Five local high school football teams qualify for playoffs

The Ohio High School Athletic Association released the pairings for the first round of the football playoffs, with five area schools qualifying for the 50th annual postseason tournament.

Black River, Crestview and Hillsdale all made it in Division VI while Mapleton and South Central qualified in Division VII.

Divisions I, II, III and IV play on Friday nights, while Divisions V, VI and VII play on Saturday nights. All playoff games begin at 7 p.m. The first- and second-round games are hosted by the higher seeded team. Neutral sites will be used beginning with the third round (regional semifinals).

The top 16 teams in each region qualified for the playoffs.

Crestview (10-0), the second seed in Division VI, Region 22, will host No. 15 Northwood (4-4). 

Black River (7-3), the seventh seed in Division VI, Region 21, will host No. 10 East Canton (5-3).

Hillsdale (6-4), the 12th seed in Region 21, will travel to No. 5 Cardinal (7-3). 

South Central (3-6), the 15th seed in Division VII, Region 25, will play at No. 2 St. Paul (8-1).  

Mapleton (3-6), the 16th seed in Region 25, will travel to top-seeded Lucas (8-1).