Playoff Preview
by Ali Keaton, PDT Sports Writer
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The paint on the field has faded, the banners are taken down, practice fields have been abandoned and the marching bands silenced— for most area football teams — and then there were five.

Five local football programs did all they had to do this season to give their fans at least one more week of highlights. Every team in the area with at least eight regular season wins has moved on to week 11— the local list includes Oak Hill, Minford, Wheelersburg, Ironton and Symmes Valley.

Division V

Friday night contests are scheduled for the schools of odd numbered divisions (I, III and V), games begin at 7:30 p.m.

Three area teams have advanced to the Division V, Region 19 playoffs while Valley (7-3) finished 11th in the region, six points from a playoff appearance.

Undefeated Oak Hill (10-0) will play its first postseason football game in school history. The SOC I champion Oaks, also a first, hope to continue their winning ways when they welcome the Hornets of Coal Grove (9-1) at Davis Stadium.

Minford (8-2) finished .2 points behind Oak Hill for the three seed and have also earned a home game. This is the third straight playoff appearance for the Falcons who take on the undefeated Ridgewood Generals from West Lafayette.

Wheelersburg (8-2) moves on to week 11 for the fifth time in six years. The Pirates were .7 points away from playing a home game this Friday, instead Wheelersburg finished as the fifth seed and will face Monroe Central (9-1). The game will be held at Marietta College.

Divisions IV and VI

All even numbered divisions (II, IV & VI) will hold playoffs games on Saturday at 7 p.m.

Division IV Ironton (8-2) earned the number two seed in Region 15 and plays host to the Highland Fighting Scots of Morrow County. Home playoff games seem tradition for Tanks Stadium. The Fighting Tigers have hosted week 11 six times since 2001.

Portsmouth’s seven win season was not enough to earn a D-IV playoff berth as the Trojans finished ninth is Region 15, less than a point from eight seed Alexander.

Division VI Symmes Valley (8-2) eked its way into the postseason as the eighth seed with a 40-6 win over South Gallia in week 10. The Vikings travel to Carroll County to face the top-seeded Malvern Hornets (9-1).

Also of note

Be sure to pick up Friday’s paper for previews on all the area playoff teams as we publish a special edition postseason Game Day section.

ALI KEATON can be reached at alikeaton_pdt@hotmail.com
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