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 for each team in the region, as well as the key game 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 Coal Grove Hornets (5-0)
Projected Final Record: 9-1
Projected Harbin Number: 23.3000
Projected Finish: 2nd
Key Game: October 14th @ Fairland
While Hornets should be the favored team, however this game could be considered a trap game. Coal Grove faces a tough Ironton team a week ahead of this game and will have to really give this game the attention it deserves no matter the outcome of the week 8 game.
#2 Fort Frye Cadets (5-0)
Projected Final Record: 10-0
Projected Harbin Number: 28.9750
Projected Finish: 1st
Key Game: October 7th @ Caldwell
This is the stiffest competition remaining on the Cadets schedule to finish the year. These teams did not get to play last season due to a cancellation. Fort Frye will be the favorite when these two square off.
#3 Malvern Hornets (4-1)
Projected Final Record: 9-1
Projected Harbin Number: 13.2500
Projected Finish: 6th
Key Game: October 21st vs. East Canton
Malvern should be a lock for a top 8 finish, but will have trouble climbing up the rankings due to no help from their schedule. So this means every point matters from here on out. Their week 10 game with East Canton will be the deciding factor where they finish.
#4 Nelsonville-York Buckeyes (4-1)
Projected Final Record: 8-2
Projected Harbin Number: 13.7020
Projected Finish: 5th
Key Game: October 14th @ Vinton County
This week 9 match-up will decide the TVC-Ohio Division and how high of a seed the Buckeyes can get heading into the playoffs. Vinton County should be favored heading into the game.
#5 Northmor Golden Knights (4-1)
Projected Final Record: 8-2
Projected Harbin Number: 13.8000
Projected Finish: 4th
Key Game: September 23rd @ Fredericktown
Despite handling the Freddies last year, Northmor will be tested in this week 6 game. A win will certainly place them in the top 8 for the playoffs. The Knights should be the favorite going into this game.
#6 Shenandoah Zeps (4-1)
Projected Final Record: 7-3
Projected Harbin Number: 12.0434
Projected Finish: 7th
Key Game: October 14th @ Barnesville
The Zeps will be facing a tough two games to close out the season. Their week 9 game against Barnesville will give them a measuring stick for the playoffs and a possible win ensures a top 8 finish.
#7 West Jefferson Rough Riders (3-2)
Projected Final Record: 7-3
Projected Harbin Number: 15.9500
Projected Finish: 3rd
Key Game: September 23rd vs. Northeastern
After suffering a tough loss last week, the Rough Riders have a chance to rip off four straight wins going into their big game with Mechanicsburg in week 10. West Jefferson will be the favorite but the Jets look to be a tough test this time around.
#8 Berne Union Rockets (4-1)
Projected final record: 7-3
Projected Harbin number: 10.7000
Projected Finish: 8th
Key Game: October 7th vs. Worthington Christian
The rest of the Rockets schedule is very favorable, but they will be an underdog going into this game. A win could push them into a top 4 finish and the beneficial two home games to start the postseason.
#9 Mount Gilead Indians (3-2)
Projected Final Record: 5-5
Projected Harbin Number: 6.7500
Projected Finish: 14th
Key Game: September 23rd vs. East Knox
This game will have an impact on both teams and their playoff hopes. The Indians should be the slight favorite for this one. A win here will ensure a trip to the playoffs. A loss put those hopes in jeapordy.
#9 - Newcomerstown Trojans (3-2)
Projected Final Record: 5-5
Projected Harbin Number: 5.7000
Projected Finish: 15th
Key Game: September 23rd @ East Canton
While East Canton was has won the past two meetings ('19 & '20, '21 was cancelled) since they began playing again in 2019. The games have been decided by one score. A Trojan win would more than likely secure a playoff berth.
#11 Bellaire Big Reds (2-3)
Projected Final Record: 6-4
Projected Harbin Number: 9.1131
Projected Finish: 11th
Key Game: September 30th @ St. Clairsville
This will be the test for the Big Reds.
#12 - Rock Hill Redmen (2-3)
Projected Final Record: 4-6
Projected Harbin Number: 7.9500
Projected Finish: 12th
Key Game: October 7th @ Gallia Academy
This game is wedged in the middle a full slate of tough opponents for the Blue Devils to finish the year. If the Redmen can make this a win, it could solidify a favorable spot in the playoff seedings.
#13 Grove City Christian Eagles (3-2)
Projected Final Record: 6-4
Projected Harbin Number: 6.8938
Projected Finish: 13th
Key Game: September 23 vs. Bishop Rosecrans
The Eagles will need to do a lot of things to get into the playoffs. They have a chance to roll off several wins before facing two tough final games. This game will be the first step in going in that direction. The Eagles should be the favored in this matchup but
#14 Loudonville Redbirds (2-3)
Projected Final Record: 3-7
Projected Harbin Number: 5.5000
Projected Finish: 16th
Key Game: October 14th vs. East Knox
There's little room for error for the Redbirds as they will need to gain every point that they can down the stretch. This week 9 game could all but make sure Loudonville punches its ticket to postseason play and get momentum before playing Northmor.
#15 Worthington Christian Warriors (3-2)
Projected Final Record: 6-4
Projected Harbin Number: 9.4000
Projected Finish: 10th
Key Game: October 7th @ Berne Union
This a game that could really push the Warriors up the the rankings in terms of playoff seeding. Berne Union should be the favorite, but Worthington Christian shouldn't be counted out in this one.
#16 Grandview Heights Bobcats (2-3)
Projected final record: 2-8
Projected Harbin number: 2.875
Projected Finish: Out
Key Game: October 14th vs. Bishop Ready
In reality, things don't look good for the Bobcats when you look at their remaining schedule. They have a chance to beat Bexley in week 10 but it won't them in terms of points. Which means their game with the Silver Knights will be the deciding factor in a postseason berth.
#17 East Know Bulldogs (2-3)
Projected Final Record: 3-7
Projected Harbin Number: 4.1500
Projected Finish: Out
Key Game: September 23rd vs. Mount Gilead
The Bulldogs need a lot of help to get in but luckily they do have control of their own destiny. Their game against Mount Gilead will be a determining factor in how their season shapes up. A Bulldog win would inch them closer to a postseason berth.
#18 Elgin Comets (2-3)
Projected Final Record: 5-5
Projected Harbin Number: 4.9500
Projected Finish: Out
Key Game: September 23rd @ Hardin Northern
With several winnable games left on the schedule, those opponents won't bring in very many points for the Comets. This game is very much a tossup. A win would provide a boost to their playoff position.
#26 Trimble Tomcats (0-5)
Projected Final Record: 5-5
Projected Harbin Number: 8.8000
Projected Finish: 9th
Key Game: October 14th vs. Waterford
The first five games for the Tomcats were brutal to say the least. Even at 0-5, this team is very capable of winning out. Waterford will be the team standing in their way of not only a league title, but also a berth into the postseason.
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