Jim Walker

jim.walker@irontontribune.com

 

The race has begun, but the finish is still six weeks away.

The first Ohio High School Athletic Association computer football ratings were released Wednesday and two local teams are among the top eight places in their respective regions of their divisions.

The Ironton Fighting Tigers are leading Region 15 of Division IV with a 10.2 average, well ahead of St. Clairsville (4-0) with an 8.5 average.

Cadiz Harrison Central (4-0) is third with a 6.425 average and Minford (4-0) is fourth at 6.175. They are the only four unbeaten teams in the region.

Johnstown Monroe (3-1) at 5.025 is fifth followed by Martins Ferry (3-1) at 4.725, Chillicothe Unioto (3-1) 4.55, Byesville Meadowbrook (3-1) 4.5 and Amanda Clearcreek (2-2) is eighth at 4.325.

In Region 23 of Division VI, the Symmes Valley Vikings (3-1) are resting at the No. 7 spot in the first week ratings with a 3.9 average.

North Robinson Colonel Crawford (4-0) at 5.95 leads the region followed by Zanesville Rosecrans (3-1) at 5.175, Danville (3-1) 4.9457, Newark Catholic (3-1) 4.675, Portsmouth Notre Dame (3-1) 4.675, Glouster Trimble (3-1) 4.3, Symmes Valley and Sciotoville East (3-1) 3.575.

Colonel Crawford is the only unbeaten team in the region.

In Region 19 of Division V, Lucasville Valley is second, Oak Hill third and Wheelersburg eighth in the ratings.

The Fairland Dragons will face Columbus Bishop Hartley on Friday and the Hawks are not only ranked No. 1 in the Division IV Associated Press poll, they lead region 14.

Columbus Bishop Ready is second in Region 14 and the Silver Knights host Coal Grove this week.

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