It is a big week.

Key matchups this week will go a long way in determining the postseason playoff chances of area high school football teams.

The Ohio High School Athletic Association released its weekly computer playoff ratings and several area teams remain in contention.

Ironton (7-1) has locked up a playoff berth in Region 15 of Division IV, but the Fighting Tigers can secure a home game with a win at Belfry, Ky. (7-1). The Pirates will be worth a total of 40 points.

The Fighting Tigers are second in the region behind Bellaire (8-). Westfall is third followed by New Lexington, West Muskingum, St. Clairsville, Portsmouth West, Heath, Columbus Hartley and the Rock Hill Redmen.

The path is a little different for Rock Hill, the Chesapeake Panthers and the Coal Grove Hornets. Each must win their final two games. Unfortunately, the trio are involved in games against each other.

Rock Hill (7-1) is 10th this week in Region 15 of Division IV. The Redmen close out the season with big-point games as they play at Chesapeake and host Coal Grove.

Chesapeake (5-3) climbed from 16th to 10th place in Region 19 of Division V with its 15-12 win over Coal Grove last week. The Panthers have Rock Hill followed by last-place River Valley (1-7) next week.

Coal Grove (6-2) still has a chance in Region 19 of Division V. The Hornets are 12th this week and need wins at South Point and Rock Hill to end the regular season.

Another team on the bubble is the Symmes Valley Vikings in Region 23 of Division VI.

The Vikings (5-3) have two huge point games waiting. They host Portsmouth East (4-4), worth 18 points, this week and take on Guyan Valley, W.Va. (5-2) next week.

Symmes Valley is currently ninth in the region.

The top eight teams in each region of each six divisions qualify for the postseason playoffs.