Uncertainty abounds in FB ratings

For seven area teams, it’s win and they’re in.

STAFF REPORT

There’s still a lot of uncertainty for many Valley football teams with just one week remaining in the regular season.

The week 9 computer ratings were released on Tuesday, and this much is known: six teams are in — Cardinal Mooney (9-0) and Poland (8-1) in Division III, Girard (9-0) and Lakeview (6-3) in Div. IV, Crestview (8-1) in Div. V and McDonald (9-0) in Div. VI.

In fact, Mooney, Poland and Girard have clinched home games, according to the Web site joeeitel.com.

Seven other teams have a clear mandate this weekend — win and you’re in.

Those teams are Howland (8-1) and Canfield (8-1) in Div. II, Hubbard (8-1) in Div. III, East Palestine (7-2) and Ursuline (5-3) in Div. V, and Warren JFK (7-2) and Columbiana (7-2) in Div. VI.

What makes some of those prospects a little dicey is the week 10 matchups — Howland visits JFK at Mollenkopf Stadium on Saturday night, and Canfield travels to Poland on Friday.

Next in line are 11 more schools who must win and need help — some more (or a lot more) than others.

Boardman (6-3) and Fitch (6-3) battle on Friday; a Spartans’ win almost assures them of a spot, while a Fitch win only gives them a fighting chance.

Also still mathematically alive are Warren Harding (5-3-1) in Div. I, Salem (7-2) in Div. III, Campbell Memorial (6-3), Liberty (4-5) and Newton Falls (6-3) in Div. IV, Mineral Ridge (5-4) and Springfield (5-4) in Div. V, and Western Reserve (8-1) and Lowellville (5-4) in Div. VI.

Check The Vindicator and Vindy.com after Friday’s games for playoff projections. The official final ratings and playoff pairings will be announced on Sunday.