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http://www.columbussports.com/content/writers/dave_herd/playoff-picture----central-ohio-hs-football.shtmlPlayoff Picture -- Central Ohio H.S. Football
The lowdown on which central Ohio prep teams are in/out or almost there.
Crunch Time -- It's been a muddy and muddled season of high school football in Central Ohio this year, with the majority of Friday nights soaking the fearless faithful, watering alive the hopes of some and drowning out the dreams of others. However, we're into the final week of regular season action now, and the lucky eight in each of the OHSAA's six divisions will be either eyeing potential playoff matchups or counting computer points to see if they sneak in after the final game. The unofficial current computer point standings are linked below, and I'll link the current ones when they are released shortly. From big schools down to the smallest, here's where things appear to stand as we approach the final weekend:
Division I -- Who's In -- This is called "Region 3" for Central Ohio, for those who don't keep track of these things or never cared. The certain advancers are Dublin Coffman (No.1 at 33.9208 "Harbin" computer points), Hilliard Davidson (No. 2 at 30.0189) and Pickerington Central (No. 3 at 21.9788). Coffman and Davidson are assured home games in the first round right now. Westerville South and Olentangy Liberty play each other on Friday -- both get in with a win, but it's certainly very possible that both can advance no matter what the outcome. The two stand virtually tied at the 4/5 slots right now with approximately 18.1 points each. Help, Please!! -- Groveport, Delaware Hayes and Lancaster all still have hope alive but are by no means givens. Disappointing Upper Arlington (5-4) can sneak in with a major upset of undefeated Coffman, though that seems unlikely. Pickerington North has played well but seems to have little remaining chance, especially with non-locals Springfield and Troy being in the Region 3 mix and potentially stealing a spot or two.
Division II -- Who's In -- For "Region 7" it's not quite as rosy for local teams. Fortunately, City League power Brookhaven will be in the playoffs, but no other squads save Logan to the southeast and Louisville to the northeast (both perennial leaders in the region) can say the same. Olentangy Orange will probably make it as well, and indeed should with one more victory. However, that game is with local foe and Division I hopeful Delaware Hayes. Help, Please!! -- There are a plethora of possibilities here, but nobody is safe. So if you're a fan, student, parent or alum of any of the following schools, root for a final victory and watch the computer point calculations: Marion-Franklin, St. Charles, Canal Winchester, Walnut Ridge, New Albany, Big Walnut, Beechcroft. There's not enough spots for all, though!
Division III -- Who's In -- We call this Region 10, though a few outlying teams compete for different spots in Region 11 and Region 12 in this middle-sized school division. Tough but bruised Watterson and DeSales are clinched already and should contend well -- maybe we'll even get a rematch at some point! Help, Please!! -- Otherwise, Bellefontaine (8-1 but lacking computer points) and Eastmoor Academy have fair chances but really need to pick up a final win apiece. Others -- For Region 11, Granville will be advancing but Sheridan and Licking Heights need to win and may need collateral help as well to qualify. In Region 12, Logan Elm needs to pick up a win after falling to Canal Winchester last week. My alma mater, Wyoming (9-0) from Cincinnati, competes in Region 12 as well but despite the record may need one last win.
Division IV -- Who's In -- In this division it's Region 15, and the dominant, undefeated shoo-in is Amanda-Clearcreek (9-0), which is certain to host an initial game. Amanda is also one of the top teams in the state. Heath has played strong and has qualified as well. Help, Please!! -- Hartley, Westfall and Fairfield Union are all within sight but really need to gain final victories to stand a realistic chance. Jonathan Alder from Plain City actually competes in Region 16 and simply must win on Friday and then hope for the best. However, Jonathan Alder matches up with St. Charles, which is fighting for a spot in bigger school Division II.
Division V -- Who's In -- We're getting down to the little fish here, not quite the guppies, though, and they compete in Region 20 with a few in Region 19. North Union from Richwood which is in, you guessed it, north Union county, is one of those Region 20 teams and will qualify with its fabulous 9-0 season. No other team in either of these Division V regions can call itself so fortunate. Help, Please!! -- Ready, West Jefferson and Columbus Academy are all clinging to their last hopes in Region 20 and need to come through strong this weekend. Fredericktown (despite being 9-0) and Liberty Union are in Region 19, but still need final wins to advance. The problem is, Liberty Union and West Jefferson play each other. Ready has its rivalry game against Hartley, which is in the Division IV hunt.
Division VI -- It's slim pickings for the smallest here, and there's really not much happening in the final division in Central Ohio. The only hopes are in Region 23 with Newark Catholic, which is hopefully in, and with newcomer Grove City Christian. GCC is still possibly in the picture despite having suffered its first loss of the season to Zanesville Rosecrans, which also may qualify but needs help.