CINCINNATI -- Steve Shuck is in his 21st season of compiling his area high school football playoff projections.
And this season, he’s joined WCPO.com.
Known statewide for his “Shuck’s Projections” newsletter, the Greater Miami Conference commissioner and Springdale resident analyzes area teams, games and results in order to project computer points totals in each respective region in anticipation of the Ohio High School Athletic Association’s final computer ratings Oct. 30.
Shuck’s projections are considered unofficial; there is no official connection to the OHSAA weekly computer points standings.
But Shuck's analysis offers a glimpse into what may be the first-round pairings when the playoffs start in November.
Of the 716 OHSAA member schools playing varsity football this fall, the largest 72 schools are in Division I, while the remaining schools are divided equally in Divisions II-VII (approximately 108 schools in each division).
Multiple games Friday night will have an impact on the playoff picture including Fairfield (5-1) at Mason (4-2), Elder (4-2) at Moeller (3-3) in a game at Lockland and St. Xavier (4-2) at La Salle (4-2). The Lancers, the two-time reigning Division II state champions, are projected to host a first-round game with the No. 4 spot in Region 8.
One scenario is certain: Colerain (6-0) has clinched a playoff berth, according to Shuck. The Cardinals, ranked No. 1 in the Associated Press Division I poll and No. 6 nationally by the MaxPreps computer rankings, are projected to earn 41.4 points -- one of the highest point totals Shuck has seen in the past two decades.
Other projected top seeds include three undefeated teams in Franklin (Division III, Region 12), Wyoming (Division IV, Region 16) and Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy (Division V, Region 20).
The top eight teams in each region will qualify for the playoffs. Use the drop-down menu to look through each region.
Shuck will provide information to WCPO.com starting this week until Oct. 30.
