I think some people would be surprised if they asked some of the kids on those 0-10 teams if they wanted to play that last game...

First allow me to make it clear I am not knocking the system you have here, but with it, most of the first round games are pathetic and worth nothing.

 

 

Like already stated a lot of the players want nothing to do with it, knowing they are going to get beat up on for four quarters and then face a long ride home on a cold night.

I believe we have #4 seeds win first round games every year. This year you may see zero win four seed team win a first round game - Somerset. We have seen #4 seed teams win more than one game in the playoffs. My question is this - why does it bother anyone that 90% of the first round games are blowouts? On virtually every level of every sport people want to see more teams in the playoffs. But for some reason people don't want more teams in the Kentucky football playoffs. I really don't understand the problem with it.

Indiana lets ALL teams in! No one there complains. The first round is "drawn"...so a higher ranked team could have to play at a lower ranked team. They play a 9 game regular season and 6 rounds of playoffs. They always finish Thanksgiving weekend ! This makes more sense to me.

First allow me to make it clear I am not knocking the system you have here, but with it, most of the first round games are pathetic and worth nothing.

 

 

Like already stated a lot of the players want nothing to do with it, knowing they are going to get beat up on for four quarters and then face a long ride home on a cold night.

 

The KHSAA only asks for ADs/Principals opinions. Give the players a say. Let them vote. I would bet most of them welcome the chance to play "one more" time.

First allow me to make it clear I am not knocking the system you have here, but with it, most of the first round games are pathetic and worth nothing.

 

The problem is while most first round games may be worth nothing, some are worth quite a bit. I would rather all "deserving" teams (Manual, Trinity) make the playoffs. Even it means we have multiple Beechwood-Bracken County games to get through.

Here's the positive of the 1st round. 98% of the games are just not interesting if you do not have a rooting interest and are just looking for a good game to attend.

 

So you say to your bride: Honey, I see enough football games. THIS Friday (it's key to emphasize THIS to not leave any doubt) I'm going to make it all about us. You and me. What would you like to do?

 

Win Win. You don't watch bad games and you build up some points for later.

 

My loving bride would tell me....... you need to find something to do if you're not going to football... :ohbrother:

A lot of people are saying that yes there are some good game is the first round, but if the top three of each district made it to the playoffs, imagine the competitiveness of the regular season district games. That is what I am saying. A playoff spot is a reward for your off-season work, regular season success, and district success. Heck, 6A and 1A might as well take the "district" name away if they are guaranteed a playoff spot. It makes no sense other than the seed you are. Take the top three, reward the one seed with a bye and play 2 and 3 seeds of the opposing districts. It will make it more competitive in the regular season, more emotion into the games, and allow injuries to heal. Essentially like the NFL; one seeds are rewarded with a bye and home field advantage and only 6 teams from each conference make it out of 32. It makes it more competitive. Forget money, forget "one last game", you are supposed to play each play, each game like it is your last anyways. Don't take advantage of the system. Might as well just spoon feed the kids into the real world while we are at it too.

I know for a fact the last two years Raceland has lost money on both first round games. Last year, the first round opponent brought 5 people. Five (5). Plus, you have to factor in, some of the home fans stay home or go to other games because the out come is a forgone conclusion. And, no fans of other schools are coming to a certain blowout.

 

Seriously, five fans.

:thumb: Exactly, and doesn't people believe that hurts a kid more - 5 of their fans even making the effort to support them ? Just Sayin'

I think some people would be surprised if they asked some of the kids on those 0-10 teams if they wanted to play that last game...

 

A lot of those players in past seasons have told our players that exact thing. They are Done -- have no desire to be there or play.

Why is there never an outcry against every single team in the state making the playoffs in every other sport?

A lot of people are saying that yes there are some good game is the first round, but if the top three of each district made it to the playoffs, imagine the competitiveness of the regular season district games. That is what I am saying. A playoff spot is a reward for your off-season work, regular season success, and district success. Heck, 6A and 1A might as well take the "district" name away if they are guaranteed a playoff spot. It makes no sense other than the seed you are. Take the top three, reward the one seed with a bye and play 2 and 3 seeds of the opposing districts. It will make it more competitive in the regular season, more emotion into the games, and allow injuries to heal. Essentially like the NFL; one seeds are rewarded with a bye and home field advantage and only 6 teams from each conference make it out of 32. It makes it more competitive. Forget money, forget "one last game", you are supposed to play each play, each game like it is your last anyways. Don't take advantage of the system. Might as well just spoon feed the kids into the real world while we are at it too.

So during the regular season now, district games are not competitive? Gotcha!

With all the emphasis on heat monitoring, concussions, etc. etc. that emphasizes safety why would they create a system that encourages such huge mismatches. In basketball or baseball if one team is terribly mismatched they just get beat badly. In football if you are terribly mismatched you get beat badly on the scoreboard but you can also can get very hurt. I think for no other reason other than safety the current system must be changed.

So during the regular season now, district games are not competitive? Gotcha!

 

I didn't say that. You are twisting my words. I said that they would make them more competitive, meaning more competitive than what they currently are. Instead for fight for four spots for four teams (1A and 6A), make it four teams to fight for three spots. Right now, there is no "all or nothing" for 1A and 6A teams. For example, Greenup made the playoffs for the first time in, correct me if I am wrong, four years. Despite that they play a Cov Cath team that will beat them by 40, they are happy to be in the playoffs--BECAUSE THEY HAVE TO FIGHT FOR IT.

 

That's what reward is.

To play devil's advocate, with no first round of the playoffs, Trinity and Manual would be left out this year. I think most would agree they are deserving of a playoff spot.

 

Then that would be too bad for them.