[charlie22]

I've never understood why football teams have to "earn" a spot in the playoffs according to some fans, but I've never read any posts saying that it's wrong that basketball, baseball, volleyball, etc. teams don't have to earn that same playoff spot.

I've also read some folks saying that the current system makes the regular season games in football meaningless. I'm sorry but I find that thinking illogical. If I'm a player or coach, every game that I play or coach in is meaningful regardless of the fact it may not have any impact on the playoffs. Furthermore, district games under the current system are extremely meaningful to the playoffs, unless one does not think having the first two, and possibly third, playoff games at home is important.

When you think about it, if we went back to 4 classes we'd probably only be adding a couple of really good teams to each class, which might lead to one tougher playoff game for the eventual state champion. I sincerely doubt that it would make competition all that tougher. If we took only the top two teams from each district, we could eliminate one round of the playoffs. That would provide the benefit of either 1. starting the season one week later; or 2. playing the championship games one week earlier. Personally, I like watching as many high school football games as I can. I also think playing as many games and getting as many weeks of practice as possible is good for the development of the sport. I understand the heat avoidance benefit of starting a week later but I think the heat issue is currently managed well. I also understand the benefit to basketball of ending the football season a week earlier. But I enjoy football more than basketball, so that is not a good reason in my opinion to have the football season shortened a week.

I know there are some huge blowouts in week one and that bothers some people. I guess if I didn't want to see a blowout, I'd just stay home. But I don't mind watching them as I enjoy watching the younger kids play and often times am not able to watch the JVs play on Saturdays during the regular season.