Region 17 Playoff Outlook: Contenders, Sleepers and Key Storylines
Division V Region 17 brings together twelve programs, each vying for a coveted playoff berth. Early projections spotlight Girard, Cardinal Mooney and Perry as the primary contenders, while sleeper teams like Fairless and Ravenna Southeast promise potential upsets.
Girard enters the postseason with a perfect 10‑0 record and a wealth of experience. The team returns All‑Ohio quarterback A.J. Pearson and standout tackle Dylan Latell, complemented by three of their top four receivers from last season.
Cardinal Mooney boasts one of the league’s most dominant defenses, having limited opponents to 14 points or fewer throughout 2025. Defensive end Dominic Letlow anchors a unit that has become a model of consistency and pressure.
Youngstown Liberty’s offense relies on a dynamic rushing duo — Dawaun Moody and Dyionn Tutwiler — who combined for 2,659 yards on the ground last year, giving the team a potent ground attack.
Garrettsville’s standout running back Ryder Cain earned first‑team All‑Ohio honors after amassing 1,523 rushing yards and 23 touchdowns, underscoring his impact as a game‑changing talent.
Berkshire aims to finish the season with a 6‑4 record and a top‑12 ranking, a goal that hinges on tightening a defense that has shown flashes of improvement but still seeks consistency.
Perry’s schedule presents a unique challenge, featuring nonconference matchups against Little Brown Jug, Madison, Kenston and Kirtland, with half of those games against Division III opponents, testing the team’s adaptability.
The region’s geographic spread adds another layer of complexity, with schools ranging from Barnesville to Martins Ferry scattered across the area, influencing travel logistics and preparation strategies.
Among the dark‑horse candidates, Fairless and Ravenna Southeast have drawn attention for their potential to surprise higher‑seeded opponents, making them teams to watch as the playoffs unfold.