When the WVSSAC state football ratings are released tonight, Parkersburg High will be ranked No. 6 in Class AAA, while Parkersburg South will be at No. 11.
If those were the final ratings -which they aren't because there are still two weeks of games - the opening round playoff pairing would have South playing at PHS, and thus would be a first for the city rivals.
Don't get your hopes up for a rematch because the standings radically will change over the next two weeks when 6-2 PHS plays South Charleston and George Washington and 5-3 South meets Wheeling Park and John Marshall. The good news is the Big Reds have clinched a spot in the postseason and South can do so simply by beating winless John Marshall in its regular season finale.
Wins by PHS in its final two games would ensure a first round home game. A 7-3 finish would have PHS on the bubble for playing its opening round game at home.
With two wins, it's possible but not likely South would play at home in the opening round. With two losses, the Patriots would miss the playoffs.
In Class AA, No. 5 Roane County (7-1) has clinched a playoff berth. A win over either Wirt County or Ritchie County would ensure a first-round home game, while a pair of wins might get the Raiders into the top four and ensure a pair of home games.
No. 11 Ravenswood (6-2) can clinch a playoff berth with a win over either of its remaining foes, St. Marys and Ripley. A pair of wins and the Red Devils might even earn a first-round home game. Two losses and Ravenswood would be on the playoff bubble.
The mission for No. 13 Ritchie County (6-2) is crystal clear. The Rebels are going to have beat either Williamstown or Roane County to earn a playoff berth. It's highly unlikely at 6-4 Ritchie would finish in the top 16.
Amazingly, there is hope for No. 19 Magnolia (4-4). With wins over both 8-1 Oak Glen and 6-2 Grafton, the defending state champions could make the playoff field. Another loss and that won't happen.
In Class A, No. 2 Wahama (8-0) and No. 3 Williamstown (7-0) have clinched playoff berths. If both win out, (Wahama meets Miller and Buffalo, while Williamstown has Ritchie County and Parkersburg Catholic), each will be assured of a top four finish and at least two home playoff games. It's quite likely if they both finish unbeaten, Williamstown will finish ahead of Wahama and earn home field advantage throughout the playoffs.
No. 6 Wirt County (7-1) has remaining games against Roane County and South Harrison. A win in either should keep the Tigers in the top eight and thus earn a first-round home game. With two wins, Wirt could squeeze into the top four and be assured of a pair of home games.
No. 14 Parkersburg Catholic (5-3) has remaining games against Gilmer County and Williamstown. Two wins and the Crusaders are in the playoffs. With a win over Gilmer and a loss to Williamstown, the Crusaders would be on the playoff bubble, likely squeezing into one of the final two spaces. Two losses would eliminate Catholic.
No. 19 St. Marys (4-4) could rise into the top 16 with wins over Ravenswood and Doddridge County. Another loss and the Devils are eliminated.
We'll know a lot more after this weekend's results.
The good news is the Mid-Ohio Valley is going to be well represented come playoff time.
Contact Dave Poe at dpoe@newsandsentinel.com
