LEXINGTON — The disastrous start to the season seems like a lifetime ago for Lexington.
The Minutemen, who lost their first three games and were 1-4 less than a month ago, jumped to sixth in Division III, Region 10 of the Ohio High School Athletic Association computer ratings, released Tuesday. The ratings determine which high school teams qualify for the playoffs.
Lexington (4-4) has won three straight and will be favored in each of its last two games. If the Minutemen win out, they will likely find themselves back in the playoffs for the fifth time in school history and first time since 2016.
“We had our struggles early in the year, but we knew we were a good team,” lineman Cody Sanders said moments after recovering a fumble in the end zone for the game-winning touchdown in last week’s 43-36 win at Ashland. “We are starting to put everything together.”
Lexington, which has won three straight, is one of six area teams zeroing in on playoff berths.
Clear Fork (8-0) is second in Region 14 of Division IV. The Colts can secure a second straight trip to the playoffs and no worse than a share of their second Mid-Ohio Athletic Conference championship with a win Friday over Marion Pleasant (7-1).
In Division VI, Region 22 both Hillsdale (6-2) and Wynford (5-3) are in playoff contention. The second-rated Falcons are at Smithville (1-7) on Friday, while the sixth-rated Royals host Mohawk (8-0).
In Division VII, Mapleton (5-3) is third in the Region 25 ratings despite last week’s upset loss to Plymouth. The Mounties are at New London (0-8) on Friday.
In Region 27, Lucas (6-2) is second after last week’s 40-6 win over Division IV Cincinnati Aiken. The Cubs, who locked up a playoff spot with last week’s win according to joeeitel.com, host Hannibal River on Friday.
The top eight teams in each region qualify for the playoffs, with the top four teams hosting a regional quarterfinal before games shift to neutral sites. The playoffs begin Nov. 2 and will conclude with seven state championship games at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton from Nov. 29 to Dec. 1.
