High school football: Felt's Facts: Week 9

PLAYOFF FEVER: Class 5A has filled four of its 16 spots; in 4A, seven of 16 are filled; in 3A, just three of 16 are taken. Only Clearfield has been eliminated from playoffs contention. So the next two weeks will be filled with meaningful games, both in terms of qualifying and seeding. All 12 Class 2A teams make the playoffs, and this week's final regular season games will determine seeding. In Class 1A, Altamont and Milford will likely miss the playoffs.

Here's a region-by-region rundown with the teams that have clinched, the number of remaining open berths and my projections for which teams will fill those spots.

CLASS 5A

Region 1 — In: Layton. Open berths (4): Davis, Northridge, Syracuse, Viewmont.

Layton has also grabbed at least a share of the Region 1 title, which is its second straight region championship and 10th overall. A victory over Viewmont this week will give the Lancers the title outright. Fremont must defeat Syracuse or the Silver Wolves are eliminated. Davis, Syracuse, Northridge and Viewmont, all 3-2 in region, will battle for seeding. Weber could force a region playoff with Viewmont if the Warriors beat Clearfield this week and Viewmont loses to favored Layton and Northridge.

Region 2 — In: Alta, Jordan. Open berths (2): Skyline, Brighton.

Skyline has secured at least a tie for a berth. Taylorsville has to beat Alta to stay alive, but if Alta wins and Brighton defeats Hillcrest, the Huskies are eliminated and Brighton and Skyline will clinch.

Region 3 — In: Bingham. Open berths (3): Hunter, Kearns, Riverton.

Hunter, Kearns and Riverton have clinched at least a tie for a playoff spot. The Copper Hills-West Jordan loser is out and the winner could be eliminated depending on the outcome of other games. This region could also end up in a three-way tie for the final two berths.

Region 4 — In: none. Open berths (3): Pleasant Grove, Lone Peak, Spanish Fork.

Only Pleasant Grove is assured of at least a tie for a playoff spot. This week's games are critical because if PG beats American Fork, Lone Peak defeats Timpanogos and Spanish Fork triumphs over Lehi, those three winners will clinch berths and eliminate the other three.

For those looking ahead to the first round of the playoffs, Region 1 teams will face Region 3 teams and Region 2 will play Region 4 (except that Region 1#5 plays at Region 2#1).

CLASS 4A

Region 5 — In: Bountiful, Mountain Crest. Open berths (2): Sky View, Bonneville.

Sky View has clinched at least a tie for a berth. Roy must upset MC to stay alive.

Region 6 — In: Cottonwood, East, West. Open berths (2): Highland, Cyprus.

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