Usually, when the final game of the regular season is played, there is a lot at stake. Playoff positions and conference titles will be up for grabs. This year, there is just pride.
Of all the major changes made to the 2020 season, the playoffs are the most substantial. Every team has the opportunity to play in the postseason this year, and instead of eight teams being determined by computer rankings, the teams that opted into the playoff are voted on by the other coaches in the region.
When Nelsonville-York finishes its regular season against Athens on Friday, the outcome of the game will have no effect on the playoff standings. That is because the head coaches from around the state already voted on playoff seeding.
In Region 23, the Buckeyes are seventh in the meaningless computer standings. Head coach Rusty Richards anticipates that’s where his team will be once the seedings are released. It’s a good place to be since the top seven teams in the 26-team region will get a bye in the first round.
“We should host a playoff game, I’m pretty sure,” Richards said. “I would be very shocked (if not). We’d have to finish below 16th.”
Without having to worry about the playoffs, which the Buckeyes would normally do around this time, they will have to find new ways to motivate themselves for the game.
One reason is the rivalry. Nelsonville-York doesn’t like to lose to Athens, or “the green team” as Richards puts it. The Buckeyes especially don’t want to lose a second rivalry game after losing to Trimble in the season opener.
“Those are the two games that are circled,” Richards said. “Usually it’s the first one with Trimble and Athens is at the end. We don’t want to lose both of them and obviously we can’t do nothing about the Trimble game.”
Just because the games don’t matter for seeding doesn’t mean it won’t have an effect on the playoffs. Nelsonville-York is riding a three-game win streak heading into the final week of the season, and a four-game win streak could carry the team into a deep playoff run.
“We don’t want to lose to the green team, you never do,” Richards said. “We want a little more momentum. Right now, we feel like we’re on a pretty good streak. We’d like to have that going into the playoffs to set us up and let’s go win a couple playoff games.”
The Buckeyes also have a potential share of the conference title. They will be checking the scores on Friday night to see if Wellston loses to Vinton County. If the Buckeyes win and Wellston loses, they will secure a share of the TVC-Ohio title.
Nelsonville-York feels like it's in a good position to hold up its end of the bargain, with the potential return of defensive lineman Christian Wiseman. The senior, who will be a game-time decision after being cleared by his doctor from a foot injury, is one of the vocal leaders on the defense along with Colton Snyder.
The defense will hope to have him back as the Buckeyes look to finish their four-game run into the playoffs.
“This weekend’s games as far as seeding, it’s already done,” Richards said. “It’s a pride thing.”
