conference Champions and 1950, 54, 55, and 64 National Football League Chmpionships!

Do those really count?

[cthelites]

Can some tell me if ALL boys born in Massillion still get a football in the hospital or did that tradition stop? If so I figure it did when the other schools in Massillion were built. ( Jackson and Perry)

Dont you know that if those are truly blessed with the football skills they will find their way to the Tigers.
I couldnt resist lol!

[Saint.Hank.Fan]

Saint Henry anyone? 6 state championships... 2 runner ups... tied for most public school state championships.

[roll_red_roll]

I had no clue St. Henry was public.

[Saint.Hank.Fan]

I had no clue St. Henry was public.

Yea we get that a lot...

[NuttyBuck]

Cardinal Mooney is second to none! That tradition runs deep!

[o.a.b.]

Massillon is getting votes partly because of name recognition?

How about:
St. Henry - 6 State Titles
2009, 2006 (1st), 2004 (1st), 1999 (2nd), 1998, 1997, 1996 (2nd), 1995 (1st), 1994 (1st), 1993, 1992 (1st), 1990 (1st), 1987, 1986

Still doesn't have the heritage, tradition, longevity, of a successful century+ old program...

St Henry football--first varsity season was 1973-so if you're looking for consistancy vs. longevity----6 titles in 38 years = 1 title per 6.33 years.I don't see anyone topping that except Massilon and their mythical poll championships

[recruitohiofb]

Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary
15 Playoff Apperances-4 State Championships-3 Final Four Semi-Finalst.
1972 1974 1979 1981 1982 1988 1991 1999 2001 2002 2005 2007 2009 2010
Won-22 Lost-11 .667 State Titles 1972, 1981, 1982, 1988

[orca83]

Columbus Bishop Watterson
21 Playoff Apperances-2 State Champions-3 State Runner up- 3 Final Four-Semifinalist
1972,1980,1981,1987,1992,1993,1994,1995,1996,1997, 1999,2000,2001,2002,2003,2004,2005,2006,2008,2009, 2010

And 1 AP mythical state champion 1966

[bleed_rider_red]

Orrville Red Riders
21 Playoff Appearances - 1 State Championship - 3 State Runner-up - 4 State Semi-finalist

[MrBob]

Remember this poll? I figured I'd bring it up again after reading the article Mr Franz posted earlier.

[Rr_fan]

Bleed you are short on the Red Rider playoff appearances, I believe it is 24 times...
Saint Henry is public?? That is great I really had no idea and would have guessed private every day of the week.