The Ohio High School Athletic Association Board of Control voted unanimously Thursday to keep the state football finals at Massillon's Paul Brown Tiger Stadium and Canton's Fawcett Stadium in 2004 and 2005, with an option for 2006.

The Greater Columbus Sports Commission was the only other group to submit a proposal. Columbus proposed hosting the games at 22,975-seat Columbus Crew Stadium and 8,500-seat Dublin Coffman High School Stadium.

"Both groups that submitted proposals made outstanding presentations," OHSAA Commissioner Clair Muscaro said in a statement. "But I support the Board of Control's decision to keep the finals in Stark County."

Cincinnati interests, led by Don Schumacher and Associates sports marketing group, plan to bid for the state finals starting with 2007. Cincinnati did not bid this time because its primary site, UC's Nippert Stadium, is surrounded by construction through 2005.

"We plan on following through with something the next time the bidding is available," said Tom Gamble, director of Schumacher's prep sports division.

Tom Groeschen, Enquirer wires