Just like that, we're at the halfway point of the 2022 football season. Which means its nearly time to start making plans for the playoffs.
While it might be early, we wanted to go ahead and get the discussion started with an early look at where teams will finish in their respective regions.
Our panel of high school football contributors have listed what could be expected to unfold in the final 5 weeks of the regular season and the key games that could make or break a teams' season.
The list below is the the current standings in the region, based on Joe Eitel's website. Our panel has taken the top 16 teams and other teams who may still have a chance at playoff spot and listed a projected a final number, a final seed, and a key game for each team.
#1 Ironton Fighting Tigers (5-0)
Projected Final Record: 10-0
Projected Harbin Number: 32.6797
Projected Finish: 1st
Key Game: October 14th vs. Gallia Academy
This could be a trap game for the Tigers as they will be coming off a big game with the Hornets prior to this one. The Blue Devils have played spoiler before and would very much love to again. Ironton will be the favorite for this one.
#2 Harvest Prep Warriors (5-0)
Projected Final Record: 10-0
Projected Harbin Number: 27.3105
Projected Finish: 2nd
Key Game: October 14th @ Licking Heights
In 2021, the Warriors lost to Licking Heights 13-8. So it's no surprise who would be Harvest Prep's biggest remaining game. A second place finish is on the line in this matchup and the coveted two home games in the opening playoff rounds.
#3 Union Local Jets (4-0)
Projected Final Record: 9-1
Projected Harbin Number: 22.6413
Projected Finish: 3rd
Key Game: October 15th @ Bellaire
The remaining schedule for the Jets will be tough but they're capable of winning most of them. Their showdown with Bellaire will be a toss up, especially playing on the road on a Saturday. A win will ensure a home game for the first two rounds of the postseason.
#4 Barnesville Shamrocks (5-0)
Projected Final Record: 10-0
Projected Harbin Number: 21.6257
Projected Finish: 4th
Key Game: October 21st vs. Union Local
This will be a big game for both teams. The Shamrocks will strengthen their foothold on a top 4 playoff spot with a win. With the game being at home, Barnesville will be the favorite for this week 10 game.
#5 Centerburg Trojans (3-1)
Projected Final Record: 8-2
Projected Harbin Number: 6th (tied)
Projected Finish: 16.8500
Key Game: October 7th @ Danville
The Trojans will be a slight underdog heading into this big matchup. Danville nearly won last year's contest and are an improved team from last season. A win for Centerburg would really elevate their playoff position.
#6 Portsmouth West Senators (4-1)
Projected Final Record: 8-2
Projected Harbin Number: 16.8500
Projected Finish: 6th (tied)
Key Game: October 21st vs. Wheelersburg
The SOC II title and a lot of playoff points will be on the line. The Pirates will be a slight favorite. But with the game at home, the Senators will have a lot going in their favor for this week 10 game.
#7 Fairland Dragons (4-1)
Projected Final Record: 8-2
Projected Harbin Number: 13.9500
Projected Finish: 8th
Key Game: September 23rd @ Gallia Academy
The Dragons have a tough stretch of games left and this is one of those games. While Fairland will be a slight underdog, they can leave the French City with a win on Friday and a better position in the top 8 of the region.
#8 Wheelersburg Pirates (3-2)
Projected Final Record: 8-2
Projected Harbin Number: 20.0626
Projected Finish: 5th
Key Game: October 21st @ Portsmouth West
This will more than likely be the battle for the SOC II crown and a ton of playoff points. The Pirates should be the favorite for this game, but the Senators will be a tough test. A win will guarantee a top 4 finish in the region.
#9 Minford Falcons (4-1)
Projected Final Record: 7-3
Projected Harbin Number: 9.8500
Projected Finish: 12th
Key Game: September 23rd @ Wheelersburg
While the Pirates will be the favorite heading into this game. Minford is capable of walking out of this game with a win. The Falcons should make the playoffs, but a win here could very well put them in the top 8 for the opening round.
#10 West Muskingum Tornadoes (3-2)
Projected Final Record: 6-4
Projected Harbin Number: 6.4858
Projected Finish: Out
Key Game: September 23rd vs. Maysville
As it's projected, the Tornadoes will squeeze into the playoffs in the final spot. This is a critical to gain needed points and to see where they stand before playing several winnable game to finish the season. Maysville should be favored in this game.
#11 Northwest Mohawks (3-2)
Projected Final Record: 8-2
Projected Harbin Number: 12.7500
Projected Finish: 9th
Key Game: October 7th vs. Green
This may turnout to be the game that decides the SOC I title. The Mohawks will be favored but cannot overlook the Bobcats as there are a lot of points on the line to ensure a good seed in the playoffs.
#12 Heath Bulldogs (2-2)
Projected Final Record: 6-4
Projected Harbin Number: 10.4773
Projected Finish: 11th
Key Game: October 14th vs. Newark Catholic
The Bulldogs have a favorable schedule to end the year. This game will be a measuring stick for them. While the Green Wave will be the favorite, a Bulldog win would put them comfortably in the top 8 of the region.
#13 Utica Redskins (2-3)
Projected Final Record: 4-6
Projected Harbin Number: 6.5500
Projected Finish: 16th
Key Game: October 7th vs. Johnstown-Monroe
This will be a crucial game for the Redskins down the stretch. The Johnnies, despite their record (0-5 currently), will be a challenge for Utica as they get ready for several winnable games in the final weeks
#14 South Point Pointers (2-2)
Projected Final Record: 3-7
Projected Harbin number: 5.4500
Projected Finish: Out
Key Game: September 23rd vs. Rock Hill
The Pointers will need to find a win somewhere if they want a chance at postseason play. Their game against the Redmen is their best chance outside of Chesapeake. A win will bring in some needed points and a chance to squeak into the playoffs.
#15 Albany Alexander Spartans (4-1)
Projected Final Record: 4-6
Projected Harbin Number: 2.7090
Projected Finish: Out
Key Game: September 30th vs. River Valley
The Spartans will have some tougher competition to close the year out and will need to scratch out a win somewhere on the schedule. A home date with River Valley provides them their best chance at a win despite the Raiders being the favorites.
#16 Portsmouth Trojans (2-3)
Projected final record: 4-6
Projected Harbin number: 6.9040
Projected Finish: 15th
Key Game: October 7th vs. Fairland
The Trojains have a tough road ahead down the stretch and will need to find another win somewhere. Their home date with Fairland will be a big opportunity for them to showcase their speed on the turf and solidify a postseason berth.
#17 Piketon Redstreaks (2-3)
Projected Final Record: 7-3
Projected Harbin Number: 11.0500
Projected Finish: 10th
Key Game: September 23rd @ Paint Valley
The Redstreaks are on a 3-game skid right now and need to get a win. Paint Valley will be their toughest competition remaining on their schedule so this is a must-win game. Piketon should hold a slight edge heading into this game.
#18 Columbus Academy Vikings (1-2)
Projected Final Record: 6-3
Projected Harbin Number: 8.9835
Projected Finish: 13th
Key Game: September 30th @ Fort Loramie
This will provide a measuring stick for the Vikings. Second level points will be hard to get despite the chances of winning most of their remaining games. So their matchup with Fort Loramie is a chance to get points and a better seed in the playoffs.
#19 Chesapeake Panthers (2-3)
Projected Final Record: 2-8
Projected Harbin Number: 4.3363
Projected Finish: Out
Key Game: October 7th @ South Point
Things don't look good for the Panthers from here on out. But if they want to creep into the playoffs, they'll need to defeat the Pointers and the Redmen. But first things first, they have to go to South Point and win.
#20 Meigs Marauders (2-3)
Projected Final Record: 6-4
Projected Harbin Number: 8.3045
Projected Finish: 14th
Key Game: September 23 @ Nelsonville-York
The Marauders will need this game as a measuring stick in order to see where they stand heading into the final stretch. They will be the underdog but have a chance as the Buckeyes have struggled some this season.
Comments