Four local football teams appear definitely playoff-bound, while at least three others are still working to lock up a New Jersey postseason berth as we head into the eighth week of the regular season.  For most Jersey Sports Now area teams, this is the final week they can accrue power points to qualify for the states.

Here are the scenarios:

North Jersey Section 1, Group 3:

Wayne Valley appears to be a lock for a berth.  With a win this Friday against West Orange, the Indians not only win their league title outright, but should secure no worse than the #2 seed in the state bracket.  That would mean two home football games before the sectional finals.  A loss this week would probably drop Wayne Valley to 3rd or 4th, making their path to the finals much more difficult.

Lakeland also seems to be in for sure.  Their showdown with DePaul on Friday is crucial not just for the league, but for playoff positioning.  A win keeps them no worse than the #3 seed, and possibly 2nd.  A loss means the Lancers will likely be on the road in the first week of the New Jersey state football playoffs.

West Milford, despite two straight losses, is still in position to qualify.  If they can beat winless Millburn on Friday, the Highlanders have a chance to grab the #7 or #8 seed.  They'll probably need a little help from outside sources to ensure their position, however.

Montville is the flip side of West Milford's story.  Despite three straight wins, it does not appear that the Mustangs are likely to make it in.  They would need a win over Newark West Side on Saturday and lots of help.

North Jersey Section 1, Group 2:

Pequannock has been eliminated from state football playoff contention.

North Jersey Section 1, Group 1:

Mountain Lakes is close to a lock even with two more football games left.  But the Herd needs two wins against Glen Ridge and Cedar Grove to give themselves the seeding they want.  With two victories, the Herd will be in the mix for the top two seeds.  With a single loss, Mountain Lakes will be traveling for its playoff date.

Pompton Lakes appears to be in the football playoffs for sure, but this week's showdown with Glen Rock will have a lot to say about where they play.  If the Cardinals can pull off the upset, they can assure themselves a first-round home game.  A loss means a lower seed and a road game in the first round.

Kinnelon has two more games until the cutoff, and needs to win both to make sure they get a spot in the playoffs.  Even so, the Colts appear to need at least a little help and can't expect any better than the #7 seed.

Boonton can get to .500 with a win this week but cannot get enough power points to qualify.  Likewise, Butler has been eliminated from football playoff contention.

Non-Public Group 3:

DePaul's first loss of the football season hurt big-time.  And yet the Spartans remain very much alive heading into the big game Friday with Lakeland.  Win, and DePaul shares the league title and secures itself a state playoff spot.  Lose, and the Spartans have to root for teams in central and south Jersey to help them sneak in.  If they do qualify, DePaul is looking at a road game in the first round.

North Jersey Section 2, Group 3:

Passaic Valley has won two straight, and a win over Passaic Tech would get them to .500.  But the Hornets can't accrue enough points to make it into the post-season even with a victory this week. -- Paul Mencher for Jersey Sports Now