By Ed Farrell

Herald Assistant Sports Editor

OHSAA grid playoffs commence this weekend, and in a sense, so do the Buckeye State’s commonwealth counterparts.

Though the PIAA playoffs do not officially begin just yet, a handful of Mercer County clubs will play pivotal postseason preludes — particularly those hoping to be invited to the District 10’s parity, er, party.

Hickory and Greenville are contending for the 4th spot in Region 3-AA, while in 1-A, Mercer meets Lakeview in a similar scenario. For Hickory, Mercer and Lakeview, it’s win and in; for Greenville, it’s win then hope Hickory loses to Shenango Valley rival Sharon.

Tonight’s Games

Sharon (5-1, 7-2) at Hickory (4-2, 5-3), 7 p.m.

Two weeks ago and 2 wins removed from a region co-championship or possibly and outright crown, the Hornets have to win or risk being hurdled by Greenville.

Sandwiching a whitewashing of Reynolds, the Hornets have suffered shutout setbacks to Greenville and Oil City, the latter despite the absence of Oilers’ standout tight end Ben Koyack.

Now for a 2nd straight week Hickory has an opportunity against an opponent missing a key component. Two weeks ago Sharon signal-caller Ronnie Howard tossed a trio of TDs in a triumph over Greenville’s Trojans, then sustained a post-game lower-leg fracture before exiting Tiger Stadium.

Sharon already has secured its 4th consecutive playoff appearance in 6th-year Tigers’ taskmaster Bob Fromm’s tenure. And last week’s Seneca forfeit afforded Fromm time to groom green sophomore signal-caller Jason Ondic, who will orchestrate the offense in Howard’s stead.

Conversely, though Hickory has won as many games this year as the past 2 seasons combined, it is in search of the 1st playoff berth in 3rd-year Hornets’ headmaster Frank Antuono’s helm. Hickory has not had a playoff appearance since ’05 when it blanked North East in the quarterfinals, but bowed to Wilmington in the semis. Perhaps not coincidentally, that also was the last season the Hornets had a win at Sharon’s expense.

Mercer (5-2, 6-3) at Lakeview (4-3, 6-3), 7 p.m.

Time was, Lakeview vs. Mercer meant a regular-season finale involving schools separated by mere miles.