While it's not the most heavy-hitting line up on our Bands of America schedule this fall, the 2018 BOA Northwest Ohio Regional will include a few groups that are in prime position to take some big steps.

Week two of the BOA 2017 season included a Toledo Regional, but this year things have moved to Bowling Green State University. Although, Homestead (IN) will not be in attendance this year, opening things up at the top for some groups to potentially make moves. 

A few other finalists from the 2017 Toledo Regional will not be attending—opening up a few more spots for groups who are returning, and may have just barely missed finals.

Returning groups from 2017 Toledo Regional:

• William Mason (OH)
• Plymouth-Canton Educational Park (MI)
• Jenison (MI)
• Reeths-Puffer (MI)
• Norton (OH)
• Lake Orion (MI)
• Walled Lake Central (MI)
• Archbishop Alter (OH)
• Worthington Kilbourne (OH)

While it's obviously worth watching every single performance, we've highlighted a few groups that you will NOT want to miss during Saturday's regional as they start their pathway to the 2018 BOA Grand National Championships.

See the full schedule for the 2018 BOA Northwest Ohio Regional Championship.

2:00 PM ET - William Mason (OH)

William Mason (OH) has been on a path filled with hills and valleys since 2010. After a band director transition, the group is back in form and ready to take on the Bands of America circuit once again. 

In 2017, the group's season ended in Grand National Semifinals for the first time since 2010. Since 2011, the group has climbed through the ranks, crescendoing into a bronze medal during 2016.

Band Director Jason Sleppy moved into the role after being involved in the percussion section for a number of years. While regime changes can often offset a band's progress, Sleppy's "small" (relatively) shift into the head director position could mean good things for William Mason (OH) in 2018.

2:15 PM ET - Plymouth Canton Educational Park (MI)

Having finished their 2017 season in 24th place and 2016 in 21st, Plymouth Canton Educational Park (MI) is in prime position for success this weekend at Bowling Green State University. In fact, they could take first place should they have a particularly strong run on Saturday.

Check back at 5 PM ET on September 29 to see where the cards fall in each class and who will make it into finals!