Elder, St. X Face Off in High-Stakes Cincinnati Regional Finals

Only one team will advance to the Ohio state tournament after this epic clash of football powerhouses.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 7:01pm

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting a high school football game, with the players, field, and crowd broken down into abstract geometric shapes and planes of color, capturing the intensity and energy of the regional finals matchup.The regional finals showdown between two Cincinnati powerhouses, Elder and St. Xavier, promises to be a clash of gridiron titans, with the victor earning a coveted spot in the state tournament.Middletown Today

The regional finals of the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) football tournament have arrived, with two of Cincinnati's top teams, Elder and St. Xavier, set to square off in a winner-take-all matchup. The stakes are high, as the victor will punch their ticket to the state tournament, while the loser's season will come to an abrupt end. Both squads have poured their hearts into this moment, and the pressure is palpable as they compete for a chance at gridiron glory.

Why it matters

This game represents the culmination of months of hard work, dedication, and sacrifice for the players on both teams. While only one squad can emerge victorious, the stories of resilience, growth, and the pure joy of competition will be on full display, regardless of the final score.

The details

Elder and St. Xavier are two of the most successful high school football programs in the Cincinnati area, with a long history of fierce rivalry and intense matchups. In this regional finals clash, both teams will be pulling out all the stops, utilizing their depth of talent and strategic game plans to gain the upper hand. The outcome of this game will not only determine which team advances to the state tournament, but it will also solidify the legacy of the players and coaches involved.

  • The regional finals are taking place on April 12, 2026.
  • The winner of the Elder vs. St. Xavier game will advance to the OHSAA state tournament.

The players

Elder High School

A renowned Cincinnati-area high school with a rich football tradition, known for its dedicated fan base and talented roster of players.

St. Xavier High School

A long-standing rival of Elder, St. Xavier is also a powerhouse in Ohio high school football, boasting a history of success and a reputation for producing top-tier student-athletes.

Middletown High School

Another Southwest Ohio team that made it to the regional finals, Middletown has been a consistent contender in the OHSAA tournament in recent years.

Anderson High School

The Anderson Redskins are the fourth team to reach the regional finals, showcasing the depth of talent in the Cincinnati area's high school football landscape.

Indian Hill High School

The Indian Hill Braves round out the list of regional finalists, demonstrating the competitive nature of the OHSAA tournament and the parity among the top teams in Southwest Ohio.

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What they’re saying

“This is the moment we've been working towards all season. The regional finals are where legends are made, and we're ready to leave it all on the field.”

— Jack Simmons, Senior Captain, Elder High School

“The pressure is on, but our team has been through so much together. We're going to leave it all out there and see what happens. This is what high school football is all about.”

— Michael Watkins, Junior Linebacker, St. Xavier High School

What’s next

The winner of the Elder vs. St. Xavier game will advance to the OHSAA state tournament, where they will face the winner of the other regional final matchup.

The takeaway

The regional finals of the OHSAA football tournament showcase the true spirit of high school sports, where the pursuit of victory is matched by the camaraderie, resilience, and personal growth of the student-athletes involved. Regardless of the outcome, this game will be a testament to the passion and dedication that define the Cincinnati-area football community.