DISTRICT 9 FOOTBALL PLAYOFF PICTURE CLEARS

By Chris Rossetti

RIDGWAY -- With Ridgway's 23-0 win over Cameron County Friday night, the District 9 Class A playoff field is now set.

The Elkers (6-2) were the last of the four teams to qualify for the playoffs. They join Clarion-Limestone (8-0), defending District 9 Class A champion Coudersport (7-1) and Kane (7-1) in the playoffs, which start Nov. 1.

All that is left to be decided is the seeding.

If Clarion-Limestone beats A-C Valley this week, the Lions are the top seed. It appears as if Ridgway is locked into the fourth seed, while the winner of this week's AML Title game between Coudersport and Kane will be the No. 2 seed. The winner will then host the loser, who becomes the No. 3 seed, in the opening round of the playoffs.

The first round of the District 9 tournament is played at the home field of the higher seed while the championship game is played at a neutral site.

While the Class A playoff picture is clear, the Class AA and Class AAA pictures are a little murky.

Karns City (7-1) and Brookville (5-3) are definitely in Class AA. Brockway (4-4) is probably going to participate in the tournament, which can have up to four of the district's five Class AA teams in it, while Moniteau (3-5) will play in the postseason only if it beats Pymatuming Valley (Ohio) this week.

As far as the seeding go, Karns City has locked up the No. 1 seed, while Brookville has secured the No. 2 seed. If there are any opening round playoff games the higher seeds would have home-field advantage. The title game will be played on a neutral field.

In Class AAA, Clearfield (6-2) and Punxsutawney (5-3) are in, while Bradford (4-4) will most likely play as well.

Clearfield has clinched the top spot and a bye in the opening round, while Punxsutawney is the second seed and would host Bradford.

The championship game will be played on a neutral field.

District 9 has only one Class AAAA team, DuBois, who would be eligible to participate in the District 10 playoffs. But the 0-8 Beavers will not be going to the postseason this year.