After a great finish to the high school football regular season, it's time for the 2012 playoffs to begin.
Like many years, the area's representation is dominant, as 12 local teams are slated to take the field this weekend.
On Friday night, teams in Divisions II, IV and VI will take the field at 7:30 p.m.
The only local team to advance in Division II is Howland. The Tigers picked up the fifth seed in Region 5 and will travel to Chardon.
With an undefeated season, the Brookfield Warriors got the top spot in Division IV, Region 13. They will host Ashtabula Edgewood. Also qualifying in the region is Liberty. The Leopards are sixth and will travel to Streetsboro.
Back in the playoffs for the 19th time in school history, the John F. Kennedy Eagles earned the third seed in Region 21. They will host Youngstown Christian.
Also in Region 21, the Western Reserve Blue Devils earned the fifth spot, and will travel to Shadyside.
On Saturday, the Warren G. Raiders make a return to the playoffs as they will travel to take on Mentor in a matchup of No. 4 versus No. 5. Also in Division I, Region I, the No. 7 ranked Austintown Fitch Falcons will visit Cleveland St. Ignatius, the No. 2 seed.
In his first season as head coach, Niles' Brian Shaner has led the Dragons back to the playoffs, earning the second seed in Region 9. They will host their first ever playoff game, but will battle an opponent they are familiar with, as the Dragons welcome the No. 7 seed, Hubbard. Earlier in the season, Hubbard defeated Niles.
Also in Division III, but in Region 11, the Poland Bulldogs got the final spot of the playoffs and will travel to top-seeded Marlington. The two met in Week 1, with Marlington winning, 10-3.
The only representation in Division V for the area is the Fighting Irish of Ursuline. They received the seventh seed in Region 17, and will travel to Sugarcreek Garaway.
All games on Saturday begin at 7 p.m.
