Blue Devils’ Final Four Matchup set

The Blue Devils now know who and where they’ll be playing in the Division III state semifinal this Friday. Zanesville (12-1) is set to meet Archbishop Hoban (12-1) at Paul Brown Tiger Stadium in Massillon. Kickoff is slated for 7:30.

The Blue Devils punched a ticket to their second final four in three years by dispatching Jackson, 38-21, last Friday. Senior running back Leo Crosby rumbled for 291 yards and four scores in the win. Zanesville also earned playoff wins over Beechcroft and DeSales.

Hoban is the only top regional seed remaining in the state tournament. The Knights edged Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary, 24-21, in the Region 7 championship. They’ve also picked up playoff victories over Louisville and the New Philadelphia Quakers, who dealt Zanesville its only loss on the season.

A few Hoban players were likely invested in Saturday’s Michigan State vs. Ohio State showdown. Junior quarterback Danny Clark and junior running back Todd Sibley are committed to Ohio State, while senior receiver/safety Jonah Morris is heading to Michigan State.

Hoban’s lone defeat came at the hands of Benedictine, who was upset in double overtime of the Region 8 championship by defending state champ Toledo Central Catholic. The Fighting Irish (11-2) await Trotwood-Madison (10-3), who decisively won the Region 10 title over Wapakoneta, 33-3. The two teams are slated to meet at Sidney Memorial Stadium about 40 minutes north of Dayton.

The winners this Friday will meet at Ohio Stadium for the state championship at a time and date to be announced by the OHSAA.