As the season streaks by, league title races are coming into focus and playoff discussions are heating up among the fan bases.
Regarding the postseason, several teams are facing what likely are must-win situations if they are to entertain playoff hopes.
Colonel Crawford (4-3, 2-2 N10) at Bucyrus (2-5, 1-3 N10)
Back-to-back heart-breaking 14-7 losses to Wynford and Mohawk has left Colonel Crawford the longest of shots to make the postseason. The Eagles are currently 18th in Division VI, Region 22 and would likely have to win out and get lots of help.
It’s Homecoming for Bucyrus and an upset would not only make the queen happy but would mitigate an otherwise frustrating season for the Redmen, who look explosive on offense at times, but have struggled to put together two halves of football in the same game.
Colonel Crawford was a little dinged up last week but still handled Buckeye Central, 61-6. Brock Ritzhaupt stepped in for Zye Shipman at quarterback and the offense didn’t seem to miss a beat.
However, Bucyrus will give Ritzhaupt a different look defensively than did the Bucks, so the test will get a little tougher, especially on the road.
Carey (4-3, 2-2) at Wynford (5-2, 3-1)
Carey dropped to 12th in Division VI, Region 22 after last week’s loss to Seneca East. But a win at Wynford could vault the Blue Devils back into the playoff hunt as the Royals are in the fourth slot ahead of Carey in the same region and would supply a boatload of computer points.
On the other hand, Wynford controls its own playoff destiny, according to Joe Eitel, as well as a share of the Northern 10 Athletic Conference title. The Royals trail undefeated Mohawk by one game but play the Warriors in Week 9.
Wynford scored its most points of the season in last week’s 51-14 win over Upper Sandusky, so the offense appears to be rounding into form.
North Union (5-2, 2-2 MOAC) at Galion (4-3, 1-3 MOAC)
Again, both teams are hanging onto postseason aspirations for dear life. Galion is 13th in Division IV, Region 14 and North Union is sixth in Division V, Region 18. Neither can afford another loss if they are to play in Week 11.
Galion quarterback Elias Middleton leads the Mid-Ohio Athletic Conference in passing with 897 yards and is third in rushing with 638 yards. North Union’s Trevor Moran is second in rushing 744 yards.
Hannibal River (3-4) at Crestline (3-4)
Despite its 3-4 record, Crestline is still viable for the postseason conversation. Last week’s convincing 52-0 win over Ashtabula St. John vaulted the Bulldogs to 15th in Division VII, Region 26.
River, however, is 10th in Division VII, Region 27 so a win is key to the Pilots’ staying in the race as well.
Can the Bulldogs replicate or at least follow-up their 600 yards of offense of last week? The season hangs in the balance.
Upper Sandusky (3-4, 1-3 N10) at Seneca East (6-1, 3-1 N10)
Upper Sandusky has been battling some health issues in recent weeks, dropping two of its last three games. The Rams will need to be at full strength when traveling to Attica this week to stand a chance of pulling the upset.
Seneca East sits atop Division VI, Region 22 and the Tigers control their own playoff destiny. Ironically, their one loss was to N10 rival, Mohawk, so a league-title share is not in their control.
Upper Sandusky quarterback Levi Malone leads the N10 in passing with 968 yards. He has thrown for eight touchdowns though he has also been intercepted seven times.
Blaine Swartzmiller is the leading rusher in the league for Seneca East with 1173 yards and 13 touchdowns.
Mohawk (7-0, 4-0) at Buckeye Central (0-7, 0-4)
Mohawk rolled past Bucyrus, 35-0, last week and the Warrior show no signs of slowing down. They lead Division VII, Region 26 and while not having a playoff spot locked up, they are on the verge of it.
Buckeye Central’s struggles, particularly on offense, continued last week in a 61-6 loss at Colonel Crawford. Things will not get easier for the Bucks this week.