AREA TEAMS REASSIGNED IN OHSAA RELEASE

East Palestine, OH- The Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) has unveiled its Divisions and Regional assignments for the upcoming 2024 season, setting the stage for an exciting year of high school sports. The release, made on 04/25/24, marks a significant moment for area schools as several have been reassigned either moving up or down the divisions.

Divisional placements are primarily determined by enrollment figures, with a competitive balance multiplier in effect for transfers, which can adjust the qualifying numbers based on individual circumstances. Division 1 will see the fewest number of teams, with 70, while divisions 2 through 7 will average around 106 teams each. 10 YSN teams will find a new home for the 2024 season with the details listed below:

Moving Down

Ashtabula Lakeside (2023 record 4-6): The Dragons will transition from Division 2 Region 5 to Division 3 Region 9 due to decreased enrollment. Joining one of the toughest regions in the state, Lakeside will face formidable opponents like Chardon, Ursuline, Canfield, and Kenston, alongside CVC teams Geneva and Madison.
Girard Indians (2023 record 5-6): With decreased enrollment, the Indians move from Division 4 Region 13 to Division 5 Region 17. Competing against programs like Norwayne, Garfield, and Harrison Central, they’ll share the region with NE8 conference members South Range, Lakeview, and Poland.
Poland Bulldogs (2023 Record 10-2): Another team moving down, the Bulldogs shift from Division 4 Region 13 to Division 5 Region 17. Facing powerhouses like South Range, Garfield, and Harrison Central, they’ll also contend with NE8 members Girard and Lakeview in a region where conference play will heavily influence playoff seeding.
East Palestine Bulldogs (2023 Record 2-8): Due to decreased enrollment, the Bulldogs move down to Division 7 Region 25, where they’ll compete against programs like Danville, Lowellville, Western Reserve, and Toronto, alongside EOAC teams Lisbon, Southern, Leetonia, and Wellsville.

Moving Up

Conneaut Spartans (2023 Record 5-5): With increased enrollment, the Spartans ascend to Division 4 Region 13 from Division 5 Region 17. Joining a region with 2 state champions in Glenville for Division 4 and Perry for Division 5 from 2023, they’ll compete alongside CVC Lake division conference mates Edgewood and Jefferson.
Perry Pirates (2023 Record 16-0 Division 5 State Champion): Fresh off a historic undefeated season and a Division 5 state championship, the Pirates move up to Division 4 Region 13. Competing against successful teams like Akron Buchtel, Cardinal Mooney, and Mentor Lake Catholic, they’ll share the region with CVC conference mates Conneaut, Edgewood, Jefferson, and West Geauga.
Louisville Leopards (2023 Record 1-9): With increased enrollment, the Leopards transition from Division 3 Region 13 to Division 2 Region 5. Competing against annual playoff contenders like Akron Hoban and Austintown-Fitch, they’ll face tough competition alongside conference mates Lake and Hoover.
Youngstown East Golden Bears (2023 Record 3-7): Moving up from Division 4 Region 13 to Division 3 Region 9, the Golden Bears join arguably the most challenging region in the state, competing alongside fellow SVC members Ursuline and Chaney.
Crestview Rebels (2023 Record 5-6): Enhanced by the competitive balance multiplier, the Rebels move from Division 6 Region 21 to Division 5 Region 17. Facing programs like South Range and Garrettsville Garfield, they’ll join MVAC conference mate Champion in the region.
Springfield Tigers (2023 Record 7-5): Moving from Division 7 Region 25 to Division 6 Region 21, the Tigers enter a region with formidable programs like Kirtland and Mogadore, alongside fellow MVAC members Jackson-Milton and Mineral Ridge.

With these adjustments, the stage is set for an exciting and competitive 2024 season across Ohio high school football and you can catch all the action here on YSNlive.com