Staff report

Nineteen area high school football teams are in contention for playoff spots, according to the first computerized ratings that were released Tuesday by the Ohio High School Athletic Association.

Brookfield in Division IV Region 13 is the only area team to show up in first place. The Warriors (4-0) are one place ahead of Creston Norwayne, the team that ousted them from the playoffs last year and went on to win the state crown.

In that same region, Lakeview (2-2) is seventh and Liberty (3-1) is ninth. The top eight teams in each region qualify for the postseason.

In Div. I Region 1, Austintown Fitch (4-0) is second while Warren Harding (3-1) is eighth and Boardman (3-1) is tenth.

At number five in Region 5, Howland (3-1) is the only Div. II team in contention.

Four area Div. III teams are listed in two regions. In Region 9, Niles (4-0) is second and Hubbard (3-1) is tenth.

In Region 11, Struthers (3-1) is eighth while Cardinal Mooney (2-2) is ninth.

Div. V has the most teams in contention — five. Leading the Region 17 pack is Crestview (4-0) at number two, followed by Ursuline (3-1) at number six. On the outside looking in are Campbell Memorial (2-2) at number 10, United (3-1) at number 11 and Columbiana (3-1) at number 12.

Warren JFK (4-0) leads three area teams in Div. VI Region 21. The Eagles are second, followed by Youngstown Christian (4-0) at sixth and Leetonia (3-1) at eighth.

Several games this Friday will have a major effect on the next ratings. Boardman travels to Fitch while Brookfield will host Warren JFK.

Struthers, who lost to Brookfield last Friday, travels to Hubbard who is coming off a loss to Howland.

Ursuline has another tough road test in Div. I’s Lakewood St. Edward (4-0).