Let the excitement begin.

The first week of the Ohio High School Athletic Association computer football ratings have been released and three area teams are among the top four places in their respective divisions.

The Ironton Fighting Tigers lead Region 15 of Division IV, the Coal Grove Hornets are second in Region 19 of Division V, and the Symmes Valley Vikings are fourth in Region 23 of Division VI.

Also, the Green Bobcats cracked the first list by coming in at No. 12 in Region 24 of Division VI.

The top eight teams in each region of each division qualify for the postseason playoffs.

Ironton (5-0) had one of the largest leads with a 12.75 average. Heath is second at 8.4 points followed by Columbus Bishop Hartley at 8.15, Amanda Clearcreek 6.8, Portsmouth West 6.55 points, Johnstown Monroe 6.45, Coshocton 6.15, and Portsmouth 5.7.

West is 5-0, Portsmouth 2-3, and all other teams are 4-1.

Ironton hosts Johnathan Alder Friday. The Pioneers are fifth in Region 16 of Division IV. The Fighting Tigers also play Hartley in two weeks.

Coal Grove (4-1) has an 8.5 average to trail 5-0 Minford with 10.75 points.

Fredericktown is third at 7.9, Woodsfield Monroe 7.25, West Lafayette Ridgewood 7.05, Lucasville Valley and Caldwell are tied at 6.7, and Crooksville and Cardington Lincoln share the eighth spot with a 6.25 average.

The unbeaten Vikings (5-0) have a 5.95 average to trail Shadyside at 7.95, Fairfield Christian Academy at 6.1, and Newark Catholic with a 6.0 average.

Green (3-2) has a 2.5546 average in Region 24 where Covington is the leader followed by Springfield Catholic, Maria Stein Marion Local and Lockland as the top four teams.

Symmes Valley plays at Green this week in not only a key Southern Ohio Conference but a big computer points matchup.