Heading into Week 9, five area teams remain in the playoff hunt, according to the computer rankings published by the OHSAA.

Leading the way are the Tigers — Galion and Seneca East. Mohawk, Bucyrus and Wynford are also still in the mix.

Upper Sandusky (2-6, 1-4) at Bucyrus (4-4, 3-2)

Bucyrus kept its flickering playoff hopes alive with a 38-20 win at Colonel Crawford last week. So, there is a lot riding on this one for the Redmen, who are playing a meaningful Week 9 game for the first time since 2014.

Upper Sandusky will look to salvage something from the season and the Rams are capable of offensive outbursts. Quarterback Mason Vent leads the Northern 10 Athletic Conference with 1604 yards, good for 15 touchdowns. However, Vent has also been intercepted 13 times.

Defensively, the Rams are worst in the N10 in yards allowed at 455.8 per game. They have also permitted 42.8 points per game.

The Redmen are led by quarterback Ben Seibert, fourth in the league in passing with 1196 yards and 13 touchdowns. Andrew Pifer continues to lead the N10 in tackles with 121.

Bucyrus moved into the No. 12 spot in Division VI, Region 22. The Redmen need to win out and get some help if they are to sneak into the postseason.

Wynford (5-3, 4-1) at Mohawk (5-3, 3-2)                                                    

When it comes to computer points, this is the game of the night. Wynford has worked its way back to the 12th spot in Division V, Region 18. Mohawk sits at No. 7 in Division VII, Region 26.

Royals’ quarterback Dustin Brady is third in the N10 in passing with 1432 yards and 13 touchdowns. Defensively, Cody Taylor is third in tackles with 88.

Jesse Leeth is fourth in the league in rushing with 551 yards and 10 touchdowns. Mohawk and Wynford are two and three, respectively, in team defense, so it could be a low scoring affair.

While the playoffs are somewhat of a long shot for the Royals, if they win out, they, at worst, would share the N10 title with Seneca East.

Carey (3-5, 3-2) at Buckeye Central (0-8, 0-5)

Despite its losing record, Carey holds down the eighth spot in Division VI, Region 22. But the Blue Devils are the only team in the top eight that have not clinched a playoff spot or control their own destiny according to computer points guru Joe Eitel.

Buckeye Central is on itching to break its long losing streak and the Bucks would like nothing more than pulling off the upset in their last home game of the season.

Jacob Maxhimer is second in the league in rushing, averaging 114 yards per game and has four touchdowns. Carey counters with quarterback Ethan Beringer, who is fifth in the league in passing with 824 yards and sixth in rushing with 469 yards.

Defensively, the Blue Devils’ Conor Williams is second in the N10 in tackles with 94. The Bucks, on the other hand, have given up 37.5 points per game, so for the upset to occur, Buckeye Central will have to keep Carey out of the end zone.

Seneca East (7-1, 4-1) at Colonel Crawford (4-4, 2-3)

Seneca East has clinched a playoff spot in Division VI, Region 22 and will likely host a first-round game by winning out. The Tigers would also retain at least a share of the N10 crown with two more wins.

Colonel Crawford would like nothing more than to upset the league co-leaders in the Eagles’ final home game of the year. While not mathematically eliminated from the playoffs, last week’s loss to Bucyrus dropped them to No. 14 in the region.

The Tigers offer the top offense in the league, scoring 36 points per game and averaging 418 yards. Chase Foos is second in the N10 in passing with 1575 yards and 18 touchdowns. Skyler Walker is third in rushing with 713 yards and eight scores.

The Eagles have the top rusher in junior Tristan Cross who has 1232 yards and 14 touchdowns. Colonel Crawford must hope it can control the clock with the ground game and slow down the Tigers’ potent offense on defense.

Pandora-Gilboa (3-5, 2-4) at Crestline (3-5, 2-4)

Crestline and Pandora-Gilboa have identical records, but that might be a bit deceptive. They have two common opponents — Arlington and Leipsic — both losing both games. However, the Bulldogs were outscored 81-21 in those two losses and the Rockets by a more respectable 56-43.

Both teams need this game if they hope to salvage a .500 season and, while neither is mathematically eliminated from the playoffs, Pandora-Gilboa has a more realistic shot, currently occupying No. 12 in Division VII, Region 26.

Galion (7-1, 3-1) at KIPP Columbus (2-6)

While Galion has not clinched a playoff spot, the Tigers do control their own destiny. They sit No. 2 in Division IV, Region 14.

KIPP Columbus is a Division VI school playing an independent schedule in a fledgling program. One of the Jaguars’ wins was against the Columbus Crusaders club team and the other against 0-8 Norwood.

Quarterback Wilson Frankhouse leads the MOAC in passing with 1586 yards and 14 touchdowns. Isaiah Alsip leads in receiving with 696 yards and seven scores.

Galion is still playing for a league title and have a big showdown at Pleasant in Week 10. But the Tigers cannot afford to look past KIPP Columbus if they hope to host a playoff game in Week 11.

Other games

Ridgedale at Fisher Catholic

Fredericktown at Northmor