Don’t look at St. Xavier‘s 10-5 record and think this isn’t a team worthy of wining the 2016 Ohio Division I state championship. Friday night, the Bombers became the first team Ohio high school football history to capture a state title with five losses by beating St. Ignatius 27-20 in double overtime, completing a season that saw St. X play the toughest schedule in the country, according to High School Football America’s proprietary algorithm that creates our national rankings. St. X entered the game ranked #31 in the nation, while St. Ignatius was #22.
#OHSAA FOOTBALL: Cincinnati St. Xavier wins the 2016 Division I football state title! pic.twitter.com/hxjf5ybwx9
— OHSAA Sports (@OHSAASports) December 3, 2016
After both teams kicked field goals in the first overtime, St. Xavier took a 27-20 lead when Penn State-recruit Sean Clifford tossed a seven-yard TD pass to Andrew Wittrock. On St. Ignatius’ possession, the Wildcats had a fourth-and-goal from the 10-yard line, but a pass attempt was incomplete and St. X captured their third state title. The other two came in 2005 and 2007.
Friday’s night overtime, marked the third time during the 2016 postseason that St. X needed OT to win.
The state championship win also avenged a 31-14 loss to St. Ignatius during the regular season.
How tough was St. Xavier’s schedule? All of the losses were to teams that are in our National Top 50.
In addition to losing to #22 St. Ignatius during the regular season, the Bombers lost to #7 St. John Bosco (California), #30 La Salle (Ohio) #32 Colerain (Ohio) and #42 Warren Central (Indiana).
Congratulations from Braves Nation to our first opponent St. Xavier Bombers for winning Ohio State Championship. #GoBombers ??? pic.twitter.com/FPBZXLcZQJ
— Bosco Football (@boscofootball) December 3, 2016
