Ohio High School Football Playoffs: Marion Local Dominates Division VII

The 2024 OHSAA football state championships took place at the Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium, with Marion Local showcasing their dominance in the Division VII title game. In a remarkable display of athletic prowess, the Marion Local Flyers achieved an astounding 74-0 victory over the Hillsdale Falcons, extending their winning streak and solidifying their reputation as one of Ohio's foremost high school football programs.

Game Overview

From the outset, Marion Local established themselves as the team to beat. Opening the game strong, they quickly amassed points, ultimately breaking records along the way. This championship concluded with Marion Local's 15th OHSAA state playoff championship, further solidifying their legacy, as they now hold four more titles than any other program in Ohio.

Record-Setting Performance

The final score of 74-0 not only marks a record for Marion Local but ties the state record with 11 touchdowns scored in a single game, a record previously set by Delphos St. John's in 2010. The Flyers were just shy of breaking the overall title game scoring record of 77 points, set during the 2010 Division VI championship.

Key Highlights

• Kamden Eifert scored the 11th touchdown for Marion Local, elevating the score to 74-0 early in the fourth quarter. The dominance seen throughout the game was further emphasized by a first half score of 60-0, where Hillsdale failed to secure any points.
• Throughout this game, Marion Local has not only outperformed the opponents in scoring but also in defensive plays, which included multiple interceptions leading to rapid scoring opportunities.
• The Flyers' defensive prowess was evident, as Hillsdale struggled to find rhythm throughout the game, registering a third quarter score of 67-0, and having very few successful drives.

Individual Standouts

Justin Knouff, the quarterback for Marion Local, continued to demonstrate impressive stats throughout the season. With 2,067 passing yards, 26 touchdowns, and a completion rate over 71%, he has been pivotal in leading his team to victory.

On the defensive end, Adam Winner asserted his presence, leading the Flyers with seven sacks in the season, contributing significantly to limiting Hillsdale's offensive efforts.

For Hillsdale, Owen Sloan was noted as a key player, having an exceptional performance throughout the season with over 1,600 rushing yards and 31 touchdowns, which fueled the Falcons' offense through their playoff journey, culminating in their initial appearance in the title game.

How Teams Reached the Championship

Both teams fought hard to reach this point. Marion Local advanced through dominating their semifinal match against Columbus Grove with a 41-6 win, while Hillsdale made waves with a dramatic 25-22 victory over Danville in their semifinal, marking a historical moment for their program as they had not previously advanced past the regional finals prior to this year.

Conclusion

The 2024 Division VII state championship showcased not just the skill and teamwork of Marion Local, but also their consistent record of excellence over the years. With their undefeated season and record-setting performance at the championships, Marion Local football stands as a beacon of high school athletic achievement in Ohio. The Flyers' success continues to inspire future generations of athletes, securing their place in the annals of high school sports history in Ohio.

As they celebrate this victory, the Flyers look forward to maintaining their majestic run into the next season, aimed at further cementing their legacy as one of the most successful high school football programs in the state.