Upper Arlington thumped rival Hilliard Davidson 42-14 to win the OCC Central Division title and secure the tradition-laden program’s first perfect slate since 2000, when the Golden Bears captured the Division I state championship. Steve Blackledge writes for Saturday’s Press Pros.

Two proud small towns with storied football traditions and a lot on the line in a season finale brought the pot to a boil Friday night before things thankfully simmered down and a rivalry gathered more animus for the future.

Whatever happens from here forward, no one can take away the prestige of an unbeaten regular season. That’s in range for four Ohio Capital Conference teams, along with the division titles that would accompany the accomplishment.

New Albany’s Brock Kidwell channeled his inner Elway to bring New Albany back and deliver a thrilling victory (Press Pros Feature Photos by John Hulkenberg)

It’s time for the cream to rise to — or remain — on top as Week 9 in the OCC sets up first-place showdowns in three divisions (PressPros Feature Photos by Brian Blankenship).

Two outstanding seniors lead the way, but New Albany coach Rich Ritter has impressive depth on a roster that’s already won three straight Division I state championships and has a fourth in sight. (PressPros Feature Photos by John Hulkenberg).

Hilliard Davidson may not turn heads walking off the bus, but the Wildcats have a long tradition of playing above their size and fullback Leo Nixon epitomizes that.

Harrison Brewster is touted as Olentangy Berlin’s running QB, but he was the Bears’ comeback QB in their 22-21 triumph over Dublin Jerome (PressPros Feature Photos by John Hulkenberg).

Teams atop their division in the Ohio Capital Conference should have plenty of reason to celebrate this week, given opponents who — on paper — appear overmatched. (PressPros Feature Photo by Brian Bayless)

New Albany’s high-powered offense lived up to its advance billing, but the Eagles defense showed it’s also special in a dominant win over Gahanna Lincoln (PressPros Feature Photos by John Hulkenberg).

Marysville is proving much more than just its highest-profile talent, but there’s a reason five-star, OSU-bound Gabe Powers gets the headlines and he showed why against Dublin Jerome. By Aaron Blankenship Dublin, OH – Marysville senior Gabe Powers put himself on the map as being one of the most dominating high school linebackers in the country, […]

Unbeaten Division I powers Marysville and Upper Arlington put their Top Ten rankings on the line in key Ohio Capital Conference road games that will shape the races in the Ohio and Cardinal Divisions.

In one of central Ohio’s best rivalries, Hartley avenged three 2020 defeats to DeSales and took a major step in regaining the Central Catholic League championship by beating the Stallions.

Upper Arlington has turned its opponents, not just Bradley running back Trevor Schuler, upside down this season with a hard-hitting defense and an offense that’s showing it has plenty of teeth besides talented running back Carson Gresock (PressPros Feature Photos by Brian Bayless)

The push toward the Playoffs continues as the season passes the midpoint and division play in the Ohio Capital Conference begins in earnest.

Aided by a dominating offensive front, sophomore running back Nate Severs racked up 297 yards rushing to power the Eagles to a statement win

Gahanna Lincoln sprinkled the rushing of Diore Hubbard (29) with dual-threat quarterback Maxwell Cummings and a nasty defense to ruin Hilliard Darby’s unbeaten season and its Homecoming. (PressPros Feature Photos by Brian Bayless)

The midpoint of the regular season approaches and will be in the rear-view mirror after this week, which should provide a clearer picture of which teams have the stuff to ascend to the top of their Ohio Capital Conference division. (PressPros Feature Photo by Brian Bayless)