The situation couldn't be any clearer. The winner of tonight's game between Manchester Central (6-2) and Bedford (7-1) will qualify for the Division I playoffs. The loser will not.

Bedford, the No. 2 team in the Union Leader/WGIR/WMUR Power Poll, has been ranked among the top teams in the state since a Week 1 victory over Pinkerton Academy of Derry. No. 6 Central played its way into the poll by winning six straight after an 0-2 start.

"Pressure makes the good fold and the great focus — that's always been one of my favorite quotes," Bedford coach Kurt Hines said. "To know we have to win, that's good pressure. Like I told my kids, (Central has) the exact same amount on the line that we do."

Bedford, which will be at home tonight, has allowed the fewest points among Division I teams this season (67). Central has scored at least 33 points in five of its six victories, although none of those wins came against a team that currently has a winning record.

Tonight's winner will face No. 1 Concord (8-0) in next week's Division I North championship game.

"It goes without saying the playoffs start Friday," Central coach Ryan Ray said.

Bedford's biggest challenge tonight may be containing Central running back Jesiah Wade, who is closing in on his second consecutive season with more than 2,000 yards rushing. The Little Green, however, likely will have to have some success through the air to prevent the Bulldogs from paying extra attention to Wade.

"Wade is their biggest weapon," Hines said. "He's definitely a threat and someone we have to wrap up, but when we did a good job shutting down Concord's run (in a 34-27 loss), they hurt us with the passing game.

"It's going to be a terrific fight."

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NO. 5 Keene (6-2), Spaulding of Rochester (5-3) and No. 9 Exeter (5-3) are the other Division I teams that can secure a playoff spot with a victory tonight. Keene will host Alvirne of Hudson (7-1), Spaulding will be at Dover (2-6) and Exeter will meet Nashua North (3-5).

Besides Concord, No. 3 Pinkerton (6-2), Londonderry (4-4) and No. 4 Nashua South (7-1) are the Division I teams that already have earned an invitation to the postseason.

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THERE'S one playoff berth still up for grabs in Division II, and it will go to Merrimack Valley of Concord (7-1) if the Pride defeat No. 10 Plymouth (7-1) on Saturday. Merrimack Valley also will qualify if Trinity of Manchester (6-2) defeats St. Thomas Aquinas of Dover (6-2) tonight.

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THE WINNER of Saturday's game between Mascoma Valley of Canaan (5-2) and Newport (5-2) will earn the second playoff spot in Division III West and face Stevens of Claremont (5-2) in the conference championship game. Mascoma, which will be playing at home, has won three in a row and has scored 157 points in those three games.

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NHIAA football fans can help the "Tackles for Hunger" program by donating a non-perishable food item this weekend. There will be collection points at all football games played tonight and Saturday.

Roger Brown covers high school football for the New Hampshire Union Leader and Sunday News. He can be reached at rbrown@unionleader.com. Follow him on Twitter: @603sportsmedia.