(10-23-19) 2019 has been a great year for the Gibsonburg Golden Bears football team, undefeated and just two weeks to go in the regular season. But the dream season could turn into a nightmare.
2019 Scores – Gibsonburg 8-0
8/30 Ottawa Hills (W) 38 - 14 9/6 Woodmore (W) 19 - 0 9/13 Mohawk (W) 23 - 6 9/20 Calvert (W) 31 - 14 9/27 Danbury (W) 63 - 0 10/4 Lakota (W) 48 - 14 10/11 Antwerp (W) 48 - 12 10/18 Margaretta (W) 62 - 34 10/25 *-Fremont St. Joseph (OHSAA web site) 11/1 Hopewell-Loudon
The most recent Joe Eitel OHSAA HS FB Playoff Computer rankings for Region 23 has the Golden Bears just inside of the Top 8 to qualify. But they remain on shaky ground. (this portion of the story was updated)
To verify those computer rankings, Samuel Houseworth’s Playoff Projections also sees the possibility of Gibsonburg staying home during the post-season-
Houseworth wrote –
D-VI: In 2001, Newcomerstown went a perfect 10-0 and missed out on the OHSAA D-IV playoffs. And unless Allen East or Fairview lose within the next two weeks, Gibsonburg, who will go undefeated, may join them as the only schools to go 10-0 and miss the playoffs since the expansion to 32 teams per division.
D-VII: One of the teams that can help Gibsonburg is Crestview. The Knights need a win at Allen East this week to keep their playoff hopes alive. A win would also allow Gibsonburg to leapfrog Allen East. Mathematically, this is Gibsonburgâs most likely route into the postseason.
Both rankings don’t include this factor…. the biggest roadblock facing the Golden Bears was brought on by the OHSAA –
Last season Gibsonburg (9-1) was in Region 22 and finished ranked #2 to qualify for the playoffs and host a home game. That all changed this year when the Regions were shuffled teams. That change included a lot of powerhouse programs moving from Region 24 and placed in the new Region 23. If they do qualify they will surely have a road game against one of the top 4 ranked teams.
Stateline Sports Network 
Its not just about points scored and wins, but quality wins against quality opponents. Take another look at their schedule this time with opponents records and division.
Ottawa Hills (6-2) [6:23]
Woodmore (0-8) [6:23]
Mohawk (5-3) [7:26]
Calvert (3-4) [7:26]
Danbury (0-8) [7:26]
Lakota (3-5) [5:18]
Antwerp (0-8) [7:26]
Margaretta (4-4) [6:22]
St Joseph (2-6) [7:26]
Hopewell-Loudon (4-4) [6:22]
Only two teams on the schedule with a winning record (so far)
Only one opponent in higher division – D5
Half the schedule against D7
The playoff system is based upon points. Win more games against larger division schools and get more level 1 points. Win more games against team who in turn win more games and get more level 2 points.
I feel for the Golden Bears, but facts are facts.
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It would be a absolute shame if the Bears go undefeated and donât make the playoffs. It is not there fault they play in a weak conference so strength of schedule hurts them. The blame goes on OHSAA and the hose job they put on region 23. They put all the MAC schools and a few other small school powerhouses in there to try and have them knock each other off and get more teams in the playoffs that probably donât belong in them. No disrespect to some other regions but you will probably see teams out of region 23 with 2 loses or no loses miss the playoffs when they would be in the top of other conferences. Then other teams with .500 records get in. Nobody wants to see running clocks in the playoffs the first week on a widespread basis. Itâs comically called the MAC rule and all those changes started after they had 3 teams in the Title games in D5-D6-D7 back in 2014. Silly OHSAA spread the talent out abit over the regions, and then you will have better turnout and competition in the first 2 rounds instead of blowouts. I understand competitive balance idea but your making it ridiculous. Just my 2 cents.
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