MiddletownJournal.com

Monroe took an early lead in Friday night's game and that was the beginning of the end for Canal Winchester. Monroe (10-2) dismantled the second-seeded Indians 47-21 in the Division III, Region 12 semifinals at Dayton's Welcome Stadium.

The win advances Monroe to next Friday's regional title game against top-seeded Indian Hill, which defeated Circleville 53-14 in the other semifinals contest. This will be the second time in three years Monroe has been in a regional championship. In 2005, the Hornets won the Division IV, Region 16 crown.

Earlier Friday, Monroe Elementary first-grade students jumped and shouted, "Let's go, Hornets, let's go!" as the high school band and football team slapped their hands and gave out autographs.

It's becoming a tradition for band members and players to do walk-throughs before playoff games.

Students and teachers applauded as the band played the Hornets' fight song. Each hallway was lined with kids waiting for a glimpse of their favorite players.

"The kids count down the minutes" while sitting in class, said Kathy Gall, the district's spokeswoman.

Football playoff walk-throughs highlight the week for sixth-grader Jared Kaiser.

"I like getting high-fives," said Jared, a wide receiver for the Wee Hornets. He especially likes to watch for his favorite player, quarterback Tyler Osterman.

"It's nice to do something for them because I know they enjoy it," Osterman said.

Jared's face lights up as he watches the team strut down the hall.

"It's another reason to make us go out there and play hard," Osterman said.