Ohio Football Coaches Adjust Practice During Playoff Byes
Top-seeded teams in the OHSAA playoffs are balancing rest and preparation during their mandatory first-round bye week.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Football
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The top four seeds in each OHSAA football playoff region have earned a first-round bye, prompting coaches to implement modified practice schedules. Area programs are now focused on maintaining game sharpness while ensuring players remain recovered for the next round of postseason play.
Why it matters
The bye week provides teams with a critical window to address football fundamentals and physical recovery before the playoff bracket progresses. Coaches must navigate the challenge of keeping rosters at peak intensity without the immediate pressure of a Friday night game.
Four seeds in each OHSAA football region are granted an automatic first-round bye. Four coaches provided input on their specific practice adjustments for the postseason break.
The players
Travis Moyer
He serves as the head coach for the Wapakoneta football team in Division III, Region 10.
Joe Kirkendall
He is the head coach for the Leipsic football program, which qualified as a number one seed in Division VII, Region 26.
Colin Stolly
He acts as the head coach for Lima Central Catholic, a top-ranked program in Division VI, Region 22.
Ben Kaufman
He coaches the Ottawa-Glandorf football team, currently holding a number one seed in Division IV, Region 14.
The details
Coaches like Travis Moyer, Joe Kirkendall, Colin Stolly, and Ben Kaufman are utilizing the break to refine techniques, with some scaling back physical contact while others schedule intensive fundamental sessions. To stay ready, staff members are also attending other playoff games to scout potential upcoming opponents.
Timeline
Friday marks the day when teams hold lifting sessions, practices, or player reset days.
Saturday morning is when Lima Central Catholic begins preparation for its next opponent.
Season Trajectory
This bye period marks a structural pivot in the OHSAA football playoff format that forces top-tier teams to manage momentum differently than lower seeds. These adjustments significantly impact the competitive balance as teams prepare to face winners of the initial playoff matchups.
The first-round bye guarantees these teams a spot in the subsequent round, effectively giving them a week of rest before the intensity of playoff football resumes. Coaches are using this time to evaluate the field of potential opponents competing during the current week.
The takeaway
Teams that utilize the bye week for targeted skill development and strategic scouting are often better positioned to handle the rigor of tournament play. Maintaining a balanced schedule allows players to recover from the regular season while staying mentally prepared for the upcoming elimination games.
Further reading
For more on the postseason, visit the Football section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Lima News.
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