[More Cowbell]

To build anything, you must first build a solid foundation. You cannot build a foundation playing against programs that are way ahead of you. Schedule teams that you can compete with, build confidence, interest, and excitement, then re-enter district play at the 2A level where you have a much better chance to compete.

Not saying you're wrong, but is it a sure thing that ER will be dropping down to 2A in the next re-alignment?

I was just checking, and their boys enrollment for this current year is 306. Meanwhile, Prestonsburg has 329 boys this year. Perhaps the Blackcats may be moving up to 3A into ER's district?

There are some interesting outliers in the boys' enrollments for '12/13 at some schools in the local districts:

(1A-district 6)
Jenkins = 106
Hazard = 145

(1A-district 7)
Paintsville = 98

(1A-district 8)
Phelps = 132
So. Floyd = 156
Pikeville = 168
Allen Central = 249

(2A-district 8)
Betsy Layne = 226
Leslie Co = 253
Shelby Valley = 280
Prestonsburg = 329

(3A-district 7)
Knott Central = 305
Magoffin Co = 310
Morgan Co = 325
Breathitt Co = 354

(3A-district 8)
East Ridge = 306
Lawrence Co = 315
Sheldon Clark = 336
Pike Central = 368
Belfry = 394

Just based off this one year, I could easily see Betsy Layne and Allen Central swapping classes and districts. P-Burg could be moving up to 3A, with possibly Knott moving down into the 2A group with AC, Valley, and Leslie.