MADISON TOWNSHIP — The playoffs won’t officially kick off for another four weeks, but for a pair of area teams the tournament may as well start Friday.
Madison and Galion are still in the hunt for seats at the postseason table. The Rams and Tigers will likely have to win their final three regular season games to secure their spots.
Meanwhile, Plymouth is in line for its first ever playoff bid.
Madison is 10th in Division III, Region 8 in weekly Ohio High School Athletic Association ratings, while Galion is eight in Division IV, Region 12. Plymouth is third in Division VII, Region 23.
The top eight teams in each computer region in Division II through Division VII qualify for the playoffs, with the top four teams hosting a regional quarterfinal game the weekend of Nov. 7 to 8.
Madison (4-3) begins its quest for the fifth playoff bid in school history and second in three years Friday at Orrville (2-5). The Rams close the season with home games against Division II Ashland (4-3) and crosstown rival Mansfield Senior (3-4).
Galion’s playoff hopes took a serious hit last week at River Valley, where the Vikings rallied for a 21-17 win. The Tigers host Fairbanks (1-6) Friday before visiting North Union (5-2) in Week 9. Galion then hosts unbeaten Marion Pleasant in the regular season finale.
Plymouth (5-2) has the smoothest road to the playoffs. The Big Red are at Western Reserve (1-6) on Friday, then host New London (2-5) and Crestview (2-5) in the final two weeks.
