Unbeaten Ursuline and Poland are atop the latest OHSAA computer ratings.

Vindicator staff report

Through six weeks, several area playoff hopefuls are starting to dream — and starting to sweat.

Undefeated Poland and Ursuline — the state’s top-ranked teams in Div. III and V, respectively — are in the best position heading into the last four weeks of the regular season, according to the latest OHSAA football computer ratings released Tuesday.

Poland has a comfortable lead atop the Region 11 computer rankings — and has a tough-enough schedule to survive a slip-up (or two) down the stretch.

Ursuline, atop the Region 17 standings, is in the same position, although both teams are trying to end the suspense by winning out.

Other teams aren’t sitting so pretty.

Boardman (5-1), which lost to North Canton Hoover last Friday, slipped to seventh in the latest rankings and Warren Harding (4-2) is 10th.

The top eight teams in each region advance, with the top four earning first-round home games.

No area teams made the top 10 in Div. II, while Hubbard (5-1) and Liberty (6-0) sit fourth and fifth, respectively, in the Div. III, Region 9 rankings.

Lakeview (4-2), which plays host to Liberty on Friday, is 10th.

In Div. IV, Mooney (5-1) is third, while Girard (6-0) is 10th.

The Cardinals’ schedule will be an asset (provided they keep winning), while the Indians’ has been a bit of a liability. Girard probably needs to go 9-1 or 10-0 to make it.

In Div. V, Crestview (5-1) rose to fourth and South Range (4-2) slipped to ninth due in large part to the Rebels’ victory over the Raiders last weekend.

Six area teams are in the hunt in Div. VI, with Western Reserve (6-0) sitting in third and McDonald (6-0), Columbiana (4-2), Leetonia (5-1) and Springfield (4-2) sitting 5-8.

Wellsville (4-2) is 10th.