OHSAA Central Region athletic conferences

This is a list of high school athletic conferences in the Central Region of Ohio, as defined by the OHSAA. ^[1] Because the names of localities and their corresponding high schools do not always match and because there is often a possibility of ambiguity with respect to either the name of a locality or the name of a high school, the following table gives both in every case, with the locality name first, in plain type, and the high school name second in boldface type. The school's team nickname is given last.

Central Buckeye League

• Bexley Lions (2023–)
• Columbus Bishop Ready Silver Knights (2023–)
• Delaware Buckeye Valley Barons (2023–)
• Gahanna Columbus Academy Vikings (2023–)
• Columbus School for Girls Unicorns (No football, 2023–)
• Columbus Franklin Heights Falcons (2024– (Football joined in 2025) ^[2]
• Columbus Grandview Heights Bobcats (2023–)
• Whitehall-Yearling Rams (2023–)
• Worthington Christian Warriors (2023–)

Central Catholic League

• Columbus Bishop Hartley Hawks (1957–)
• Columbus Bishop Watterson Eagles (1955–)
• Columbus St. Charles Cardinals (1923–)
• Columbus St. Francis DeSales Stallions (1960–)

Former members

• Columbus Bishop Ready Silver Knights (1960–2023, to Central Buckeye League)
• Zanesville Bishop Rosecrans Bishops (1950–1977, 1979–2007)
• Springfield Catholic Central Fighting Irish (1951–1953)
• Columbus Columbus School for Girls Unicorns (1988–2019, to Mid-State League)
• Columbus Father Wehrle Wolverines (1966–1991, school closed)
• Columbus Holy Family Golden Flashes (1928–1960, consolidated into Father Wehrle)
• Columbus Holy Rosary Ramblers (1928–1966, consolidated into Father Wehrle)
• Newark Catholic Green Wave (1928–1953 as St. Francis, 1991–2003 to Mid-State League)
• New Lexington St. Aloysius Blue Knights (1955–1969, school closed)
• Columbus St. Mary Rams (1928–1966, consolidated into Father Wehrle)
• Lancaster St. Mary Saints (1951–1953, school closed)
• Marion St. Mary Fighting Irish (1951–1953)
• Zanesville St. Nicholas Flyers (1928–1950, consolidated into Bishop Rosecrans)
• Zanesville St. Thomas Aquinas Irish (1928–1944, 1946–1950, consolidated into Bishop Rosecrans)
• Mount Vernon St. Vincent de Paul Blue Streaks (1928–1953, school closed)
• Columbus Worthington Christian Warriors (2007–2013)

Columbus City League

North Division

• Columbus Beechcroft Cougars (1976–)
• Columbus Centennial Stars (1976–)
• Columbus East Tigers (1924–)
• Columbus Linden McKinley Panthers (1928–)
• Columbus Mifflin Punchers (1973–)
• Columbus North International Lions (2010–)
• Columbus Northland Vikings (1965–)
• Columbus Whetstone Braves (1961–)

South Division

• Columbus Africentric Nubians (1999–)
• Columbus Briggs Bruins (1962–)
• Columbus Eastmoor Academy Warriors (1956–)
• Columbus Independence 76ers (1976–)
• Columbus Marion-Franklin Red Devils (1958–)
• Columbus South Bulldogs (1922–)
• Columbus Walnut Ridge Scots (1961–)
• Columbus West Cowboys (1922–)

Former members

• Columbus Aquinas College Terriers (1922–1965, closed)
• Columbus Brookhaven Bearcats (1963–2014, closed)
• Columbus Central Pirates (1922–1982, closed)
• Columbus Mohawk Indians (1967–1978, closed)
• Columbus North Polar Bears (1924–1979, closed)

Independents

Former Members

• Powell Village Academy Griffins (School closed in 2019)

Knox-Morrow Athletic Conference

Main article: Knox Morrow Athletic Conference

Started in 2017-18, the league was founded by members of the Mid-Ohio Athletic Conference's Blue Division.

• Cardington-Lincoln Pirates (2017–)
• Centerburg Trojans (2017–)
• Danville Blue Devils (2017–)
• Howard East Knox Bulldogs (2017–)
• Fredericktown Freddies (2017–)
• Loudonville Redbirds (2022–)
• Mount Gilead Indians (2017–)
• Galion Northmor Golden Knights (2017–)

Former Member

• Sparta Highland Fighting Scots (2017–2021)

Licking County League

The league has two incarnations, the first lasting from 1927 to 1991. The second incarnation began 23 years later after travel and budget concerns brought together the ten schools that had made up league membership until 1986. The league is split into two divisions - Buckeye and Cardinal divisions. ^[3]

Buckeye

• Granville Blue Aces (1927–1950, 1963–1991, 2013–)
• Pataskala Licking Heights Hornets (formerly Summit Station) (1927–1983, 2013–)
• Newark Licking Valley Panthers (1959–1991, 2013–)
• Mount Vernon Yellow Jackets (2024–)
• Pataskala Watkins Memorial Warriors (1955–1991, 2013–)
• Zanesville Blue Devils (2020–)

Cardinal

• Heath Bulldogs (1964–1991, 2013–)
• Johnstown-Monroe Johnnies (1927–1991, 2013–)
• Hebron Lakewood Lancers (1959–1991, 2013–)
• Newark Catholic Green Wave (1973–1991, 2013–)
• Johnstown Northridge Vikings (1963–1986, 2013–)
• Utica Redskins (1927–1991, 2013–)

Former members

• Alexandria Red Devils (1927–1962, consolidated into Northridge )
• Etna Eagles (1927–1955, consolidated into Watkins Memorial)
• Hanover Panthers (1927–1959, renamed Hanover-Toboso 1934, consolidated into Licking Valley)
• Hartford Yellow Jackets (1927–1960, consolidated into Northridge North)
• Hebron Trailblazers (1927–1958, consolidated into Lynnwood-Jacksontown)
• Homer Blue Devils (1927–1962, renamed Northridge North in 1960, consolidated into Northridge)
• Jacksontown Trojans (1927–1959, renamed Lynnwood-Jacksontown in1958, consolidated into Lakewood)
• Kirkersville Komets (1927–1955, consolidated into Watkins Memorial)
• Pataskala Blue Streaks (1927–1955, consolidated into Watkins Memorial)
• Toboso (1927–1934, consolidated into Hanover-Toboso)

Mid-Ohio Athletic Conference

Main article: Mid-Ohio Athletic Conference (OHSAA)

• Bellville Clear Fork Colts (2017–)
• Galion Tigers (2014–)
• Sparta Highland Fighting Scots (1990–2017, 2021–)
• Marion Harding Presidents (2014 all sports, 2015 football)
• Ontario Warriors (2017–)
• Marion Pleasant Spartans (1990–)
• Caledonia River Valley Vikings (1990–)
• Shelby Whippets (2018–)

Former members

• Cardington-Lincoln Pirates (1990–2017, to Knox-Morrow Conference)
• Centerburg Trojans (2013–17, to Knox-Morrow Conference)
• Howard East Knox Bulldogs (2014–17, to Knox-Morrow Conference)
• Marion Elgin Comets (1990–2017, to Northwest Central Conference)
• Milford Center Fairbanks Panthers (2013–17, to Ohio Heritage Conference)
• Fredericktown Freddies (2013–17, to Knox-Morrow Conference)
• Plain City Jonathan Alder Pioneers (2013–17, to Central Buckeye Conference)
• Mount Gilead Indians (1990–2017, to Knox-Morrow Conference)
• Richwood North Union Wildcats (1990–2018, to Central Buckeye Conference, football competed in MOAC for 2018 season)
• Galion Northmor Golden Knights (1990–2017, to Knox-Morrow Conference)
• Morral Ridgedale Rockets (1990–2014)
• Upper Sandusky Rams (2014 football season only)
• Delaware Buckeye Valley Barons (1990–2019, to Mid-State League)

Mid-Ohio Christian Athletic League

Main article: Mid-Ohio Christian Athletic League (OHSAA)

• Delaware Christian Eagles
• Granville Christian Academy Lions
• Pataskala Liberty Christian Eagles
• Groveport Madison Christian Eagles
• Westerville Northside Christian Lions
• Plain City Shekinah Christian Flames
• Columbus Tree of Life Christian Trojans

Former members

• Lancaster Fairfield Christian Academy Knights
• Gahanna Christian Academy Eagles
• Grove City Christian Eagles
• Columbus Maranatha Christian Patriots

Mid-State League

Buckeye Division

• Amanda Amanda-Clearcreek Aces (1958–)
• Carroll Bloom-Carroll Bulldogs, formerly Carroll (1958–)
• Circleville Tigers (1990–)
• Lancaster Fairfield Union Falcons (1957–)
• Columbus Hamilton Township Rangers (1981–)
• Baltimore Liberty Union Lions (1949–)
• Circleville Logan Elm Braves (1973–)

Cardinal Division

• Sugar Grove Berne Union Rockets (1953–)
• Zanesville Bishop Rosecrans Bishops (2017–)
• Lancaster Fairfield Christian Academy Knights (2013–)
• Lancaster Fisher Catholic Irish (1964–)
• Grove City Christian Eagles (2013–)
• Canal Winchester Harvest Preparatory Warriors (2003–)
• Corning Miller Falcons (2020–)
• Millersport Lakers (1957–)
• Upper Arlington The Wellington School Jaguars (2017–) (No football)

Former members

• Bexley Lions (2003–2023, to Central Buckeye League)
• Columbus Bishop Ready Silver Knights (2017–2023, to Central Buckeye League) (Football only)
• Delaware Buckeye Valley Barons (2019–2023, to Central Buckeye League)
• Canal Winchester Indians (1957–1964, 1966–2012, to Ohio Capital Conference)
• Gahanna Columbus Academy Vikings (1949–1957, 2003–2023, to Central Buckeye League)
• Columbus School for Girls Unicorns (2019–2023, to Central Buckeye League)
• Grandview Heights Bobcats (2003–2023, to Central Buckeye League)
• Granville Blue Aces (1991–2013, to Licking County League)
• Heath Bulldogs (1991–2013, to Licking County League)
• Hebron Lakewood Lancers (2003–2013, to Licking County League)
• Pataskala Licking Heights Hornets (1984–2012, to Licking County League)
• Newark Licking Valley Panthers (2003–2013, to Licking County League)
• London Red Raiders (2013–2019, to Central Buckeye Conference)
• London Madison-Plains Golden Eagles (2013–2017 to Ohio Heritage Conference)
• New Albany Eagles (1990–2006, to Ohio Capital Conference)
• Newark Catholic Green Wave (2003–2013, to Licking County League)
• Pickerington Tigers (1966–1981, to Ohio Capital Conference)
• Ashville Teays Valley Vikings (1984–2024, to Ohio Capital Conference)
• West Jefferson Roughriders (1949–1956, 2006–2017 to Ohio Heritage Conference)
• Whitehall-Yearling Rams (2003–2023, to Central Buckeye League )
• Worthington Christian Warriors (2013–2023, to Central Buckeye League)

Ohio Capital Conference

Main article: Ohio Capital Conference

Conference alignment beginning 2024 ^[4]

Ohio Division

• Grove City Central Crossing Comets (2002–)
• Gahanna Lincoln Golden Lions (1968–)
• Grove City Greyhounds (1981–)
• New Albany Eagles (2006–)
• Pickerington North Panthers (2004–)
• Westerville Central Warhawks (2004–)

Central Division

• Dublin Coffman Shamrocks (1991–)
• Hilliard Bradley Jaguars (2009–)
• Hilliard Davidson Wildcats (1974–)
• Lewis Center Olentangy Orange Pioneers (2008–)
• Powell Olentangy Liberty Patriots (2004–)
• Upper Arlington Golden Bears (1981–)

Buckeye Division

• Canal Winchester Indians (2013–)
• Groveport-Madison Cruisers (1974–)
• Lancaster Golden Gales (1997–)
• Logan Chieftains (2024–)
• Newark Wildcats (1995–)
• Pickerington Central Tigers (1981–)
• Reynoldsburg Raiders (1968–)
• Ashville Teays Valley Vikings (2024–)

Cardinal Division

• Dublin Jerome Celtics (2004–)
• Hilliard Darby Panthers (1997–)
• Lewis Center Olentangy Braves (1997–)
• Delaware Olentangy Berlin Bears (2018–)
• Marysville Monarchs (1991–)
• Worthington Thomas Worthington Cardinals (1968–)

Capital Division

• Sunbury Big Walnut Golden Eagles (1997–)
• Delaware Hayes Pacers (1968–)
• Dublin Scioto Irish (1995–)
• Westerville North Warriors (1977–)
• Westerville South Wildcats (1968–)
• Galloway Westland Cougars (1970–)
• Columbus Worthington Kilbourne Wolves (1991–)

Former Members

• Chillicothe Cavaliers (1976–2006 to Frontier Athletic Conference).
• Columbus Franklin Heights Falcons (1981-2024 to Central Buckeye League)
• Mount Vernon Yellow Jackets (1968–2016 to Ohio Cardinal Conference).
• Grove City Pleasant View Panthers (1968–1970 consolidated to Westland)
• Pataskala Watkins Memorial Warriors (1989–2013 to Licking County League)
• Whitehall-Yearling Rams (1968–2001 to Mid-State League).

Defunct conferences

Main article: Ohio Central Region defunct athletic conferences

See also

• Ohio High School Athletic Association

Notes and references

1. OHSAA. "Ohio High School Athletic Association Web site" . Retrieved December 31, 2006.
2. "Timeline set for Franklin Heights' move from OCC to Central Buckeye League". The Columbus Dispatch. Retrieved October 19, 2023.
3. "Big changes coming to Licking County League in 2015-16".
4. https://www.thisweeknews.com/sports/20200225/ohio-capital-conference-announces-names-for-realigned-divisions