Marion Local: Ohio’s High School Sports Dynasty : 64 wins and counting with only 109 boys.
Marion Local High School has firmly established itself as one of the most dominant athletic programs in Ohio, earning statewide recognition for its consistent excellence across multiple sports. Known primarily for their football dominance, Marion Local, located in Maria Stein, has captured an astonishing 15 state football championships since 2000, a feat unmatched in Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) history.
Unmatched Success on the Gridiron
Marion Local holds the record for the most state football championships in the playoff era, surpassing the previous mark set by Cleveland St. Ignatius. The Flyers’ recent triumphs include back-to-back Division VII titles in 2023 and 2024, finishing both seasons with a perfect 16-0 record. This streak is part of a larger tradition of dominance, with the team capturing six consecutive titles between 2021 and 2024. The Flyers’ consistency over two decades is a testament to strong coaching, community support, and a culture of athletic excellence.
Recent season highlights include:
• 2024: 16-0, Division VII State Champions
• 2023: 16-0, Division VII State Champions
• 2022: 16-0, Division VI State Champions
• 2021: 16-0, Division VII State Champions
Since 2002, Marion Local boasts an impressive 93-9 playoff record, underscoring their ability to compete at the highest level year after year.
More Than Football
While football is the cornerstone of Marion Local’s legacy, their athletic success spans multiple sports. The Flyers have claimed a total of 26 OHSAA state championships, including titles in boys and girls basketball, volleyball, and track and field.
OHSAA State Championships:
• Boys Basketball: 1975, 2003, 2018
• Girls Basketball: 2003
• Volleyball: 2007, 2008, 2009, 2012, 2013
• Boys Track & Field: 2023, 2024
In addition to their championship victories, Marion Local has finished as state runner-up in multiple sports, demonstrating their depth across athletic programs.
Midwest Athletic Conference Dominance
Marion Local is a proud member of the Midwest Athletic Conference (MAC), one of the most competitive leagues in the state. Since joining in 1973, the Flyers have captured over 50 league championships across MAC-sanctioned sports. The school’s success in football, volleyball, and basketball has solidified its reputation as a small-school powerhouse capable of competing—and winning—on the biggest stages.
A Legacy of Excellence
From its state-record football dynasty to championships in volleyball, basketball, and track, Marion Local’s athletic program is a model of consistency and success. Fueled by hard work, community pride, and a rich history of winning, Marion Local continues to set the standard for high school athletics in Ohio.
As the Flyers add to their legacy with each passing year, their reputation as Ohio’s most dominant high school sports program remains stronger than ever.
State Championship Preview: Division 7 - Hillsdale vs. Marion Local
The stage is set for a monumental showdown at the Pro Football Hall of Fame next Friday, where the Hillsdale Falcons will square off against the Marion Local Flyers in the Division 7 State Championship. With the Falcons coming off a thrilling comeback victory over Danville and the Flyers entering with an unblemished 15-0 record, this promises to be an unforgettable contest. Let’s dive into the journey of both teams, their respective playoff runs, and what to expect from this high-stakes finale.
Hillsdale Falcons: A Historic Season
The Hillsdale Falcons, under the leadership of head coach Trevor Cline, have defied the odds all season long. Their 14-1 record heading into the state title game is a testament to their resilience and unrelenting drive. The Falcons’ playoff run has been nothing short of extraordinary, punctuated by a dramatic 25-22 victory over Danville in the state semifinals.
Regular Season and Early Playoff Dominance
Hillsdale’s regular season was a mix of dominant victories and hard-fought battles. They began with a commanding 44-12 win over Black River and followed it up with a string of victories over teams like Lucas, Loudonville, and Chippewa. Their only hiccup came in a 45-21 loss to Norwayne, but they quickly bounced back with a vengeance in the postseason.
In the playoffs, Hillsdale faced increasingly difficult opponents, including Fairport (55-12), Windham (43-14), and Malvern (50-48). However, it was their dramatic comeback against Danville that solidified their place in history. Down 22-6 at halftime, the Falcons scored 19 unanswered points in the second half, capped off by a 10-yard quarterback draw from Kale Lewis that gave them a 25-22 lead. The defense then held firm, securing the win and their first-ever state championship appearance.
Key Players
Kael Lewis: The quarterback has been a standout performer, showcasing his ability to lead under pressure. His poise in the second half against Danville, where he threw a touchdown and then scored on the ground, was crucial in the Falcons’ comeback.
Owen Sloan: A workhorse running back, Sloan’s ability to power through defenses has been pivotal all season.
Hayden McFadden and Brock Bower: Both wide receivers have been clutch targets for Lewis, and McFadden’s 30-yard touchdown catch in the regional final against Cuyahoga Heights was a game-changing moment.
Playoff Highlights
The Miracle in Massillon - The Hillsdale Falcons pulled off an incredible 50-48 victory over Malvern in a Division VII, Region 25 semifinal at Massillon Perry High School. The game featured two Hail Mary passes from Falcons quarterback Kael Lewis—one at the end of the first half and another on the final play of the game. The latter pass was tipped before being caught by junior Hayden McFadden for the game-winning touchdown. The Falcons, led by Owen Sloan’s 285 rushing yards and four touchdowns, will advance to the regional championship to face Cuyahoga Heights. Malvern’s Jared Withrow threw for 418 yards, but it was Hillsdale’s dramatic finish that secured their place in the Elite Eight.
Regional Final vs. Cuyahoga Heights (44-14): Hillsdale’s offense exploded in this game, with Lewis tossing multiple touchdown passes and Sloan adding two more rushing scores. The Falcons’ balanced attack left little room for Cuyahoga Heights to make a comeback.
State Semifinal vs. Danville (25-22): A back-and-forth game that saw Hillsdale erase a 16-point deficit in the second half. Lewis’ leadership and the defense’s timely stops were key to the Falcons’ historic win.
Looking Ahead: The Challenge of Marion Local
Now, Hillsdale faces a monumental challenge in Marion Local, one of the most storied programs in Ohio high school football history. The Flyers enter the state championship with an impressive 63-game win streak and a legacy of excellence that includes 13 state championships. To say they are a juggernaut would be an understatement.
Marion Local Flyers: A Dynasty in the Making
The Marion Local Flyers have been a force to be reckoned with for over a decade, and their dominance in the Division 7 ranks is unparalleled. Under the leadership of head coach Tim Goodwin, the Flyers are seeking their fourth consecutive state championship and their 14th overall, a record that speaks volumes about the program’s consistency and excellence.
Regular Season and Early Playoff Dominance
Marion Local’s 2024 campaign has been nothing short of spectacular. They opened the season with a 45-6 win over Linton-Stockton (IN), followed by blowout victories against Franklin, and a shutout win against the highly competitive Coldwater team. Their defense has been nearly impenetrable, and their offense, led by a powerful running game, has steamrolled opponents.
In the playoffs, Marion Local faced tough challenges, but their experience and talent proved too much for teams like Minster (49-7), Delphos St. John’s (35-14), and Fort Recovery (45-13). In the state semifinal against an upstart New Bremen team, the Flyers cruised to a 49-14 victory, showing their ability to dominate in all facets of the game.
Here’s a revised version including the part about Marion Local beating Coldwater and emphasizing the significance of the game:
Marion Local’s victory over Coldwater on October 18th, 2024, was not just another win—it was one of the biggest games in the state this season. With both teams entering the game undefeated, this matchup was a battle for supremacy, not just in the Midwest Athletic Conference (MAC) but in Ohio high school football as a whole.
Marion Local came out on top with a dominant 38-7 victory, extending their perfect season and asserting their status as one of the most formidable teams in the state. Coldwater, known for their resilience and championship pedigree, fought hard, but Marion Local’s depth, speed, and experience proved to be too much to handle.
This rivalry has long been one of the most anticipated in Ohio football, with both teams having numerous state titles under their belts. For Marion Local, this victory was a statement win—solidifying their quest for another state championship while reinforcing their legacy as a powerhouse in Ohio high school football. For Coldwater, despite the loss, the game showcased the competitive nature of the program and their continued place among the elite in the state.
Let me know if you need any more details or adjustments!
Key Players
Mason Miller: The standout quarterback for the Flyers, Miller has been excellent in both the air and on the ground. His ability to make plays with his legs and arm has made Marion Local’s offense one of the most difficult to stop in the state.
Hunter St. John: A powerful running back who consistently gains positive yardage, St. John has been the backbone of the Flyers’ offense. His bruising runs wear down defenses and control the clock.
The Offensive Line: Marion Local’s offensive line is often referred to as one of the best in the state. They have dominated in the trenches, opening up massive holes for the running backs and providing ample protection for Miller.
Playoff Highlights
State Semifinal vs. Columbus Grove(49-14): Marion Local’s defense shut down Columbus Grove’s potent offense, while their running game racked up yards and touchdowns. Miller’s efficiency and the running back committee’s success led to another easy victory for the Flyers.
Regional Final vs. Fort Recovery (45-13): The Flyers’ offensive juggernaut rolled through Fort Recovery, led by St. John’s 150-yard, two-touchdown performance. Their defense stifled any offensive threat from the Indians, proving once again that they are a complete team.
Legacy and History
Marion Local’s legacy is built on a foundation of hard work, discipline, and a relentless commitment to excellence. They have won state titles in 1987, 1989, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2007, 2012, and 2021-2023. Their 63-game win streak is one of the most impressive accomplishments in Ohio high school football, and they are poised to add another chapter to their storied history next Friday.
The Pro Football Hall of Fame will serve as the perfect backdrop for this clash of titans. With Marion Local’s historic dominance and Hillsdale’s underdog spirit, it’s anyone’s game. One thing is for certain: next Friday’s state championship game will be one for the ages.
Game Details
Date: Friday, December 6, 2024
Time: 10:30 a.m.
Location: Pro Football Hall of Fame, Canton, OH
Marion Local Advances to Division VII State Championship with Dominant Victory
In a commanding performance, Marion Local secured its place in the Division VII state championship game for the fourth consecutive year, overpowering Columbus Grove 41-6 in the state semifinal at Lima’s Spartan Stadium. The Flyers, now 15-0, extended their Ohio state-record winning streak to 63 games with a display of offensive depth and defensive resilience.
Running back Parker Hess led the charge, amassing 201 rushing yards on 21 carries and scoring three touchdowns. His efforts pushed him past the 1,000-yard mark for the season. Fellow backs Ethan Heitkamp and Drew Lause contributed significantly, with Heitkamp adding a touchdown and Lause breaking free for a crucial 39-yard score.
Marion Local’s offensive line demonstrated exceptional athleticism, consistently opening up running lanes and dominating the line of scrimmage. Their ability to advance plays beyond initial contact underscored the Flyers’ physical superiority, allowing the team to control the game’s tempo and outgain Columbus Grove 403-249 in total yards.
Defensively, Marion Local stifled Columbus Grove’s usually potent rushing attack, holding standout running back Trenton Barraza to 116 yards—well below his season average. The Bulldogs, who entered the game averaging nearly 200 rushing yards, struggled to find offensive rhythm, particularly in the second half. Quarterback Kyle Hopkins completed 12 of 22 passes for 134 yards, but the Flyers’ disciplined defense limited big-play opportunities.
Special teams also played a critical role, with Marion Local recovering two unexpected pooch kicks, both leading to touchdowns. These momentum-shifting plays, combined with steady performances from kicker Carson Bills, reinforced the Flyers’ dominance in all facets of the game.
Looking ahead, Marion Local will face Hillsdale in the championship game at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton. A win would secure the Flyers’ fourth consecutive state title and complete an undefeated high school career for their senior class, who have not lost a game since 2020.