Here’s an idea for an Open Class that would declare THE state champion. It would also help to fix the watered-down playoffs and pointless districts.

 

Go back to 4 classes PLUS the open class. The winner of the Open Class gets to be called the State Football champion. All other class winners are CLASS winners.

 

After the regular season, the teams that want to compete for the Open Class, (limited to 16 teams) notify the KHSAA and appropriate brackets are designed for the 5 tournaments. The Open Class gets at least one bye week the first week the playoffs. If more than 16 opt in, the priority is by RPI.

 

No districts. After the teams elect to play in the Open Class are known, the remaining 4 classes are filled out by RPI totals.

 

Open Championship Class by choice

Top other 32 RPI teams are in 4A Class

33-64 RPI teams are in 3A Class

65-96 RPI teams are in 2A Class

97-128 RPI teams are in 1A Class

 

This is done regardless of enrollment, past success or any other factor. Just the current season RPI. Seeding will be 1-32, regardless of distance. Everybody else turns in their uniforms.

 

If no team but Trinity opts for the Open Class, they are THE state champion. In a year like this, Boyle County could opt for the Open Class and prove they’re the best.

 

Can you tell that I am tired of 6 classes and mediocre football?

The idea is interesting, but you couldn't use the RPI for this IMO.

 

Do we really think that KCD (RPI #1), LCA (RPI #2), and Pikeville (RPI #3) are better than Manual (RPI #34), Trinity (RPI #38), and South Warren (RPI #44)?

Think this is an excellent idea, and could be tweaked, or built upon. Think this is as a beginning idea very thought out and could most certainly be used! I’m for it!

The idea is interesting, but you couldn't use the RPI for this IMO.

 

Do we really think that KCD (RPI #1), LCA (RPI #2), and Pikeville (RPI #3) are better than Manual (RPI #34), Trinity (RPI #38), and South Warren (RPI #44)?

 

They don’t have to opt in. Only if they think they can beat all comers.

They don’t have to opt in. Only if they think they can beat all comers.

 

I get that. But let's assume they all do. We know KCD isn't better than Trinity. So do we really seed them higher based on the RPI?

I get that. But let's assume they all do. We know KCD isn't better than Trinity. So do we really seed them higher based on the RPI?

 

I’m not married to the RPI, but they’re already using it. If not that, then some other non-geographic criteria.

 

Something needs to change and it sure isn’t playing your same district teams in the first two rounds of the playoffs.

Other states do an open class and I like the idea. Not sure you would get 16 teams that would want to compete in open division. Probably get at least 8. I feel confident that St.X, Male, and Trinity would compete in open division. I would think Covington Catholic would also.

The main reason we went to 6 classes was so more people could be state champions. Do you think there would be 32 teams that would "opt" to knock heads with the biggest an or best programs? I thought "fairness" was why we had 6 classes. In theory you could pick and choose each year. People moan about "travel distance". How's that going to play out? Here's an idea: Go to 5 classes. Everyone plays in their CORRECT class. Take the winner and runner up.

Which states have an Open Champion??

Which states have an Open Champion??

 

Arizona, California, and Hawaii is what I found. Not sure if others.

Six classes in KY is ridiculous so this would be better. I would be happy if they just went back to 4 and I'd be OK with 5. I agree that everyone has to play in their proper class though.

I can understand Hawaii, but Arizona is interesting because of the geographic and demographic differences. You could have a game between teams in California almost 600 miles apart and from small towns to LA or SF! Wow.

California is split up if I’m not mistaken. They crown a few state titles of schools of the same size. Due to the size of the state having a full blown playoff system doesn’t work.

 

Arizona I believe is complete open enrollment. What I mean is you can go to whatever school you want pretty much as long as you can get there.

The main reason we went to 6 classes was so more people could be state champions. Do you think there would be 32 teams that would "opt" to knock heads with the biggest an or best programs? I thought "fairness" was why we had 6 classes. In theory you could pick and choose each year. People moan about "travel distance". How's that going to play out? Here's an idea: Go to 5 classes. Everyone plays in their CORRECT class. Take the winner and runner up.

 

Yeah, a 1A school with 450 kids could compete with 6A schools...:no:

Interesting idea. It'll obviously never happen and has its holes. But interesting nonetheless...

 

Bottom line, as long as the KHSAA makes money by opening the gates for 6 state championship games, they aren't going to trim that number (and lessen their revenue.) Like I said, bottom line. Figuratively and literally.

 

Question for someone who may know how to find this info. How many football playing schools did Ky. have the last year of the 3 class system, and how many the last year of the 4 class system? How many are there now?