The Ohio flag football playoffs are heating up, and all eyes are on Canton. Defending state champion Badin has already punched its ticket after a dominant performance at the regional finals, but three more teams will join them in the quest for a state title.
Badin looked unstoppable on May 11, rolling past St. Ursula 46-13 in the regional championship game at Paycor Stadium. It was a statement win for the Rams, who had finished as runners-up in 2025. Their path to the title included a quarterfinal victory over Walnut Hills and a semifinal upset of top-seeded Mount Notre Dame. With the win, Badin secured the top seed from the south in the first-ever OHSAA flag football state championship, set for May 16 at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium.
But they won't be going alone. Joining the Rams in Canton will be three fellow Cincinnati-area semifinalists: St. Ursula, Princeton, and Mount Notre Dame. Each of these four teams will face a squad from the Cleveland Browns regional in the state quarterfinals, setting up an exciting showdown between Ohio's best flag football programs.
Much of Badin's success can be credited to a high-powered passing attack and a relentless defense. Senior receiver Addi Marshall earned offensive MVP honors after repeatedly breaking free for deep touchdown catches, shaking off defenders and making highlight-reel plays. What makes her performance even more impressive? Marshall only picked up flag football this season.
"I never expected something like this to happen," Marshall said. "This is my first year playing, and it's honestly a really cool experience. I love the environment."
Even more remarkable, Marshall revealed she played through a foot injury all day. Her background in soccer and basketball gave her the toughness to push through the pain. "I just tried not to think about the pain and just keep going through it," she said. "I play multiple sports, so it's nothing big for me."
As the state tournament approaches, the question on everyone's mind is: can Badin repeat, or will one of the other three Cincinnati teams—or a challenger from the north—steal the spotlight? One thing is certain: Ohio flag football is only getting bigger, and this year's championship promises to be the most exciting yet.