SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP, Ohio — St. Xavier football coach Steve Specht likes to say every summer that the upcoming season is a process. This year was no different.

“It’s been an interesting journey for the kids,” Specht said Tuesday afternoon.

That challenging yet very rewarding path has led to Stark County this week on the biggest stage of Ohio high school football. The Bombers are one step away from the ultimate team prize.

“The kids are really in a good place right now,” Specht said. “They’ve worked hard. I’m proud of them.”

St. X (11-2), winners of seven consecutive games, plays Lewis Center Olentangy Orange (14-0) in the Division I state final at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton. It is the first meeting between the programs.

St. X has earned its eighth s

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