Celina and Marion Local remain atop regional football computer ratings

Several football teams from Mercer and Auglaize counties remain in strong postseason position as the regular season enters Week Nine.

The Ohio High School Athletic Association released its latest computer ratings Tuesday. The top 12 teams in each region will qualify for the playoffs, while the top four seeds will receive first-round byes.

Celina remains the top-ranked team in Division III, Region 10. The undefeated Bulldogs are 8-0 with a computer average of 19.3.

Two Auglaize County teams also appear in the Division III regional rankings. Wapakoneta is fifth at 5-3, while St. Marys is seventh with the same record.

In Division V, Region 18, Coldwater is ranked fifth. The Cavaliers enter Week Nine with a 6-2 record and remain in position to host a playoff game.

St. Henry is ranked 10th in Division VI, Region 24. The Redskins are 5-3 and currently sit inside the 12-team playoff field.

Mercer and Auglaize county teams occupy five of the top 10 positions in Division VII, Region 28.

Defending regional leader Marion Local remains first with an 8-0 record. Minster is third at 6-2, placing the Wildcats in position for a first-round bye.

Waynesfield-Goshen is fifth with a 6-2 record. New Bremen is eighth at 3-5, while Fort Recovery is 10th with the same record.

The regional standings could shift considerably Friday night with several local teams facing one another. Coldwater visits St. Henry, Minster travels to Marion Local and New Bremen plays at Fort Recovery. Celina will put its undefeated record on the line at Ottawa-Glandorf.

The final computer ratings and playoff qualifiers will be announced October 25. First-round games are scheduled for October 30, with the higher-seeded teams serving as hosts.