After capturing the state title in 2025, Badin flag football is heading back to Canton—and this time, they're bringing some serious regional hardware along for the ride. The Rams punched their ticket to the OHSAA state championship on May 11 with a commanding 46-13 victory over St. Ursula at Paycor Stadium, earning their first regional championship after finishing as runners-up last season.
It wasn't just one big win—it was a statement day. Badin stormed through three games, taking down Walnut Hills in the quarterfinals before knocking off top-seeded Mount Notre Dame in the semifinals. That set the stage for the regional final, where the Rams left no doubt about who the team to beat is.
Now, the question on everyone's mind: which three teams will join Badin at the state tournament? The answer comes from the Cincinnati region, where St. Ursula, Princeton, and Mount Notre Dame will all head to Canton as semifinalists. Each of these four squads will face a team from the Cleveland Browns regional in the state quarterfinals, set for May 16 at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium.
What makes Badin so dangerous? A high-flying passing attack that's been nearly impossible to stop, paired with a defense that smothers opponents. Senior receiver Addi Marshall was named offensive MVP after torching defenses with deep touchdown catches all tournament long. Her combination of speed, hands, and elusiveness in open space made her the clear standout—and she only started playing flag football this season.
"I never expected something like this to happen," Marshall said. "This is my first year playing, and it's honestly a really cool experience. I love the environment."
Even more impressive? Marshall played through a foot injury all day, refusing to let pain slow her down. She credited her background in soccer and basketball for giving her the toughness to push through. "I just tried not to think about the pain and just keep going through it," she said. "I play multiple sports, so it's nothing big for me."
With Badin leading the charge, the inaugural OHSAA flag football state championship is shaping up to be an unforgettable showdown. Whether you're cheering for the defending champs or rooting for an underdog, one thing's for sure: Canton is about to witness something special.
