St. Xavier hosts Trinity on Friday at 5 p.m. for a crucial Class 6A football semifinal. The game time has sparked controversy, as it's earlier than the usual 7 or 7:30 p.m. kickoff, with some suggesting it may be part of a conspiracy by St. X administrators. Athletic Director Chris Tinius dismissed the uproar, explaining the early start was mutually agreed upon to avoid frigid temperatures and kickoff delays due to sunlight. The winner will face a yet-to-be-determined opponent in the state championship on December 6.

By the Numbers
  • Trinity holds a 51-41-2 lead in the all-time series.
  • Through three postseason games, Trinity's Zane Johnson has completed 24 of 27 passes for 483 yards and 11 touchdowns.
State of Play
  • St. X has a higher RPI (.64290) than Trinity (.62050) leading them to host the game despite Trinity's earlier win.
  • This matchup comes as both teams gear up for potential momentum swings influenced by logistics and game time controversy.
What's Next

The winner of Friday's game advances to the Class 6A state finals, which are scheduled for December 6. Anticipation is high as previous matchups have ignited rivalries, meaning the stakes for this game extend beyond just a title.

Bottom Line

Acknowledge the strategic choice of an early kickoff as critical not only for gameplay but also creating fan engagement and optimal weather conditions, while ensuring clarity on ticket logistics and broadcast options for viewers.