Columbus Grove Local Schools

The stage is set for a massive Division VII showdown this Friday night at Troy Stadium as the Columbus Grove Bulldogs meet the St. Henry Redskins in the OHSAA State Semi-Finals. Despite being two of Ohio’s most tradition-rich small-school programs, the teams have crossed paths only once in history—a 1995 playoff matchup that saw St. Henry defeat Columbus Grove 21–0. Nearly three decades later, both teams return to this rare pairing with everything on the line and a ticket to Canton within reach.

Columbus Grove enters the state semifinals for the fourth consecutive season, a remarkable run of consistency that speaks to the strength of the program and the resilience of this year’s roster. The Bulldogs have played their best football when it matters most, leaning on a disciplined defense and a balanced, efficient offense that has steadily elevated its play throughout the postseason. Their postseason experience—especially deep-round experience—remains one of their biggest advantages heading into Friday night’s clash.

St. Henry arrives at Troy Stadium riding the momentum of one of the most shocking wins in recent Ohio high school football history. The Redskins stunned the state last weekend by knocking off Marion Local, ending the Flyers’ incredible 76-game winning streak and halting a dynasty that had loomed over Division VII for years. That victory has injected St. Henry with enormous confidence and belief, making them one of the hottest teams in the state at exactly the right time. With Columbus Grove’s sustained excellence meeting St. Henry’s giant-slaying surge, Friday’s semifinal promises to be physical, emotional, and unforgettable—a true clash of Ohio football tradition.