Princeton's unbeaten run through the Greater Miami Conference has unofficially clinched the Vikings a first-round playoff bye and a home game in the second round.
The Vikings (9-0) have locked in a top-four seed in Division I, Region 4, WCPO 9 Cincinnati reported, citing Joe Eitel. Top-four seeds skip the first round and host in the second round.
Princeton entered Week 9 ranked No. 1 in the Region 4 computer ratings at 8-0 with a 25.75 rating, well ahead of No. 2 West Chester Lakota West (21.2375) and No. 3 Elder (21.0777), according to the Dayton Daily News. The Vikings then routed Oak Hills 39-7 on Friday, Oct. 16. That win also clinched at least a share of Princeton's fourth consecutive GMC championship.
The OHSAA's final computer ratings come out Sunday, Oct. 25. The top 12 teams in each region qualify for the postseason, with first-round games at the higher seed's home field. Princeton's bye means the Vikings won't play until the second round.
The defense has been the backbone. The Stateline Sports Network noted Princeton's run defense allowed just 50.5 yards per game through eight games. Defensive lineman Terrance Jones Jr., who holds three FBS offers, anchored that front with 10½ tackles for loss and 6½ sacks through eight games.
The offense has been just as productive. Quarterback Key'Sean Torbert went 10-of-13 for 176 yards and four touchdowns in a 60-6 rout of Hamilton in Week 8, adding a 33-yard rushing touchdown, according to the Stateline Sports Network's notebook.
The Vikings opened the season by beating then-top-ranked Moeller and took down No. 3 Lakota West 27-24 in Week 5. After that Sept. 18 win, head coach Andre Parker told TriState Football, "We won ugly. … You have to be a special team to do that."
Princeton closes the regular season against Fairfield in Week 10. A win would wrap up the outright GMC title. The Vikings then wait for their second-round home playoff opponent, with the bracket set after the Oct. 25 ratings release.
