MANSFIELD — A number of north central Ohio football teams are showing signs of a fever, playoff fever.
The first Ohio high school football computer ratings were released on Wednesday night, and several area schools would qualify for the playoffs if the season ended today. The top eight in each region will advance to Week 11 for postseason play.
So far, the top area team is Erik Will’s Shelby outfit. The Whippets are 4-0 and ranked second in Division IV, Region 15 to Johnstown. Shelby has a monumental challenge on Friday night, tangling with undefeated Sandusky, who is ranked No. 1 in its region.
In Division VII, Region 26, Lucas holds steady at No. 3. The Cubs were regional finalists a year ago and have opened 3-1 so far this season. Convoy Crestview and Edgerton have the top two spots in that region. Coach Scott Spitler’s team is at Atwater Waterloo on Friday night.
Undefeated Hillsdale is ranked No. 4 in Division VI, Region 21. The Falcons also have a big showdown this week, hosting unbeaten Northwestern in a Wayne County affair. A truckload of playoff points and a decided edge in the league standings goes to that survivor.
Crawford County has two teams with postseason aspirations. Wynford is 4-0 and ranked third, while Colonel Crawford is 3-1 and rated fourth, both in Division VI, Region 22. The Royals beat the Eagles 28-21 last week and now have Carey at home. Colonel Crawford is at Seneca East.
Several schools were just outside the top eight in their respective regions. Clear Fork (2-2) is ninth in Division V, Region 18.
In Division III, Region 10, Lexington (2-2), Madison (2-2) and Ashland (2-2) are 10th, 11th, and 12th, respectively. Ontario (2-2) is 11th in Division IV, Region 15, while Crestview (3-1) is 12th in Division VI, Region 21. Mansfield Senior is 13th in Division II, Region 7.
