Week 8

Although coaches may not talk about it, the "P" word is in play beginning this week. Playoffs. Yes, I'm talking about playoffs. Steubenville Big Red dropped to No. 2 in the Ohio Division III, Region 11 standings, but a win against Ursuline, the top-ranked team in the state in Division V, should secure the No. 1 standing. Edison is No. 8 in the region and winning out would give the Wildcats a 9-1 record and ensure a spot in the playoffs for the first time in years. But, Bellaire, Buckeye Local and Indian Creek await Edison. Those same Redskins are also three wins away from finding a postseason berth. But, they have Harrison Central, Bellaire and Edison standing in the way. Brooke is No. 3 in the West Virginia Class AAA ranks and visits No. 8 Morgantown. A Bruins win, coach Tom Bruney is 18-2 at the helm, would go a long way in making sure they would have a great spot in the playoff bracket. Oak Glen is tied for No. 13 in Class AA and visits rival East Liverpool. The Potters are one spot behind Big Red in the region. A loss by the Golden Bears would make it hard to obtain a first-round home playoff game. It would be done, but it would be done a lot easier with a victory. Madonna is No. 9 in Class A and host Purchase Line and Toronto the next two weeks. Yes, playoffs. But, do not expect any coach to look toward that week. There's too much regular season to play.