Using the logic I see tossed about on some threads, I’m wondering why we even have a bracket for 1A or 2A schools. I mean, seriously, do you really think there is a 2A or 1A school that could compete with Goose Creek or Byrnes, or even Rock Hill…
The answer is even easier than you think. The reason we have A, AA, AAA and AAAA is the same reason you have weight classes in wrestling. Not to “crown one true champion” but to allow all high school students the opportunity to play football. It never has been and never should be about “one true champion” folks… it’s giving all kids an opportunity!
Could Goose Creek beat Byrnes? Maybe, maybe not, but if the Gators win the Division II championship those players will celebrate and that my friends, is what it should be all about. Now, I’m not one of those liberals who thinks EVERYONE SHOULD GET A TROPHY, but I’m not one who thinks only one team should be given a trophy either.
I think at least 50% of the teams should make the playoffs, (which would mean 26 of the current 52) but I would rather even off the brackets and take 32 of 52. I think that is better than a BYE week in the playoffs. Honestly, who cares if the first week has some blow out games, we have them all season, so what. But there is always the possibility of 2011 when #14 Seed Blythewood made it all the way to Thanksgiving Weekend sending #3 Lexington to the hardwoods in week one. Is there anyone who doesn't think Gaffney COULD beat Fort Dorchester, not "will" but "COULD"... #1 -vs- #16
My personal preference would be to see three classifications in South Carolina football with each classification split into two brackets come playoff time. That would give you 6 State Champions instead of the current 7 state champions. I would also be more apt to grant teams +/- 5 of the cut line to move up or down if they wanted to move. I don’t know how many teams are currently playing football, but let’s say there are 200 teams. That would be about 66 in each classification, thus having six divisions {for the playoffs} of about 33 or 34 teams with 16 making the brackets or 96 of 200 teams in the playoffs so just shy of 50%. During the regular season, AAA division one and division two could be in the same regions (just like AAAA does now) to allow more flexibility in scheduling since there would be more teams to select from in your classification. 66 instead of 52.
If the SCHSL would step outside the box {yeah, like that will ever happen} there are all kinds of alternatives to the issues we have. But even with the issues, I still think that High School Football is for the most part doing great in South Carolina. Yes, Byrnes lost to de la Salle and Dutch Fork lost to Allen in a couple of the marque games this season, but we won quite a few as well. But, if you asked the Rebels would you trade the win over Dorman for a win over de la Salle, I bet most would tell you no thanks!
OK, I am done now...
Feel free to do what you will with these words of wisdom, I've done my part. Learn grasshoppers or walk away! You shall be the one to answer for your actions or lack thereof....
