Ohio Playoff Projections - Week 9

With just a week remaining in the regular season, let's take a look at who needs to do what to get into the postseason. Remember that nothing resides in a vacuum within the Harbins, so it's almost impossible to make 100% statements, but I feel pretty secure in the info below.

Division 1

St. Xavier and Colerain have locked up the top two spots. If St. X defeats Moeller, they will be #1; otherwise, the mighty Cardinals will take the top spot. Sycamore needs only to defeat 2-7 Milford to secure the #3 spot.

Glen Este can do no worse than the #6 seed, and could move up to #4 if Clayton Nortmont falls to Piqua (very possible) and St. X wins over Moeller. However, if Moeller comes out as a victor, they will be virtually tied with a victorious Glen Este. If the Crusaders lose, they will be locked within 0.3 points of Centerville and Lakota West (assuming that Huber Heights Wayne wins their game; if not, those three likely all make the playoffs).

Strangely enough, the fates of the last three teams above could hinge on the Princeton vs. Middletown game. Centerville would earn 2nd level points from a Princeton win; Moeller and West would earn them from a Middletown win. That could make 0.5 points difference in the final rankings, which would move squads around at the bottom of the playoffs.

Anderson shot themselves in the foot with their loss to Mason last week, and now must defeat Harrison and have two of the Centerville/Lakota West/Wayne trio lose (they cannot overtake Moeller) to squeak in.

Division 2

Harrison should lock up the top spot with a win over Anderson, or a Winton Woods loss to Glen Este. Edgewood will stay at #2 regardless, since they have no game this week and can rest up for the playoffs. If WW loses, they'll fall no farther than 4th, and even only to 4 if Dayton Carroll knocks off McNicholas.

If Carroll wins, Turpin, New Carlisle Tecumseh, and Dayton Colonel White will fight for the next three spots, likely in that order unless a major upset occurs. Trotwood Madison will lock up the #8 seed with a win over sub-.500 Vandalia Butler. If they don't, there is a window for Kings to slip through, as they've been the recipient of good fortune and have compiled some additional 2nd level points.

Division 4

Blanchester will get either the #2 or #3 seed depending on whether Clinton-Massie knocks off Jonathan Alder. Deer Park should feel pretty confident in their playoff berth after their week 9 victory over Wyoming; a win over Hughes will probably give them a home game in the 1st round.

Lemon-Monroe is likely locked into the playoffs. North College Hill is probably ok as well, though if they lose to Madeira it might give Finneytown a backdoor into the postseason. Wyoming must win or their season is over.

Badin gave themselves unexpected new life last week after beating McNick, but would still need to beat Fenwick and get a significant amount of help to make it in.