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Centerville (Division I, Region 3), Trotwood-Madison (D-III, Region 12), Valley View (D-IV, Region 16), Anna (D-V, Region 20) and Marion Local (D-VI, Region 24) retained their No. 1 spots in their respective regions. That was a given, although Anna lost 32-7 in Week 6 at Marion Local.
The head-scratching begins in D-I, Region 3 where Fairmont (5-1) ranks No. 3. Beavercreek (5-1) is the only team to beat Fairmont, 14-3 in Week 5. However, the Beavers could do no better than No. 8 in Region 3.
Here’s why: Teams earn first-level points for wins and second-level points for wins by a defeated opponent. Fairmont’s five defeated opponents have a combined record of 17-13. That includes defeats of Alter (5-1) and Milford (5-1). Beavercreek’s five defeated foes are a combined 10-20. Xenia, Carroll, Fairborn and Lebanon — Beavercreek’s games through Week 4 — have less than two wins apiece.
Another great example of that is D-II, Region 8. Unbeaten Winton Woods stunned three-time defending state champ Cincinnati LaSalle 18-15 in Week 5. However, in the computer rankings, LaSalle (5-1) is No. 1 and Winton Woods (6-0) is No. 2. LaSalle’s beaten opponents are a combined 21-11; Winton Woods’ 18-18.
That’s also how unbeaten Greeneview (6-0) is just No. 4 in D-V, Region 20 and West Liberty-Salem (5-1) is buried at No. 9 in D-VI, Region 24. The contrast to that is Minster (3-3), which is No. 4 in D-VII, Region 28. The Wildcats’ good fortune is a combination of a weak region and just three quality wins despite having lost their last three games.
For most teams, the league portion of a schedule is made several years in advance. It’s the early non-league matchups that are a gamble for athletic directors and coaches. Schedule too tough an opponent and wins are elusive. Schedule too soft an opponent and risk earning minimum second-level computer points.
The top eight teams in each region following the regular season qualify for the playoffs. That’s why all cross their fingers when scheduling and become a beaten opponent’s greatest fan.
• It’s not panic playoff time with four games remaining, but at least four area teams are on the postseason bubble.
Alter (5-1) lost only to Fairmont in the opener but is stuck at No. 7 in D-III, Region 12. Dunbar (4-2), coming off a loss at Detroit Catholic Central, is No. 9. Both those teams will likely have to win out to secure a spot in the top eight.
Clinton-Massie (6-0) owns a defeat of mighty Coldwater, but the Falcons could do no better than the No. 5 ranking in D-IV, Region 16. Week 8-10 games — and wins — against Goshen (6-0), New Richmond (5-1) and Wilmington (4-2) would improve that ranking.
Coldwater (4-2) probably will have to win out to advance in D-VI, Region 24. Currently No. 7, the Cavaliers play Anna and Delphos St. John’s (4-2) in Weeks 9-10.
And for those teams all but assured a playoff spot, the next challenge is to place among the top four in the final rankings. That’s because those teams all will host financially lucrative first-round games, essentially a bonus opportunity for a good gate and concessions sales. Playoff games shift to neutral sites the following week.
• There are two Thursday football games: Belmont (6-0) vs. Ponitz (2-4) at Welcome Stadium and Tippecanoe (3-3) at Sidney (6-0). Both start at 7 p.m.
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