Moeller has officially clawed its way into a Division I, Region 4 top-four spot, locking down a coveted first-round playoff bye after taking down Elder on Friday, October 2. That’s huge, because as we hit Week 8, teams only have three chances left to rack up points for a playoff berth or one of those sweet byes. The Ohio High School Athletic Association just dropped their official computer ratings for October 5, and things are getting tight.
Division I, Region 4 Is a Brawl for Byes
Right now, undefeated Princeton is sitting pretty at the top with a playoff berth already clinched. But the real drama is right behind them. Moeller, after that critical win against Elder, jumped right into the top four. Elder is still holding strong in that top tier too, along with Lakota West. We’re talking about a serious scramble for those bye spots, and Moeller’s Juice Glover-Brown even got into the end zone, showing up when it mattered. Lebanon and Winton Woods are breathing down their necks, just outside the top four. And talk about being on the bubble: Colerain and Lakota East are tied for 11th, barely hanging on. Little Miami, despite a winning 4-3 record, is the only team outside that bubble with a winning record. Every game from here on out is absolutely critical for these squads.
Divisions II and III Heating Up as Crunch Time Nears
It’s not just Division I with the fireworks. Over in Division II, Region 8, both Anderson and Harrison, each with a solid 6-1 record, are planted firmly in the top four, looking good for those byes. Talawanda, Badin, Edgewood, and La Salle are also sitting in playoff positions. But Withrow, at 4-3, is on the outside looking in at 13th place and has a ton of work ahead of them to make a move. Kings and Turpin, both 3-4, are in similar tough spots.
Then you hit Division III, Region 12, and it’s a whole different kind of wild. Surprisingly, *no team* has clinched a top-four spot, even undefeated teams like Goshen and Hughes! That means the race for those byes is wide open. Northwest, McNicholas, Monroe, and Indian Hill are looking like solid playoff bets, with Indian Hill grabbing the 12th spot and a decent lead over 13th-place Mt. Healthy. But with no byes secured yet for anyone, that division is going to be a nail-biter right to the finish line.
With only three opportunities left to earn points for playoff seeding and those crucial first-round byes, every single snap, every single play, every single win is going to count for these teams. The stakes are through the roof. Get ready for a wild ride as the season sprints to the finish!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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