Monday, October 30, 2006
Average year: The Valley has 12 teams in the playoffs, which is about average for the area since the OHSAA expanded the playoffs to include eight teams in each region in 1999. There were 11 teams last season. The lowest total was 10 in 2003. The highest was 15 in 2002.
Back in the big dance: Mooney is making its fourth straight trip to the playoffs and 20th overall -- the most in the area. Here's the breakdown for the other schools: Warren JFK (16), South Range (10), Warren Harding (seven), Canfield (six), Crestview (six), Hubbard (six), Columbiana (five), Liberty (four), Niles (three) and Western Reserve (two). Reserve, the Tier Two champions, made its last appearance in 1989, which was also its last winning season.
Still searching: Area schools that have never made the playoffs are Wilson, Salem, Jackson-Milton, Sebring, Southern, United and Youngstown Christian. Wilson will consolidate with Rayen into East High School next fall.
Vindicator staff report