New Albany’s Joseph Flauto can't get away from Gahanna’s Romearo Wells, whose dogged defense typified the Lions' determination in holding off the Eagles' upset attempt in the Division I, Region 3 finals. (PressPros Feature Photo by John Hulkenberg).

Christian Manville rushed for 122 yards and a pair of TDs and New Albany’s attacking defense yielded big results as New Albany avenged a lopsided loss to Upper Arlington in a 2021 regional semifinal. Westerville, OH – The momentum changed hands many times during a Division I Region 3 semifinal Friday at Westerville Central. Wintry

Regional championships are tantalizingly in range -- like the proximity of this pass to Olentangy Liberty's Alex Okuley -- for teams that have claimed a pair of Playoff wins. Okuley and the Patriots hope to continue their post-season run against fourth-seeded Perrysburg. (PressPros Feature Photo by Brian Bayless)

Dublin Jerome's Tarek Tzagournis (11) brings the heat on Olentangy Liberty's Ryan Shapker, but the Patriots brought down the curtain on their top-seeded opponent with a 28-14 upset of the Celtics. (PressPros Feature Photo by Brian Bayless).

Top seeds can't coast now that the Playoff field has thinned, meaning teams like No. 1 Dublin Jerome will need more plays like this interception by Cole Saneholtz to survive and advance. (PressPros Feature Photo by Brian Bayless).