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Friday, October 19

Akron Kenmore-Garfield at Salem, 7 p.m.

The good news for Salem (4-4) last week was that it got its first Eastern Buckeye Conference win. But the Quakers only hover slightly about Minerva in those standings and are out of the running for the league and playoffs. The Golden Rams (0-8) have scored 38 total points this season and will likely not test the Quakers.

West Branch at Marlington, 7 p.m.

West Branch (5-3, 3-1) has everything to play for in this one. The Dukes (7-1, 4-0) are currently tied for first in the Eastern Buckeye Conference with Alliance. If West Branch should pull the upset, the Warriors would be tied with the Dukes in the league standings. Then, the Warriors would have to beat Salem in the regular season finale and hope the Aviators top their rivals in the regular season closer.

Alliance at Minerva, 7 p.m.

The Aviators (5-3, 4-0) lead the Eastern Buckeye Conference along with Marlington and will no doubt be paying close attention what goes on in the West Branch-Marlington game. Minerva (0-8, 0-4) has lost 38 straight and it doesn’t appear there’s an end in sight to that skid.

St. Clairsville at South Range, 7 p.m.

The Red Devils (8-0) have already clinched a playoff spot in Div. IV, Region 15 but this might actually be a step down in competition for the Raiders (4-4) after its back-to-back losses to Div. II Garfield Heights and Div. III Louisville. South Range will need to have this game if it’s to think about the playoffs.

McDonald at Western Reserve, 7 p.m.

McDonald (8-0, 5-0) is riding high in the Mahoning Valley Athletic Conference and could clinch a share of the league title and perhaps a playoff berth with a win. Western Reserve (7-1, 4-1) could make it a three-way tie for first with a win and maybe even collectively wipe out the MVAC from any playoff spots.

Columbiana at Southern, 7 p.m.

These two teams have been in the same league at various stretches of their existence but it has not been enough to establish a significant rivalry. This may all change tonight as first-place in the Eastern Ohio Athletic Conference is on the line. Columbiana (5-3, 5-0) sits atop the EOAC standings right now despite dropping its first three non-league contests. Southern Local (7-1, 4-1) is aiming for its first win over Columbiana in its history (the two first met in 1991). If the Indians win, they’ll be in the driver’s seat for at least a share of the EOAC crown and possibly the league’s only Div. VI playoff berth. A Columbiana win would lock up a share of the league title for the Clippers.

Leetonia at Wellsville, 7 p.m.

Leetonia (3-5, 0-3) was state-ranked at one time. That’s a long time ago now as the Bears have dropped five-straight and have been shut out in three straight. Wellsville (2-6, 1-4) has dropped four straight but has been able to put up some points against some of the league’s tougher teams.

Toronto at United, 7 p.m.

United (6-2, 4-1) will be paying close attention to the Southern-Columbiana game and will be rooting on the Indians. If Southern wins and the Eagles do the same, there will be a three-way tie for the lead heading into the final week. Granted, the Eagles still have to take Toronto (3-5, 2-3) very seriously. The Knights have come on as of late and are still perhaps the league’s best chance at getting a Div. VII team into the playoffs.

Crestview at Indian Creek, 7 p.m.

Crestview (6-2) is in a great position to snatch a playoff spot with a win over the Buckeye 8 North Division leading Redskins (6-2). While Indian Creek’s schedule has not been close to the caliber of the Rebels this season, Creek did only lose by seven to unbeaten St. Clairsville. The Rebels would be wise to get the win this week as a date with Wheeling Linsly in the final week might be the bigger challenge.

Lisbon at East Palestine, 7 p.m.

It’s been that kind of season for the Blue Devils (3-5, 1-4) and Bulldogs (4-4, 3-2). There’s a slim chance Lisbon could qualify for the playoffs in Div. VII if it wins one of its last two, but the Devils have scored six total points in the last three games. East Palestine had to put up a lot of points to keep Toronto from an upset last week.

Waterloo at Sebring, 7 p.m.

This game will determine who finishes in the cellar of the MVAC. Sebring (0-8, 0-5) has scored 14 points all season, while Waterloo (1-7, 0-5) has scored 15 points total in all of its league games.

Beaver Local at Martins Ferry, 7 p.m.

Martins Ferry (5-3) has gone off the rails a bit in its last two games, but the Purple Riders are still in the seventh position in the Div. V, Region 19 playoff picture. Beaver Local (3-5) is trying to find something positive to hang its hat on in these final two weeks.

Lowellville at Springfield, 7 p.m.

Springfield (7-1, 4-1) is stuck with the Rockets (3-5, 3-2) and Waterloo in its two remaining games so positive results in those games is unlikely to move the needle on the Tigers’ playoff chances. Instead, Springfield will be looking elsewhere for help.

Weir at East Liverpool, 7:30 p.m.

East Liverpool (5-3) needs a win here to be on the right path to its first playoff berth since 2010. Weir (6-2) is barely hanging on for its playoff life in West Virginia Class AA in the 13th position. The Potters have not beaten the Red Riders since 2013.

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