Elmer

Highlands beat Collins 47-0 in 2012 and was 40 points better last year, but Collins showed up with their A+ game while Highlands did not. To be honest, I did not think Highlands would even be capable of beating themselves against Collins but they did. As for Boyle, the only way it would not be a running clock game is if Boyle has moved down to 3A this year - which I do not think they will until 2015. Both Collins and Boyle are very good programs, but Highlands is Highlands.

No. Highlands will come into the season on fire feeling like they have to prove something. The real question should be, if Highlands wins out and takes the title, how many of the games will have a running clock? Round one and two, definitely. Round three, not likely, but has had running clock against Covington Catholic in recent past. Round four, if Boyle County, very likely. Finals, if Collins, running clock by the fourth quarter proving that the 2013 state finals was one of the biggest upsets ever. They are that good. Highlands will be no different this year than previous years and if they play their best ball and gel as a team they will be winning their 7th title in 8 years.

I would love to see Highlands play this team, just so the Birds can paste 60+ on them.

Bottom line is - kids should be taught how to win until they hit the real world. Thus, at least everybody makes the playoffs and if the bad teams lose then they lose. But at least they get equal opportunity.

I'm sure the topic has been debated to death and it will continue to be debated to death but I am new here and eager to discuss it. And as for raising the kids as winners, at least 0-10 teams can say they made the playoffs and had a chance to win. Regardless of how much better their opponent is, they still have a chance to pull a massive upset in the first round regardless!

I thought this was the place where tough and controversial topics could be discussed? Excuse me if I am wrong. I just made this thread to see what everybody's opinion was, mine personally is that every team should be able to make it. I feel that is what is best for the kids. Raising them as winners creates a winning atmosphere for them in life. Just because they may lose in the first round (likely big sometimes) doesn't mean that they shouldn't get to make the playoffs. The kids will still play and find meaning to the regular season. Everybody wants a district championship.

I enjoy the system the KHSAA has in place, but honestly I would like to see every team get an opportunity in the playoffs, regardless of record. The playoffs bring about a special experience that nobody should be denied, even if your team is on the losing end of a 63-0 beating in the first round. There needs to be a special setup so that everybody can make the playoffs and have an opportunity to win the state tournament. I think that will actually increase competition. You look at the NCAA basketball tournament and people complained when it was built up to 64 teams. I personally think it should be 96 teams, but it's not uncommon to see a 2 seed or a 3 seed lose in the first round. I think it would be the same way with 96 teams and I also think it would be the same in high school should more teams be allowed to compete. Don't know for sure, but it's a solution I am confident in.