COLUMBUS - Groups representing Columbus and Canton/Stark County made one-hour presentations to the state's ruling body on high school athletics Wednesday in hopes of hosting the state football finals starting in 2004.

The presentations were made to staff members of the Ohio High School Athletic Association, its board of control and two officers of the state football coaches association. The presentations were made by the Columbus Sports Commission and the Canton/Stark County Football Tournament Committee.

The Columbus proposal has games split between soccer's Crew Stadium and suburban Dublin Coffman High School.

The Canton/Stark County officials proposed splitting games between Massillon Paul Brown Tiger Stadium and Canton Fawcett Stadium - as has been the case since 1991. The six state finals this season will be played Nov. 28-29 in Massillon and Canton.

The OHSAA staff and representatives of the coaches association will provide feedback to the board, which will announce its decision at its Dec. 4 meeting.

The next contract will be to host the finals in 2004 and 2005 with an option for 2006.