Middletown (2-2) has plenty of work to do to make its fourth straight playoff appearance. The Middies rank No. 16.
Thurgood Marshall (D-III, Region 12), Coldwater (D-V, Region 20) and Marion Local (D-VI, Region 24) were the only area teams that were No. 1 in their respective divisions.
Many area teams remain unbeaten after Week 4, which accounts for their high computer rankings. That includes Edgewood (D-II, Region 8), Kenton Ridge (D-III, Region 12), Dixie, West Liberty-Salem and Dayton Christian (all D-V, Region 20).
Like Middletown, 2011 state runner-up Shawnee (2-2) also must make up considerable ground in D-III, Region 12. The Braves are lumped at No. 19.
The Greater Western Ohio Conference had only No. 4 Springboro and No. 6 Wayne crack the top eight in D-I, Region 4. Defending D-II state champion Trotwood-Madison (2-2) is No. 12 in Region 8.
The top four teams in each region at the end of the regular season earn a first-round home playoff game. The next four rounds are at neutral sites, culminating with championship weekend at Massillon and Canton on Nov. 30-Dec. 1.
Computer points are earned by wins and wins a beaten opponent accumulates. The higher the division, the greater the point formula. Should teams play only nine games, that open date also is accounted for. There is no restriction on out-of-state or Canadian opponents. However, teams must play at least nine games to be eligible for the postseason.
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