Just when things were about to clear up, somebody threw some fog at the window.

A win here or there and the playoff teams would have been set for Region 15 of Division IV of the Ohio High School Athletic Association postseason.

Ironton needed a win in any of its three final games to definitely lock up a playoff spot. But Ironton lost to Portsmouth and needs a win against either Zanesville or Logan for a certain spot.

Ironton (5-3) could still make the playoffs if Rock Hill loses either of its final two games or New Lexington loses its final two games which is a possibility since they will be underdogs to Tri-Valley and Sheridan.

And, Ironton could still make it anyway whether those teams win or lose depending on its opponents.

Confused? Welcome to the OHSAA playoff system where no one really knows for sure until the final weekend is completed.

Rock Hill (7-1) has to close with Coal Grove and South Point.

The Redmen need all the points available to make the postseason so a loss would be critical.

Licking Heights, St. Clairsville, Waverly, Westfall, Portsmouth, and Belmont Union Local are ranked 1-6 in the region this week and are virtual locks for the postseason.

New Lexington is seventh with an 11.8905 average followed by Rock Hill at 11.3000. Ironton is ninth at 10.1875.

Martins Ferry is 10th but a lost to St. Clairsville last week virtually ended the Purple Riders playoff hopes.

Another twist to the playoff picture includes the Coal Grove Hornets.

Coal Grove is 12th in Region 19 of Division V and must beat Rock Hill to retain their playoff hopes.

The Hornets have a 7.8128 average and trail No. 8 Belpre (8.7425, Shenandoah (8.5840), Adena (8.5000), and Portsmouth West (7.9375) in a logjam.