matchups \ 5 more to watch

EAST vs. HARDING

Kickoff: Today, 7:30 p.m. at Mollenkopf Stadium in Warren.

Scouting report: Harding (4-3-1) still has a mathematical chance at reaching the postseason but the Raiders have to win out and get LOTS of help. They’re out to snap a two-game losing streak against East (2-6), which has dropped four in a row, including a 22-20 decision at Canton Central Catholic last week. Harding won last year’s matchup, 15-14.

LIBERTY vs. HOWLAND

Kickoff: Today, 7 p.m. at Lombardo Stadium in Howland.

Scouting report: The Tigers (7-1) completed All-American Conference Red Tier play last week with a big win over Niles. In week 10 they have a showdown with rival JFK. Tonight is a potential trap game against a Liberty (4-4) squad that’s hoping to break a two-game losing skein. The Leopards have the defense to keep this one close.

MINERAL RIDGE vs. CRESTVIEW

Kickoff: Today, 7 p.m. at Crestview High Stadium.

Scouting report: Mineral Ridge — the Valley’s version of “Sybil” — has a tough road test against unbeaten Crestview. The Rams (4-4) have been very, very good in their wins and perplexingly inconistent in their defeats. They’re going to need their “A” game against the Rebels, who have been rolling since midseason wins over Inter Tri-County League Tier One rivals Columbiana and East Palestine.

LAKE vs. FITCH

Kickoff: Today, 7:30 p.m. at Falcon Stadium in Austintown.

Scouting report: The Falcons (5-3) have been giving points by the bucket the last three weeks —37 in a win over Jackson and 31 in losses to North Canton Hoover and Perry. Last week’s 31-14 loss to Perry was Fitch’s most disappointing performance of the season, and they need a pick-me-up before week 10’s showdown with Boardman. Lake comes in 4-4 but claiming a win over Boardman in week 4.

SLIPPERY ROCK vs. CHANEY

Kickoff: Saturday, 2 p.m. at Stambaugh Stadium.

Scouting report: The Cowboys get a home game and look to build some momentum before facing City rival East next Saturday. If Chaney (0-8) can shore up its defense — the Cowboys have allowed fewer than 40 points only twice this season — they’ll compete with a Slippery Rock team that’s 2-5 and coming off a 35-6 loss to Meadville. The Rockets’ only wins have come against Reynolds and Titusville, who are a combined 1-13.

Staff report