High school sports that are continuing this time of year always bring intensity and a greater sense of urgency.

That’s the case for three Mahoning County football teams that are continuing into the next round of high school playoffs — Poland, South Range and Springfield. Warren John F. Kennedy also will continue the march in the postseason.

That means the five-week, single elimination drive to the state football championship games in Canton will continue with more excitement for these four local teams that will advance to play in regional semifinal games this weekend.

There’s a lot on the line with each game — if you win, you play again. If you lose, you pack away the equipment until August.

Making the playoffs any year represents a great achievement. According to the Ohio High School Athletic Association, 710 schools in the state fielded football teams this year, but only 224 — or 31.7 percent — earned a spot in postseason play.

Good luck to all those who remain to face the challenges of another weekend.

We will continue to watch and share the stories of our local teams as their seasons progress.

editorial@tribtoday.com