CIRCLEVILLE, OH — The Circleville Tigers are roaring into the postseason, riding an 8–3 record and fresh off a commanding 31–14 home playoff victory over Philo. The win propels the Tigers into a Division IV Region 15 quarterfinal showdown against the undefeated and defending state champion Indian Valley Braves on Friday, Nov. 7, at 7 p.m. in Gnadenhutten.
Indian Valley enters the matchup as the No. 2 seed and received a first-round bye under OHSAA’s updated playoff format. The Braves boast standout running back Grady Kinsey, who is on the cusp of Ohio’s all-time rushing touchdown record and currently ranks fifth in career rushing yards. Kinsey’s presence makes Indian Valley a formidable opponent.
Despite the challenge, Circleville carries momentum and confidence from its recent victories. Friday’s win over Philo marked the Tigers’ third straight, with senior quarterback Hudson Phalin, who threw for over 1,700 yards and 18 touchdowns last season, leading the charge. Phalin’s top targets, seniors Jack Kline and Kole Nungester, are back, while junior Ray Ezell made a significant impact in the Philo win, scoring two pivotal touchdowns.
Head coach Jay Sharrett, a Circleville alumnus who returned to his alma mater after a legendary tenure at Pickerington Central, praised his team’s resilience. “The 50 players I’ve been getting to know on this personal relationship level — I’ve missed this,” Sharrett said. “Because they stay young, and I stay old.”
Friday’s game is expected to be a wet, cold contest, putting a premium on focus and discipline for the Tigers. But Circleville fans are embracing the underdog mentality. After all, as the saying goes, never count out a cornered Tiger.
