Which 3 Flag Football Teams Will Join Regional Champ Badin at State?

The stage is set for history. On May 11, at the hallowed turf of Paycor Stadium, the Badin Rams did what champions do: they defended their throne. With a commanding 46-13 victory over St. Ursula in the regional title game, Badin punched its ticket to the first-ever OHSAA flag football state championship in Canton. But the Rams won’t be making the trip alone. As the top seed from the south, they’ll be joined by three other Cincinnati powerhouses in the state quarterfinals on May 16 at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. The question on every fan’s mind is simple: which three teams will join Badin at state, and how will they fare against the Cleveland Browns regional opponents?

Let’s break down the contenders, analyze the matchups, and deliver expert predictions for what promises to be an unforgettable weekend of flag football.

The Road to Canton: How Badin Dominated the South Regional

Before we dive into the other three teams, let’s acknowledge the elephant in the room—Badin is the team to beat. The Rams didn’t just win the regional; they dominated their way through a gauntlet of top-tier competition. After a runner-up finish in 2025, Badin left no doubt this year. They opened the tournament with a quarterfinal win over Walnut Hills, then stunned top-seed Mount Notre Dame in the semifinals before dismantling St. Ursula in the final.

The Rams’ recipe for success? A lights-out passing attack and a stingy defense that suffocated opponents. Senior receiver Addi Marshall was named offensive MVP after torching defenses with deep touchdown receptions. Marshall, who only picked up flag football this season, has quickly established herself as a force of nature—making acrobatic catches and shaking off defenders in open space. With her speed and Badin’s quarterback precision, the Rams look nigh on unstoppable.

But even a juggernaut needs company. The OHSAA format sends the top four teams from the Cincinnati (south) regional to state, where they’ll face four teams from the Cleveland (north) regional. So, who are the three teams joining Badin? They are St. Ursula, Princeton, and Mount Notre Dame. Each has a unique path and a distinct challenge ahead.

Team 1: St. Ursula – The Resilient Runner-Up

Don’t let the 46-13 loss to Badin fool you. St. Ursula earned its spot in Canton with grit and a never-say-die attitude. The Bulldogs fought through a tough bracket to reach the regional final, and while the scoreboard wasn’t kind, they proved they can hang with the best. St. Ursula’s strength lies in its balanced offensive attack and opportunistic defense. They have a knack for forcing turnovers and turning them into quick scores.

Key strengths:

• Quick-strike ability: St. Ursula can score in bunches, as shown in earlier tournament rounds.
• Defensive discipline: They rarely allow big plays, forcing opponents to drive the field.
• Experience under pressure: Playing in a regional final at Paycor Stadium is invaluable for the state stage.

Expert analysis: St. Ursula will likely face a Cleveland team with a similar style—methodical and defensive-minded. Look for the Bulldogs to control the clock and keep the game low-scoring. If they can avoid early mistakes, they have a real shot at advancing to the semifinals. However, their offense must find consistency against a north regional defense that will be hungry for an upset.

Team 2: Princeton – The Dark Horse with Explosive Talent

Princeton is the wild card in this group. The Vikings didn’t win the regional, but they made a deep run and showed flashes of brilliance. Princeton’s roster is loaded with athletic playmakers who can change the game in a single play. Their quarterback has a strong arm and isn’t afraid to throw deep, while the defense thrives on speed and pursuit.

Key strengths:

• Explosive special teams: Princeton’s return game is a weapon, often setting up short fields.
• Versatile playmakers: Several receivers can line up in different spots, creating mismatches.
• Momentum: After a strong tournament run, the Vikings believe they can beat anyone.

Expert analysis: Princeton is the type of team that can either blow out an opponent or get blown out—there’s little middle ground. Their success hinges on whether they can avoid turnovers and maintain defensive discipline. Against a Cleveland team that likely plays a more structured, zone-heavy defense, Princeton’s improvisational style could be either a blessing or a curse. I predict they’ll win a high-scoring thriller in the quarterfinals, but a semifinal matchup against Badin would be a steep hill to climb.

Team 3: Mount Notre Dame – The Top Seed Seeking Redemption

Mount Notre Dame entered the regional tournament as the top seed but was stunned by Badin in the semifinals. Still, the Cougars earned a state berth thanks to a strong regular season and a deep roster. They are a proud program with championship pedigree, and they’ll be hungry to prove that the semifinal loss was a fluke.

Key strengths:

• Depth: Mount Notre Dame rotates players effectively, keeping legs fresh in a tournament format.
• Disciplined scheme: The Cougars run a well-coached offense that relies on timing and precision.
• Motivation: Falling short in the regional will fuel a fire that could carry them deep into state.

Expert analysis: Mount Notre Dame is the most complete team of the three joining Badin. They have the talent to compete with any north regional team and the experience to handle the big stage. The key will be how they respond to adversity after that semifinal loss. If they channel that disappointment into focus, they could be the second-best team in Canton. Look for them to win their quarterfinal matchup handily and potentially set up a rematch with Badin in the semifinals—a game that would be must-watch TV.

State Quarterfinal Matchups: Cincinnati vs. Cleveland

The OHSAA has set the state quarterfinals to feature Cincinnati teams against Cleveland teams. While the exact pairings will be announced closer to game day, the four south teams—Badin, St. Ursula, Princeton, and Mount Notre Dame—will each face a north regional qualifier. The Cleveland Browns regional is expected to send teams like Glenville, St. Joseph Academy, Magnificat, and Avon—all of whom have strong flag football programs.

Predicted quarterfinal outcomes:

• Badin (S1) vs. Cleveland #4: The Rams are heavy favorites. Expect a 30+ point win as Addi Marshall and the passing attack put on a show.
• Mount Notre Dame (S2) vs. Cleveland #3: The Cougars’ depth and discipline will overwhelm a good but not great north team. Mount Notre Dame wins by two scores.
• Princeton (S3) vs. Cleveland #2: This is the toss-up game. Princeton’s explosiveness vs. Cleveland’s structure. I’ll take Princeton in a nail-biter, 28-24.
• St. Ursula (S4) vs. Cleveland #1: The Bulldogs face the toughest draw. The north’s top seed will be battle-tested. St. Ursula’s defense keeps it close, but they fall just short, 20-14.

Expert Prediction: Who Advances to the State Semifinals?

Based on the data and tournament performances, here’s how I see the state semifinals shaping up:

Semifinal 1: Badin vs. Princeton – A rematch of a regular-season thriller? If so, Badin’s experience and Marshall’s heroics prevail. Rams advance, 34-20.

Semifinal 2: Mount Notre Dame vs. Cleveland #1 – The Cougars’ revenge tour continues. They win a defensive slugfest, 18-12, setting up an all-Cincinnati state final.

State Championship: Badin vs. Mount Notre Dame – The two best teams in the south collide for the title. Badin’s offense is too much, but Mount Notre Dame makes it a game. Final score: Badin 30, Mount Notre Dame 22. The Rams repeat as state champions, and Addi Marshall is named MVP once again.

Conclusion: Cincinnati’s Flag Football Renaissance

The first OHSAA flag football state championship is more than just a tournament—it’s a celebration of the sport’s explosive growth in Ohio. Badin has already etched its name in history as the defending champion, but the three teams joining them—St. Ursula, Princeton, and Mount Notre Dame—represent the depth and talent of Cincinnati’s flag football scene. Each has a legitimate shot to make noise in Canton, and the quarterfinals will be a proving ground for the entire south region.

As a sports journalist who has covered this sport from its grassroots, I can tell you this: the level of play is only going up. The athletes are faster, the strategies are sharper, and the passion is undeniable. Whether you’re a fan of Badin’s aerial assault, Princeton’s athleticism, St. Ursula’s resilience, or Mount Notre Dame’s precision, one thing is clear—Cincinnati flag football is here to stay. And on May 16, four teams will carry that pride to Canton. Three will join Badin at state. Only one will leave with the trophy.

Mark your calendars. This is going to be epic.

Source: Based on news from Yahoo Sports.