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Ohio's Division I football rated the nation's fourth-toughest playoff bracket

WCPO | file

<p>St. Xavier quarterback Chase Wolf tries to elude a Colerain defender in the Bombers' 20-17 overtime victory in 2017. Wolf has moved on to play for Wisconsin, but both St. Xavier and Colerain look to be strong this season.</p>

By: Mike Dyer

Posted at 3:55 PM, Nov 14, 2017

and last updated 2017-11-14 15:55:38-05

CINCINNATI -- The Ohio Division I football playoff bracket is rated the nation’s fourth-toughest postseason tournament, according to MaxPreps.

Colerain (10-2) plays St. Xavier (11-1) in a Division I regional final at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Dwire Field at Atrium Stadium in Mason.

The Region 4 winner plays in the state semifinal Nov. 24 at a location to be determined.

The Ohio High School Athletic Association will announce Wednesday the regional pairings for the state semifinals.

In Region 3, Pickerington North (10-2) plays Pickerington Central (11-1) while Toledo Whitmer (12-0) plays Olentangy Liberty (10-2) in Region 2.

The Region 1 final is Cleveland St. Ignatius (11-1) versus Mentor (11-1). St. X, the reigning Division I state champion, is ranked No. 10 in the MaxPreps Freeman Rankings (computer). Colerain is ranked No. 22.

Cleveland St. Ignatius is ranked No. 13 by the MaxPreps Freeman Rankings. St. Ignatius is No. 25 nationally in the MaxPreps Xcellent 25 (editorial rankings).

It will be the second time this season these two teams will have played. St. X won 20-17 in overtime Sept. 1 at Colerain. St. X and Colerain have played at least once a seasonsince 2005.

St. X leads the series 22-13 overall.