COLUMBUS — Just two games remain in the regular season but north central Ohio teams are running various scenarios in their respective playoff quests.
The top eight teams in each region advance to the postseason, with the top four hosting first-round games. Were the playoffs to begin today, four area teams would be hosting postseason contests.
The easiest scenario is at Clear Fork, where the 8-0 Colts have already clinched a playoff spot. Coach Dave Carroll’s team travels to unbeaten Pleasant on Friday night in a monster showdown for the Mid-Ohio Athletic Conference championship.
The Colts average 21.5875 points in Division IV, Region 14.
Shelby is third in the same region. The undefeated Whippets, who reached the Elite Eight last season, control their own destiny in another postseason quest. Coach Erik Will’s squad visits Oak Harbor (4-4) on Friday night.
Lucas controls its own destiny in Division VII, Region 27. Coach Scott Spitler’s 7-1 Cubs play on Saturday at 1 p.m. at Hannibal River (4-4).
In Division II, Region 7, Ashland sits in fourth place with 12.9125 points, trailing third-place Columbus Mifflin 14.0284. The Arrows are 7-1 heading into Friday night’s home game with West Holmes (3-5). Only the top two teams in the region, Walnut Ridge and Massillon, control their own destiny at this point.
In Division III, Region 10. Mansfield Senior has a huge gap behind it thanks to a 6-2 record. The Tygers average 13.1894 points, while eighth-place Cleveland Glenville is at 9.6351 points. Senior High travels to 3-5 Mount Vernon on Friday night.
Highland is sixth in this region, and the 7-1 Scots also control their own destiny. A huge visit to East Knox (7-1) on Friday night looms large in Highland’s postseason destiny.
Hillsdale, Crestview and Wynford are all fighting for playoff positioning in Division VI, Region 22. The Royals sit in the best spot with a 6-2 record and a second-place ranking heading into Friday night’s home game with Upper Sandusky (3-5).
Hillsdale is seventh in the region, and like Wynford controls its own destiny. However, the 6-2 Falcons have a monumental task on Friday night, traveling to undefeated Dalton.
Crestview is scrapping for its playoff life here, tied for ninth in the region with Sherwood Fairview. The Cougars take a 5-3 record to South Central (3-5) in a Firelands Conference clash this weekend.
