High school football teams across Ohio learned their seeding for the upcoming state playoffs after brackets were released Thursday afternoon by the Ohio High School Athletic Association.
All teams are eligible to in the state playoffs this year after the OHSAA changed the postseason format because of the coronavirus pandemic. The state playoffs begin Friday, Oct. 9, for Divisions II, III and VII. Teams in Division I, IV, V and VI play on Saturday.
Team were seeded based on a vote by coaches in each region. The higher seeded team is set to host, but has the option to decline. Their opponent will then be given the opportunity to host the game.
Locally, two area squads earned first-round byes, while the rest will play in the opening round.
Riverside earned the highest seed of all area teams as the Pirates are seeded fifth in Division VII, Region 28. The Pirates have a first-round bye and will host the winner of (12) Lockland and (21) Manchester on Friday, Oct. 16.
In Division V, Region 20, West Liberty-Salem is seeded sixth and also has a first-round bye. The Tigers will host the winner of (11) Cincinnati Mariemont and (22) Reading on Saturday, Oct. 17.
Indian Lake and Benjamin Logan are both hosting first-round games in Division V, Region 18, on Saturday, Oct. 10. The Lakers are seeded 10th and will host 23rd-seeded Willard. The Raiders are seeded 15th and are set to host 18th-seeded Marion Pleasant.
Bellefontaine was voted as the 19th seed in Division III, Region 11. That puts the Chiefs on the road to face 14th-seeded Columbus South on Friday, Oct. 9.
In Division VI, Region 24, Triad earned the 17th seed. The Cardinals plays 16th-seeded National Trail on Saturday, Oct. 10.
Ridgemont holds the 18th seed in Division VII, Region 28, and will travel to 15th-seeded Troy Christian on Friday, Oct. 9. For site changes and updates on the OHSAA state playoffs go to www.ohsaa.org.