MASON, Ohio — The Kings High School football team is a regional champion for the first time in program history.
The Knights defeated Anderson 46-42 Friday night in the Division II, Region 8 final at Mason.
"No doubt the most significant win in Kings football history because of what it means to all of our alumni who very much feel a part of that regional championship," said Kings coach Alex Garvin, a 2003 graduate.
"Just about every class for the past 20 years has played in a regional championship game so they all know how big of a deal last night was. They built the foundation and standard for these current players and our current players finally broke through that barrier."
Kings (13-1) advances to play Toledo Central Catholic (13-1) in a Division II state semifinal Nov. 25 in Wapakoneta. The winner plays Massillon Washington (12-1) or Akron Archbishop Hoban (13-1) in the state final Dec. 1 at Tom Benson Hall of Fame in Canton.
The Knights had been 0-5 in regional finals entering Friday night. Despite a high-scoring game that was close in the fourth quarter, the Knights defeated Anderson for a second time this season after winning 41-26 Week 10.
"There is certainly a lot familiarity because we have played each other every year for the past seven years or so," Kings coach Alex Garvin said earlier this week. "Sometimes twice. All Anderson games come down to keeping your head during the game. They are fast-paced and they can score on any play."
Garvin told the Knights he was proud of their determination not just Friday but the entire season. He encouraged his players to celebrate and soak in the moment but also know they have to prepare for a state semifinal.
Now, the Knights get that opportunity the day after Thanksgiving for a chance to play for a state championship in Canton.
Kings is one of three Greater Cincinnati teams competing in the state semifinals the final weekend of November.
Moeller (Division I) plays Springfield at Piqua while the winner of Taft and Wyoming (Division IV) Saturday night advances to a state semifinal Nov. 26 at a location to be determined.
