Getting into position for the stretch run.

Wednesday, October 17, 2001

Getting into position for the stretch run.

With two games remaining in the regular season, area teams are jockeying for position as they try to qualify for the Ohio High School Athletic Association postseason playoffs.

The Ironton Fighting Tigers (8-0) have already qualified for the playoffs and have secured a first-round home game. The only question with the Fighting Tigers is how many points will they amass.

Division I Hillard Davison has a 25.7855 average, the best in the state. Ironton, the leader in Region 15 of Division IV, is second at 25.6705.

Behind Ironton is Licking Valley (8-0) with a 20.6875 average. Tuscarawas Valley is third at 19.1875 followed by New Lexington (16.3500), Waverly (15.6375), Portsmouth West (15.3375), Portsmouth (14.5250), and Coshocton (13.7875) is eighth.

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

South Point is trying to make the big jump.

The Pointers are up three spots to 14th this week in Region 15 of Division IV with a 9.300 average. They can take a giant step toward getting into contention with a win over Wayne, W.Va., this week. The Pioneers could be worth 45 points with a win.

Heath is ninth at 13.1125, Fairfield Union 10th at 12.9005, Indian Valley – which should lose at least one more game – is 11th at 12.2875, and Newcomerstown 12th at 10.9375, and Wellston 13th at 10.3624.

The Chesapeake Panthers (5-3) lost to South Point last week but remain in playoff contention.

Chesapeake is fifth with a 10.2155 average after being third last week. The Panthers close the season at Coal Grove and then host Rock Hill, so second level points will be limited and would put them on the road when the playoffs open.

Leading the region is Woodsfield at 13.2875 followed by Licking Heights at 11.8625, Amanda-Clearcreek 11.2572, and Shenandoah is fourth with a 10.3375 average.

Smithville is sixth at 9.7125, Barnesville seventh at 8.4125, and Crooksville eighth at 8.300.

The Wheelersburg Pirates (6-2) are first in Region 20 of Division V, but the final two games will be difficult as they play Portsmouth West and Portsmouth.

A win over either team should secure a home game, but two losses would plummet the Pirates and put them on the road.