Lima Central Catholic Holds Ranking in Ohio AP Poll

The Thunderbirds maintain their number two spot in the Division VI state football rankings.

Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Football

Expressive editorial sports illustration of high school football players in navy and gold jerseys colliding during a game. — Lima Central Catholic high school football team solidified their standing as the second-ranked program in Ohio's Division VI state poll. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Lima Central Catholic has secured the number two position in the latest Associated Press high school football poll. The school remains undefeated with a 9-0 record this season.

Why it matters

The Associated Press rankings serve as a key barometer for teams across Ohio as they prepare for the upcoming postseason. High placements reflect consistency and performance, setting the stage for competitive playoff matchups.

Lima Central Catholic maintains a 9-0 record while holding the number two spot in Division VI. Other undefeated programs include Leipsic at number three in Division VI, Marion Local at number one in Division VII, and Ottawa-Glandorf at number two in Division IV.

The players

Lima Central Catholic

This high school football program is currently ranked second in the state for Division VI with a 9-0 record.

Associated Press

This news organization manages the state-level voting process for high school football rankings through its network of Ohio sportswriters.

The details

Rankings are compiled through votes cast by sportswriters across Ohio to determine the standing of high school programs. Alongside the state's top teams, Celina currently holds an 8-1 record and the number six ranking in Division III.

October 20, 2026: The sixth Associated Press football poll was released.

Season Trajectory

These rankings provide a critical look at the competitive balance in Ohio as teams finalize their standing for the postseason. Consistent performance in the polls helps teams secure favorable positions within the Ohio High School Athletic Association state football playoff structure.

The current ranking of 9-0 validates the team's standing as a top-two contender heading into the final stages of the regular season. These standings directly impact the strength of schedule metrics used for determining divisional playoff brackets.

The takeaway

Maintaining a high ranking throughout the season is essential for securing home-field advantage in the playoffs. Teams should focus on injury prevention and strategic execution as they transition from regular season play to tournament competition.