Purcell Marian needs a win Friday to keep its football playoff hopes alive, and the opponent adds a layer of emotion to the regular-season finale.

The Cavaliers (5-4) host Roger Bacon (2-7) on Friday, Oct. 23 in the 97th meeting between the crosstown rivals. For Roger Bacon, it will be the final game for head coach Mike Blaut, who told WCPO he was asked to retire from the position he has held for 12 seasons.

Blaut's voice trailed off with emotion during a phone interview with WCPO. He had already informed his players and coaching staff. WCPO reporter Mike Dyer reported tears were not in short supply over the weekend.

Playoff math for the Cavaliers

Purcell Marian sits 19th in the unofficial Division V, Region 20 Harbin computer rankings, according to Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) playoff projections analyst Joe Eitel. The top 12 teams after Week 10 qualify for the postseason.

A win could lift the Cavaliers as high as eighth, but they would still need help from other results. A loss would eliminate them. The OHSAA will release the final official computer ratings on Oct. 25.

Purcell Marian, coached by Chris Mobley, has won five of nine games this season, including a 42-0 road win at Shroder on Oct. 16. The Cavaliers' four losses came against Wyoming (9-0), Hughes (8-1), New Richmond (5-4) and Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy (8-1).

Blaut’s Roger Bacon coaching tenure ends

Blaut, 56, is a 1988 Roger Bacon graduate who played defensive back and wide receiver for the Spartans. He returned to coach at his alma mater multiple times, serving as a defensive backs coach from 1988 to 1990, then as a junior varsity and freshman coach from 1993 to 1996. He later became quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator from 2008 to 2014 before being named head coach in 2015.

He compiled 67 wins and led the Spartans to their first football regional championship in November 2020. Two of his former players, running back Corey Kiner and defensive lineman James Thompson Jr., are competing in the NFL, according to WCPO.

"I came to Roger Bacon as a very young kid and was known as 'Lil Blaut' and was their biggest fan," Blaut told WCPO. "I am no longer a coach, so I can just become 'Lil Blaut' again."

Roger Bacon Principal Tim McCoy called Blaut an asset to the school community. Blaut said he considered retirement for about a year and will continue teaching history at Oak Hills High School. He is leaving the door open for a possible coaching opportunity in the future.

Roger Bacon competes in Division IV and is not in postseason contention. Kickoff for the Week 10 rivalry game is Friday, Oct. 23 at Purcell Marian.