Highland’s Hornets ended Mayfield’s undefeated run with a 31-7 victory in the Division II, Region 5 semifinal of the OHSAA football playoffs on Friday, November 13. The top-seeded Hornets (11-1) hosted the fourth-seeded Wildcats (11-1) at home, denying Mayfield a trip back to the regional final for the first time since 2015.
Highland’s win keeps their streak alive, as they aim for a third consecutive appearance in the regional final. The Hornets will face either No. 2 Walsh Jesuit or No. 3 Nordonia at a neutral site on November 20, after those teams meet in the other semifinal.
Quarterback Colton Wadle, who was questionable after an injury in last week’s 31-7 win over Brecksville, returned to lead Highland’s offense. Wadle completed 82 of 122 passes this season for 1,455 yards and 13 touchdowns. His top targets, Jake Weber, Ben Radigan, and Evan Foust, helped maintain Highland’s offensive pressure throughout the game. Anthony DePompei, a versatile back, was ready to step in if needed but Wadle remained on the field.
Highland’s defensive efforts were anchored by Suburban League National Conference Co-defensive Player of the Year Evan Foust, who contributed 103 tackles, 9.5 for loss, with interceptions and forced turnovers this season. Lukas Grillis’ 16.5 sacks and 21 tackles for loss also helped contain Mayfield’s offense, limiting their ground game and disrupting quarterback Dario D'Agostino.
Mayfield entered the game with an 11-0 record, allowing only 148.6 yards per game on defense. Their defensive front featured standout players such as John Harris, CJ Melaragno, and De’Onta Worthams, who combined for dozens of tackles for loss and sacks. Defensive backs Kingston Murchison, Garrett Bell, and Nick Ferrera helped form a secondary that had forced multiple interceptions this season.
On offense, Mayfield relied heavily on the running backs Brody Colello and Ben Koret, and their dynamic wide receivers Ryan Eppich and Jayden Haynes. Quarterback D'Agostino had thrown for 1,940 yards and 24 touchdowns this year, but Highland’s defense limited the Wildcats to just seven points in this contest.
Mayfield’s season included a 32-21 victory over No. 5 Wadsworth on November 6 to reach the semifinals. The Wildcats have a playoff history dating back to 1984 with four state semifinal appearances but have not advanced to the regional final since 2015. This was their first-ever meeting with Highland in the playoffs.
Highland’s season started with a 34-0 loss to Walsh Jesuit but they responded with wins over Nordonia, Medina, and Hudson among others. Their defense held opponents to low scores, and the Hornets entered the playoffs with a 10-1 record. Their postseason record now stands at 23-15 across 16 playoff appearances, including one state semifinal run in 2013.
The Hornets’ balanced attack and pressure defense proved too much for Mayfield, who struggled to find offensive rhythm. Highland’s ability to contain Mayfield’s top rushers and receivers limited the Wildcats’ scoring chances.
With this win, Highland keeps their playoff hopes alive and moves closer to a third straight regional final. Mayfield’s season ends with an 11-1 record, their strongest campaign in years but one that fell short of returning to the regional final.
The next round will have Highland facing the winner of Walsh Jesuit against Nordonia on November 20 at a neutral venue. Both teams bring strong records and will test Highland’s defense and offense in what promises to be a competitive matchup.
According to Yahoo Sports.
