D1 Semifinal Preview: St. Edward vs. Olentangy Orange

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><strong>***Use Promo Code&nbsp;</strong>BLACKFRIDAY2025 to get<strong>&nbsp;50% off your annual Prep Redzone subscription. THIS WEEK ONLY ***</strong></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As we head into the state semifinals, the best of the best are matching up, and the stakes are the highest they've been for teams. We have a first-time matchup in the works, set for Arlin Field in Mansfield. The state semi-finals have been St. Edward's home over the past five seasons. On the other hand, Olentangy Orange is making its first-ever state semi-final appearance. Both teams boast a talented roster, so let's get into the details and break it down.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">St. Edward (11-2)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Playoff Run</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>W 45-14 Berea-Midpark</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>W 38-6 Whitmer</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>W 27-7 Mentor</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>St. Edward once again showed why they are amongst the best of the best in the state. They have won playing their brand of football and have looked good doing it. The Eagles' offense starts up front with the offensive line. The physicality and technical skill is impressive as an entire unit, but spearheaded by Ohio State commit [player_tooltip player_id='1184432' first='Mason' last='Wilhelm']. Running back [player_tooltip player_id='1065301' first='Brandon' last='White'] and Quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1740929' first='Jonny' last='Evanchick'] have done well at running behind blocks and making plays of their own. Defensively, St. Edward could be the most talented unit left. Discipline and opportunity is the name of the Eagles defense. They are great at forcing turnovers and keeping teams in front of them. West Virginia commit [player_tooltip player_id='1317990' first='Makhi' last='Boone'] and Michigan State commit [player_tooltip player_id='1317480' first='Brayden' last='Thomas'] have been key playmakers in the Eagles secondary. With health and a stout senior class, St. Edward will look to return to the state final.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Key Players</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2026 OL [player_tooltip player_id='1184432' first='Mason' last='Wilhelm'] (Ohio State commit)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2026 DB [player_tooltip player_id='1317990' first='Makhi' last='Boone'] (West Virginia commit)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2026 DB [player_tooltip player_id='1317480' first='Brayden' last='Thomas'] (Michigan State commit)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2026 WR [player_tooltip player_id='1313832' first='Zachary' last='Hackleman'] (Toledo commit)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2026 RB [player_tooltip player_id='1065301' first='Brandon' last='White'] (Kent State commit)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2026 DL [player_tooltip player_id='1171406' first='Collin' last='Crocker']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2026 QB [player_tooltip player_id='1740929' first='Jonny' last='Evanchick']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2027 OL [player_tooltip player_id='1141675' first='Jack' last='Marquard']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2027 OL [player_tooltip player_id='949832' first='Xavier' last='Krzak']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2027 DL [player_tooltip player_id='1185731' first='Bradyn' last='Paulozzi']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2027 DB [player_tooltip player_id='949494' first='Landon' last='Lehmer']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Keys to Victory</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lock in early defensively and limit explosives. Make them beat you straight up.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Maximum efficiency and limit turnovers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Olentangy Orange (13-0)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Playoff Run</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>W 43-14 Olentangy Berlin</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>W 21-17 Olentangy Liberty</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>W 39-7 Pickerington Central</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2025 has been a record-breaking year for the program. The Pioneers completed their first undefeated regular season and are making their first state semi-final appearance. Orange has been a dominant offensive force in the Columbus area this year. Ohio commit and senior QB [player_tooltip player_id='574328' first='Levi' last='Davis'] has spearheaded the offense, utilizing his dual-threat talents. Lead running back [player_tooltip player_id='1708814' first='Lucas' last='Fickel'] has had a breakout season, becoming one of the best running backs in all of Columbus. The passing attack is balanced, with several wideouts receiving passes. Defensively, this unit forces turnovers in its secondary. DB [player_tooltip player_id='1154060' first='Treyton' last='Schroeder'] has been an excellent piece of the Pioneer defense, making big plays regularly. LB [player_tooltip player_id='1893916' first='Brennan' last='Kesler'] has been one of the more impressive underclassmen in Central Ohio. They play with speed and confidence. Olentangy Orange will have to follow the lead of fellow Olentangy school Olentangy Liberty, which advanced to its first-ever state final appearance last year against the Eagles. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Key Players</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2026 QB [player_tooltip player_id='574328' first='Levi' last='Davis'] (Ohio commit)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2026 DB [player_tooltip player_id='1154060' first='Treyton' last='Schroeder']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2026 LB [player_tooltip player_id='1279518' first='Kameron' last='Robinson']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2026 RB [player_tooltip player_id='1708814' first='Lucas' last='Fickel']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2026 DL [player_tooltip player_id='372684' first='Jaden' last='Workman']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2027 WR [player_tooltip player_id='1954951' first='Jake' last='Luling']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2027 LB [player_tooltip player_id='1893916' first='Brennan' last='Kesler']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2028 OL [player_tooltip player_id='1954955' first='Jake' last='Hendon']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Keys to Victory</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Find explosive plays on offense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Get up early. Make St. Edward chase you rather than chasing them.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->