Playoff picture remains uncertain in final week
Published 12:00 am Friday, October 29, 2004
It's the final week of the Ohio high school football season and the playoff picture is still somewhat out of focus.
Many teams have locked up playoff spots, but the order of finish that determines the first round matchups remains uncertain.
Ironton figures to finish first in Region 15 of Division IV even if it loses at Columbus DeSales.
Martins Ferry should beat Bellaire and finish second. Bellaire will be third followed by New Albany.
Portsmouth figures to be fifth, West Muskingum sixth,
Wellston seventh and probably Westfall eighth, although Belmont Union or New Lexington could squeeze in.
Projections are based on favorites winning, but the numbers are so close that an upset one way or the other will shake up the final spot.
Chesapeake appears to be on track for a rematch with Wheelersburg in Region 19 of Div. V, only this year the Pirates will be the host team.
Wheelersburg won at Chesapeake last season in the first round. The Pirates should finish second with a win over Cincinnati Shroder and Chesapeake will be seventh if it beats River Valley.
Symmes Valley is in line to host its first-ever playoff game with a win over Guyan Valley, W.Va. The Vikings can place second with the win.
The Vikings would probably play Marion Catholic, but Beallsville or Danville could slide up in the seventh spot.
The top eight teams in each region of the six divisions qualify for the postseason playoffs.