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October means it’s time to look at which teams could reach the postseason in several Division I regions. Here are the eight regions that have the most intrigue this month, ranked:
1. Region 4-2A
Top-to-bottom drama with these six teams. East Robertson at Westmoreland next Friday is for the region title barring a major upset. Watertown vs. Trousdale County in Week 11 could be an elimination game where the loser won’t qualify for the playoffs. However, that only happens if Trousdale County defeats Whites Creek next Thursday and considering they’re still winless, that’s not a given. Key region games remaining: Whites Creek at Trousdale County (Oct. 13), East Robertson at Westmoreland (Oct. 14), Harpeth at Westmoreland (Oct. 28), Trousdale County at Watertown (Oct. 28).
2. Region 4-4A
Four teams are still in play for the region title, with locals Macon County and DeKalb County among those in contention. Macon County must defeat Stone Memorial this week, however, or they’re looking at a road playoff game in the first round. DeKalb County also gets a shot at both Upperman and Stone Memorial in the final four weeks of the regular season. Key region games remaining: Macon County at Stone Memorial (Oct. 7), DeKalb County at Upperman (Oct. 14), Stone Memorial at DeKalb County (Oct. 28).
3. Region 5-5A
All signs point to a Mt. Juliet at Green Hill Week 11 showdown for the region title. White County, Wilson Central and Station Camp are fighting for two spots, but Hillsboro can still factor in the race by winning two of its last three region games. Key region games remaining: Hillsboro at White County (Oct. 7), Station Camp at Wilson Central (Oct. 7), Green Hill at Station Camp (Oct. 21), Mt. Juliet at Green Hill (Oct. 28), Wilson Central at Hillsboro (Oct. 28).
4. Region 4-6A
The intrigue is behind first-place Oakland. Blackman holds second currently, but faces Rockvale next week for the No. 2 seed. Rockvale needs another win to assure a playoff spot, but the Rockets would have to get it against either the Patriots or Blaze to do so. Stewarts Creek could be in the best spot, having already defeated Rockvale, and the Red Hawks could win their way up to the No. 3 seed, with an outside chance at second if Blackman stumbles down the stretch. Siegel isn’t out of it, but the Stars need to win out and get help. Key region games remaining: Oakland at Riverdale (Oct. 14), Rockvale at Blackman (Oct. 14), Stewarts Creek at Siegel (Oct. 14), Siegel at Blackman (Oct. 28), Stewarts Creek at Riverdale (Oct. 28)
5. Region 5-4A
It’s a three-team race at the top as Pearl-Cohn, Marshall County and Greenbrier are all spotless in league play to this point, setting up a round-robin for the No. 1 seed in October. Fourth is also up for grabs as Creek Wood and Lawrence County tangle in Week 11 in what could be the decisive game for the final playoff spot. Key region games remaining: Marshall County at Pearl-Cohn (Oct. 6), Greenbrier at Creek Wood (Oct. 7), Pearl-Cohn at Greenbrier (Oct. 14), Greenbrier at Marshall County (Oct. 28), Creek Wood at Lawrence County (Oct. 28).
6. Region 6-6A
The drama in 6-6A isn’t about who’s getting in, it’s where will the top four teams finish. Cane Ridge, Smyrna, Overton and McGavock will be the four playoff teams barring anything unforeseen. The Ravens and Bobcats tangle on Thursday, and a Cane Ridge win clinches the region title. If Overton wins, all eyes will be on their Week 11 showdown with Smyrna. McGavock could pass Smyrna, but the Raiders have already dropped games to the other two contenders and will in all likelihood be on the road the first week of the playoffs. Key region games remaining: Overton at Cane Ridge (Oct. 6), Smyrna at McGavock (Oct. 20), Smyrna at Overton (Oct. 28).
7. Region 7-6A
Same as 6-6A, only the top four are realistically in play here. Ravenwood can’t clinch the region title without help until they face Independence in Week 11. And Centennial gets the next crack at the Raptors this week. Then, there’s Brentwood, who faces Centennial in Week 11 for what could be the No. 2 seed. Key region games remaining: Ravenwood at Centennial (Oct. 7), Ravenwood at Independence (Oct. 28), Centennial at Independence (Oct. 28).
8. Region 7-5A
Yes, Henry County did defeat Springfield, but the race isn’t over here as Portland is also unbeaten in league play and faces Henry County in Week 11. If Portland was to defeat Henry County, a three-way tie would break back to Springfield if the Yellow Jackets win out – and that includes non-region games such as this week’s contest at Beech. Key region games remaining: Portland at Springfield (Oct. 21), Henry County at Portland (Oct. 28).
