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BY STEVE DeSHAZO

In many regions (including some in this area), the state high school football playoffs start tomorrow.

In Region I and Region A, they're a week away--but some local teams are facing elimination games already.

Courtland can punch its playoff ticket tomorrow night with a win over James Monroe and some help. The winner of the Westmoreland County showdown between Washington & Lee and Colonial Beach should be in--especially if it's the Eagles.

But the Colonial Beach-W&L loser could be in trouble. And Courtland's chances of getting in will be slim if the Cougars fall to JM.

Even Chancellor--which is one win away from a second straight Battlefield District championship--needs to beat Culpeper to guarantee itself a playoff spot.

The main concerns for JM and Essex are seeding, avoiding injuries and entering the playoffs with momentum.

Here's a quick synopsis of the playoff picture:

REGION I, DIVISION 4

Chancellor (7-2, 25.6 VHSL rating) can clinch its second straight Battlefield title and a first-round home game by beating Culpeper (3-6) tomorrow. The Chargers would be the region's second seed unless Southside District champion Powhatan (9-0, 25.6) loses to Park View-South Hill (6-3).

Courtland (6-3, 23.4) is locked in a tight race with Smithfield (23.6), Tabb (23.2) and York (23.0) of the Bay Rivers District for the final two berths. The Cougars may need to beat JM tomorrow night to get in--and even then, it will be close if Tabb (6-3) beats Bruton (7-2) and Smithfield (7-2) defeats Poquoson (5-4).

It's unlikely, but Chancellor could miss the playoffs entirely if the Chargers lose to Culpeper and Smithfield, Courtland and Tabb all win.

REGION I, DIVISION 3

Win or lose tomorrow, James Monroe (7-2, 23.2) is in the playoffs and in good shape to host a first-round game. The Yellow Jackets could be the region's top seed if they beat Courtland and Bruton (24.6) loses to Tabb--or they could fall as low as fourth with a loss and upset wins by Poquoson (21.3) over Smithfield and Park View-South Hill (21.2) over unbeaten Powhatan.

REGION A, DIVISION 2

Unbeaten Essex is assured of the top seed and will host the Eastern Shore District champion (probably 2-7 Nandua) in the first round.

Washington & Lee (20.9) likely will earn the third seed--and a first-round date at King William--if the Eagles beat Colonial Beach tomorrow. A loss could open the door for Lancaster (18.9) to knock W&L out of the playoffs with a win over Northumberland and plenty of help.

REGION A, DIVISION 1

Sussex Central will be the top seed, and West Point and Franklin will meet in the first round.

Colonial Beach (4-5, 14.4) can sneak into the playoffs after an 0-3 start if it beats W&L. The Drifters still could get in with a loss, but would need losses by Mathews (to Middlesex) and Northumberland (to Lancaster)--and even then, it'll be close.

Steve DeShazo: 540/374-5443
Email: sdeshazo@freelancestar.com

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