The 2025 fall campaign is officially off the tee in Northeast Ohio. The calendar might say August 17, but the action on the course this past week (Aug. 10 - 16) made it clear that the chase for Columbus is already in full swing. From a low-scoring Suburban League Preview to the first big rankings of the season, here’s everything you need to know from the last seven days in Akron-area high school golf.
The opening week delivered drama, standout individual performances, and a clear early pecking order. Teams are already circling key dates on the calendar, and the intensity on the first tee feels more like late September than mid-August. Buckle up - this is going to be a wild ride to the state tournament.
Suburban League Preview: Hudson Storms to Victory at Shale Creek
The marquee event of the opening week didn’t disappoint. On Thursday, Aug. 14, 14 of the area’s top programs converged on Shale Creek Golf Course in Medina for the Suburban League Preview, and the Hudson Explorers made an immediate statement.
Explorers Own the Course
Hudson’s varsity squad posted a blistering team total of 298 (8-over par), proving that their summer grind translated directly to competitive play. The Explorers’ depth was on full display, with all five scorers contributing to the sub-300 round. They edged out a competitive field that included defending regional contenders looking to establish early-season momentum. Shale Creek’s public rate is $49 after 2 PM on weekdays, but for Hudson, the round was priceless.
Jack Vojtko’s Red-Hot Round
If the team score wasn’t enough, Hudson’s Jack Vojtko stole the individual spotlight. Vojtko fired a bogey-free stretch of golf en route to a 3-under-par 68, earning medalist honors. His round was highlighted by precise iron play and a hot putter on Shale Creek’s quick greens. For a program with state aspirations, having a clear No. 1 option shooting in the 60s this early is a massive advantage.
📊 298 team score (8-over par) - Hudson’s winning total at the Suburban League Preview, the lowest team round in the event’s recent history.
Rankings & Rivalries: The Early-Season Power Structure
With one week of official results in the books, the Ohio Golf Association and coaches’ polls have released their first Akron-area rankings, and there’s a distinct local flavor at the top.
Boys Division I: Walsh Jesuit Sets the Pace
The Walsh Jesuit Warriors check in at No. 5 in the initial Division I state poll. Led by senior captain Colin Smith, who is currently posting an average of 72.1, the Warriors have the firepower to make a deep October run. Their schedule features a brutal stretch of non-league tests over the next two weeks, which should solidify their resume by the time sectionals roll around.
Boys Division II: Hoban’s Rising Star
Archbishop Hoban is on a mission to return to the state tournament, and they’re already playing like it. The defending regional champs are ranked No. 2 in Division II, and junior Luke Ferrell is making an early Player of the Year case. Ferrell lit up Ellsworth Meadows on Wednesday, Aug. 13, with a stunning 6-under-par 66. If Ferrell keeps that pace, the Knights will be the team to beat in the small school division.
Girls Division I: Revere’s Quiet Confidence
On the girls’ side, Revere (Richfield) is holding steady at No. 7 in Division I. The Minutemen return state qualifier Claire Schuller, whose veteran presence anchors a young but talented roster. Expect this group to climb the rankings as they get more competitive reps under their belts.
| Team | Division | Ranking | Key Player | Scoring Avg. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Walsh Jesuit | Boys D-I | #5 | Colin Smith | 72.1 |
| Archbishop Hoban | Boys D-II | #2 | Luke Ferrell | N/A |
| Revere | Girls D-I | #7 | Claire Schuller | N/A |
Sectional Preview & New Rules: What to Watch in 2025
It’s not just about the scores this week - the groundwork for the postseason was laid, and a new rule is changing how teams pack their bags.
