College football is now going on an interesting track now with Week 3 knocking on the door. Friday nights in Ohio hit different. Beyond college football, their high school football game is also running strong. From powerhouse programs in Division I to gritty underdogs in Division VII, every snap tells a story of sweat, grit, and glory. As Week 4 rolls in, high school football rivalries are heating up. 

On September 10, 270gridiron dropped an IG post: “Week 4 Power Rankings 📊.” It covered a wide range from Division I to Division VII. The Top 10 teams in each division are ranked based on their performances so far this season. Starting with Division I high schools, Olentangy Orange leads the pack at 3-0, followed by powerhouses like Pickerington North and Upper Arlington. These are the largest high schools, with big rosters and some of the most competitive programs in Ohio. At the bottom of the Division I high schools are Hilliard Darby and Hilliard Bradley, both standing at a 2-1 record.

Then come the Division II high schools. St. Francis DeSales sits at No. 1, with Canal Winchester and Big Walnut also undefeated or strong. The DeSales High School holds a 3-0 record. New Albany High School stands at the bottom with a 1-2 record. Starting with Division III power rankings, Bishop Watterson, London, and Licking Valley headline, all sitting undefeated at 3-0. The depth in this division is clear with high school programs like Granville and Hamilton Township, also 3-0 but lower-ranked.

Division IV features Shelby, New Lexington, and Galion dominating at the top, all 3-0. High schools like Benjamin Logan and Bishop Ready occupy the bottom of the list. When it comes to Division V, interestingly, Harvest Prep (1-2) is still ranked No. 1 despite a losing record, showing the strength of their schedule and overall reputation. Fredericktown and Graham Local, both 3-0, are hot on their heels.

Division VI-VII high schools come with a combined graphic in the IG post. Grandview Heights, Northeastern, Miller, and West Jefferson all sit undefeated at 3-0 and at the top of the list. Among these high schools, one of them has the eyes of the Buckeyes fans stuck on it.

RJ Day’s record-breaking start at St. Francis DeSales High School

Ryan Day’s son, RJ, a 5-11 junior at St. Francis DeSales High School (Ohio), had the Stallions off to a 2-0 start this season. In just two seasons under center, RJ shattered the program’s career passing record. Before he arrived, St. Francis DeSales High School’s benchmark stood at 2,752 yards. And then came RJ by the end of his sophomore year. Ryan’s son had thrown for 2,993 yards, guiding the Stallions to a 13-9 mark during that span.

On September 6, “Ryan Day Jr.’s five-touchdown evening sinks Africentric.” Once again, DeSales High School leaned on RJ’s arm as he racked up 272 passing yards, completing 16 of 19 attempts. Facing the previously undefeated Nubians of Africentric was no cakewalk. The DeSales High School star came up with five touchdown passes that helped them secure a decisive 35-18 victory. “That’s a really good football team over there. It took us a couple of quarters to settle in,” RJ reflected. This success came after he landed in a controversy. 

Back in DeSales High School, he found himself at the center of controversy during Week 1 against Olentangy Berlin. In the first half, Day threw a 10-yard touchdown to Dax Middleton, but replays showed the ball had bounced on the ground, yet the referee missed it. That one point has been the deciding factor, a 14-13 DeSales win. It sparked outrage from fans and social media. Many unfairly targeted Day, leaving harsh comments that pushed him to limit his social media use to focus on football. With his high school perched at No. 1 in Division II, all eyes are on RJ; it’s time to see if the hype sparks even bigger performances.