Top-seeded CJ looks to regroup in rematch vs. Alter

Patrick Connor of Alter (left) beats Jason Ward of Chaminade Julienne (22) to the end zone. Alter defeated host CJ 35-28 in a Week 10 high school football game on Friday, Nov. 1, 2019. MARC PENDLETON / STAFF

Patrick Connor of Alter (left) beats Jason Ward of Chaminade Julienne (22) to the end zone. Alter defeated host CJ 35-28 in a Week 10 high school football game on Friday, Nov. 1, 2019. MARC PENDLETON / STAFF

Its regular season derailed like a Week 10 speed bump, Chaminade Julienne football coach Marcus Colvin quickly morphed into restart mode.

“I was disappointed that we didn’t win for them on senior night,” Colvin said following a crushing 35-28 setback to visiting Alter last Friday. “The coach in me hurts right now and it’s going to take a little bit to get over that, but I love these young men and we’re going to be better for it.”

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That begins with a rematch with Alter on Friday. CJ (8-2) earned a No. 1 seed in the Division III, Region 12 playoffs. The Ohio High School Athletic Association released first-round playoff pairings on Sunday.

Alter, reeling from three straight midseason losses, had to beat CJ to earn the final playoff spot and extend its consecutive postseason streak to 19 years.

»» RELATED: Alter stuns CJ

Also in a loaded D-III, Region 12 field it’s No. 3 Franklin (9-1) hosting No. 6 St. Marys Memorial (8-2) and No. 7 Trotwood-Madison (7-3) at No. 2 Wapakoneta (9-1).

Three Greater Western Ohio Conference teams advanced in D-I, Region 2. Springfield (9-1) earned a No. 1 seed and will host Marysville (6-4). Northmont (6-4) will be at No. 2 seed Toledo Whitmer (9-1). Springboro (9-1) is a No. 5 seed and plays at No. 4 Dublin Jerome (8-2).

»» PHOTOS: Alter at CJ, Week 10 football

Troy and Xenia made the D-II cut. A No. 3 seed, Troy (8-2) will hot Lewis Center Olentangy (5-5) in a D-II, Region 7 opener. Xenia (9-1) will make its first postseason appearance as a No. 4 seed and will host Columbus Walnut Ridge (10-0) in a D-II, Region 4 opener.

The D-VI, Region 23 field is loaded with Midwest Athletic Conference teams. Anna (9-1) is at No. 4 seed Minster (9-1) and Coldwater (8-2) is at No. 3 seed Archbold (9-1). Coldwater and Minster have combined for six state titles and five state runner-ups since 2009. It’ll be Coldwater’s 23rd straight season in the playoffs, a state record.

»» RELATED: Alter playoff streak at stake

Also on Friday, it’s Dayton Christian (8-2) at top-seeded Chillicothe Southeastern (10-0) in D-VI, region 24 and No. 4 seed Covington (8-2) will host Worthington Christian (8-2).

There are six more games that involve area teams on Saturday. The Southwestern Buckeye League has three reps in D-IV, Region 16. Waynesville (9-1) earned a No. 3 seed and will host St. Bernard Roger Bacon (9-1). Valley View (8-2) is at No. 2 seed Clinton-Massie (9-1) and Milton-Union (8-2) is at No. 1 seed and defending state champ Cincinnati Wyoming (10-0).

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Two more MAC reps made the D-VII, Region 28 field, New Bremen and Marion Local. New Bremen (7-3) is at No. 1 seed New Miami (9-0) and No. 2 seed Marion Local (8-2) will host Mississinawa Valley (7-3). It’ll be the 22nd playoff appearance by Marion Local and 15th consecutive.

Also in D-VII, Region 28, No. 3 seed Fort Loramie (9-1) will host Dola Hardin Northern (8-2).

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The football playoffs began in 1972 and last expanded to the present format of seven divisions in 2013. Based on the Harbin system, teams amass computer points throughout the regular season based on wins and wins by a defeated opponent. Matchups are no factor in the formula.

The top eight teams in each region qualify and those top four host Week 11 first-round games. The playoffs shift to neutral sites in Week 12 beginning with the regional semifinals.

»» RELATED: Fairfield, Springfield retain football poll positions

Divisions I, II, III and VI will play on Fridays through the state semifinals and Divisions IV, V and VII on Saturdays. It takes five postseason games to win a state title. All games through the state semifinals are at 7 p.m. State championship weekend will be held at Canton’s Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium on Dec. 5-7.

The Associated Press will announce the state poll champions on Monday.

»» RELATED: Week 10 state football polls

»» PHOTOS: Troy at Xenia, Week 9 football

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