Early look at playoff pairings

District 3 hasn't officially announced the football playoff brackets, but the unofficial final power ratings are posted at the district's site.

By using those numbers, we're going to take a peek at the first round and how we think the area teams will fare. These aren't the official projections that will run in the tab but merely an early look at what the pairing looks like.

Class AAAA

Spring Grove (10, 6-4) at Cumberland Valley (7, 8-2) -- A good draw for the Eagles, who regained some swagger by demolishing rival Carlisle on Friday. CV hasn't lost a playoff game since 2007 and this game will serve as a warm-up to next week's trip to rival Wilson.

Cedar Cliff (12, 7-3) at Daniel Boone (5, 9-1) -- If the Colts show up, don't be surprised to see them dump the Blazers, who were moved up to AAAA this season. This game is truly a wild card. Neither team played a AAAA schedule so it's only fitting they find each other.

Class AAA

Hershey (11, 6-4) at Shippensburg (6, 8-2) -- Trojans are a hard-nosed, physical bunch that can knocked the 'Hounds sideways if they aren't careful. Not a great draw for the first home playoff game in Shippensburg's history.

East Pennsboro (9, 7-3) at Conrad Weiser (8, 7-3) -- Scouts are surely fuming after falling into a late-season slump. To be honest, we like Conrad Weiser to not only win this game but also dump top-seeded Greencastle-Antrim in the quarterfinals.

Big Spring (15, 5-5) at Lampeter-Strasburg (2, 9-1) -- Their hopes of an unbeaten season dashed by Conestoga Valley on Friday, the Pioneers now have to focus on the goal of winning the 3-AAA crown. Shouldn't find must resistance from the Bulldogs, who are in the postseason for the first time.

Class AA

Boiling Springs (6, 7-3) at Trinity (3, 9-1) -- These two met Friday with Trinity taking a 33-0 victory at Ecker Field. Can't see anything different this time.