Cincinnati St. Xavier defeated St. Ignatius 27-20 in double-overtime of the Ohio High School Athletic Association Division I football state championship on Friday night at Ohio Stadium to claim the program’s third title.
#OHSAA FOOTBALL: Cincinnati St. Xavier wins the 2016 Division I football state title! pic.twitter.com/hxjf5ybwx9
— OHSAA Sports (@OHSAASports) December 3, 2016
The game’s decisive play came on a Bombers’ 7-yard touchdown pass in the opening possession of the second overtime.
St. Xavier scored the first 17 points of the second half to erase a 10-point halftime deficit.
The Wildcats responded with a 14-play, 80-yard drive that was capped by an 11-yard touchdown pass on fourth down with 1:11 left in regulation to tie the game and send it to overtime.
Both squads converted field goal attempts in the first overtime.
St. Ignatius recorded nine sacks in the game, and opened the contest’s scoring by returning a blocked punt for a touchdown.
The win marked St. Ignatius’ third overtime victory this postseason.
The Wildcats were in search of the program’s 12th state title.
Congratulations to @stxsports and @StXFB on winning the state title. An incredible game, your title is well-deserved. #JesuitEducated pic.twitter.com/9vAjbHF5nn
— SIHS Sports (@SIHSSports) December 3, 2016
For more Northeast Ohio high school sports news, scores, photos and videos, visit WKYC.com/hss.
