Monday Mailbag: playoffs & going for 2

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent sports editor

This week’s Monday Mailbag features questions about the 2020 football playoff format, a possible first round bye for Van Wert, Van Wert’s decision to go for two and the win against Ottawa-Glandorf and Lincolnview’s postseason volleyball chances.

Q: Will you explain how the football playoffs will work in Van Wert’s region? I know some teams are getting a bye, but I’m hearing different information. Name withheld upon request

A: With a different format this year, there’s no question it can be a bit confusing, but this is how I’m told it will work.

There are 24 teams in Division IV, Region 14, and the top eight seeds will each get a first round bye. Coaches will vote on the seeds this Tuesday and Wednesday, then the Ohio High School Athletic Association will set all brackets on Thursday. Friday’s game against Bath will have no bearing on seeding.

Not all divisions and regions have the same number of teams, so the format will be a bit different elsewhere. Harbin computer points will not be used in the matchup process, although coaches may use them as a reference if necessary. The latest unofficial computer points standings can be found at joeeitel.com.

It’s my understanding that matchups will be set according to seeds, i.e, the No. 9 seed will play the No. 24 seed, the No. 10 seed will play the No. 23 seed etc., in the first round, with the higher seeds hosting. It won’t be like basketball or other sports where higher seeds can maneuver around a bit to get the best possible matchup.

While the top eight seeds will sit out the opening round of the playoffs, they’ll have the option to play a game or scrimmage another team. I have a hard time believing anyone would want to play that week and risk injury, but I can see some teams going the scrimmage route.

The higher seeds will host the first four rounds of the playoffs before the format shifts to neutral sites.

That’s my understanding of how it will work, hopefully that helps you.

Q: After losing Friday night, do the Cougars have any shot of getting a first round bye or is that gone? Name withheld upon request

A: It’ll be interesting to see how this plays out.

Personally, I thought Ottawa-Glandorf was a must-win game for a first round bye, but that may not be the case.

If you look at the latest rankings on joeeitel.com, you’ll see that despite losing on Friday, the Cougars are up to No. 5 in Division IV, Region 14. That’s because some of the teams played each other on Friday, meaning one had to win, one had to lose. Wapakoneta’s win over Kenton was a big help too.

If enough coaches in the region check out the rankings, it’s possible Van Wert may still snare a top eight seed. We’ll find out later this week.

Q: Your thoughts on Van Wert’s decision to go for two on Friday, instead of kicking and most likely sending the game to overtime? Name withheld upon request

A: It’s easy to second guess but I think it was the absolute right decision.

Van Wert’s offense had just driven 91 yards and scored. Even though the kids were gassed, the offense was on a roll at that point, why not go for two and the win with just 30 seconds left?

The defense had trouble stopping Ottawa-Glandorf for much of the night. If you go to overtime, you’d have to stop them from the 20 yard line at some point to get the win and hope your offense could keep pace.

There was no guarantee the extra point would be good. The Titans had already blocked one kick, who’s to say it wouldn’t happen again, or who’s to say there could have been some sort of other miscue?

Let’s face it – had the conversion been good, we’d be talking about how it was a great decision. It didn’t pan out, but it was certainly worth a shot.

Q: How far can Lincolnview’s volleyball team go in the tournament? Name withheld upon request

A: Lincolnview is in a Division IV district with Continental, Crestview, Fort Recovery, Kalida, Lima Central Catholic, Marion Local, Ottoville, St Henry, Delphos St. John’s and Wayne Trace.

In my mind, the strongest district title contenders are Lincolnview and Marion Local (currently 12-2, No. 2 in Division IV). A case can be made for St. Henry as well, and Crestview is starting to get on a roll.

In any case, any team that wants to get to the regional and perhaps beyond is going to have to go through Marion Local. Easy? No. Impossible? No.

If you have a question for the next Monday Mailbag, please email it to sports@thevwindependent.com.