[Stardust]

If you believe Kentucky’s six-class football expansion has made things about as competitive as a pre-school tickle fight – and you’re not alone – you need look no further than this year’s state finals for Exhibits A through 6A.

It was a position taken by many in Bowling Green last weekend, and the numbers seemed to back it up. Other than Boyle County’s 21-14 victory in the 4A title game, the closest tilt was Trinity’s 38-0 win in 6A. The average margin of victory for the six games was 41-5.

Bobby Riggs vs. Billie Jean King was more competitive.

But, try to keep in mind, it’s one year. No need to call the Kentucky High School Athletic Association in protest. Hold off on your own classification plans.

First, some statistics:

In the decade before the KHSAA went from four to six classes (1997-2006), the average margin of victory was 20 points. In the first three seasons under the six-class system, that number actually dropped to 18. The 2008 season featured one of the best state-championship weekends in state history – six games, four decided by 10 points or less. And although this year’s championship games skewed the numbers a bit, the 2010 postseason as a whole featured some very competitive matchups. A third of the state’s semifinal games were decided by five points or less.
http://nky.cincinnati.com/article/AB/201...titiveness
Competitiveness aside, there’s also the issue of quality.

Some argue that in the current system, championship teams don’t have to be as good, so they’re not as good. Some argue that a six-class system translates to more players – and so far it has – and more players translates to better football.

There’s probably merit to both points.

But, as far as The Big Blowout in Bowling Green is concerned, was just an anomaly. Nothing more, nothing less.