Breaking News: New Playoff Format

[71ShadesofNavy]

I hope everyone is sitting down! Many of us have waited for this day. It has come to my attention that the Class 4 powers to be have approved a change in this year's playoff format for all sports.

Effective this fall this is the semi-final format:

Region A champion vs. Region D champion

Region C champion vs. Region B champion.

Host sites will be determined power points.

Update: just so you know this is not fake news its on the VHSL website

Have a blessed day.

 

[71ShadesofNavy]

@BoKnowsSports, I know you have some commentary on this boss! Preach!

 

[GoBlue2109]

I hate be that guy calling it early but mannnnnnnn Region B winner vs Region A winner (Phoebus) is gonna be epic in the championship game.

 

[71ShadesofNavy]

I hate be that guy calling it early but mannnnnnnn Region B winner vs Region A winner (Phoebus) is gonna be epic in the championship game.

@GoBlue2109 I think you are making a huge assumption. Maybe not thus far this year, but Salem has earned the right to not be overlooked.

 

[BoKnowsSports]

I hope everyone is sitting down! Many of us have waited for this day. It has come to my attention that the Class 4 powers to be have approved a change in this year's playoff format for all sports.

Effective this fall this is the semi-final format:

Region A champion vs. Region D champion

Region C champion vs. Region B champion.

Host sites will be determined power points.

Have a blessed day.

Bleeding Navy, you slick joker! They heard all of our cries and I think you had something to do with it

Many are thinking that this will be Region A vs Region B for the championship. Not so fast my friend! Playoffs is all about matchups. Many (I’m first in line) thought Phoebus would wreck Salem last year. It took a last second play to win that game.. I think JF/Salem could slow Phoebus down this year as I think Tusky could match the physicality and slow the game down against a Huguenot or Varina. I love the new format.

 

[GoBlue2109]

@GoBlue2109 I think you are making a huge assumption. Maybe not this far this year, but Salem has earned the right to not be overlooked.

Definitely basing that on what seems to be a weaker Region D this year.

 

[71ShadesofNavy]

Bleeding Navy, you slick joker! They heard all of our cries and I think you had something to do with it

Many are thinking that this will be Region A vs Region B for the championship. Not so fast my friend! Playoffs is all about matchups. Many (I’m first in line) thought Phoebus would wreck Salem last year. It took a last second play to win that game.. I think JF/Salem could slow Phoebus down this year as I think Tusky could match the physicality and slow the game down against a Huguenot or Varina. I love the new format.

So true @BoKnowsSports. Matchups are always the key. Everybody including Phoebus has it's Kryptonite!

 

[Hoofprint]

Will this rotate each year?

 

[mikesalem]

Will this rotate each year?

As far as I know, they haven't decided that yet.

 

[71ShadesofNavy]

I guess the schools will vote on it each year. I was told it would rotate if they kept it. Because it includes all sports it could get really expensive.

 

[mikesalem]

VHSL – Chris Robinson – [email protected] – 434-977-8475 – 1642 State Farm Blvd. Charlottesville, VA 22911
PLAYOFF FORMAT FOR: FOOTBALL
Number of Championships: SIX (Class 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1)
Updated October 25, 2024
Region Tournament
Dates: Region start date: Saturday, November 16 and Region Deadline: Saturday, November 30.
Must be completed by Region Deadline as published on the VHSL Calendar.
Format: Eight-team, single-elimination tournament. Seeding and pairings determined by power points
unless the Region has determined another format.
Sites: As determined by each Region.
Who Advances: Region Champion advances to state tournament play.
State Tournament
Dates: Semi-finals held on Saturday, December 7. State Finals held on Saturday, December 14.
Format: Four-team, single-elimination tournament per classification. Semi-final winners advance to the
final.
Sites: Semi-finals – The higher rated team (based on power rating) will host.
Region A champion v. Region B champion; Region C champion v. Region D champion. Class 6
pairings are Region D champion v. Region C champion and Region A champion v. Region B
champion. Class 4 pairings are Region B champion v. Region C champion and Region A champion
v. Region D champion.
Salem (Salem) – Class 1 and Class 2
Liberty University – Class 3 and Class 4
James Madison University – Class 5 and Class 6
Awards: Team trophy and individual medals to State Champion and Runner-up teams.
VHSL Administrator: Chris Robinson

 

[EPJr1947]

VHSL – Chris Robinson – [email protected] – 434-977-8475 – 1642 State Farm Blvd. Charlottesville, VA 22911
PLAYOFF FORMAT FOR: FOOTBALL
Number of Championships: SIX (Class 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1)
Updated October 25, 2024
Region Tournament
Dates: Region start date: Saturday, November 16 and Region Deadline: Saturday, November 30.
Must be completed by Region Deadline as published on the VHSL Calendar.
Format: Eight-team, single-elimination tournament. Seeding and pairings determined by power points
unless the Region has determined another format.
Sites: As determined by each Region.
Who Advances: Region Champion advances to state tournament play.
State Tournament
Dates: Semi-finals held on Saturday, December 7. State Finals held on Saturday, December 14.
Format: Four-team, single-elimination tournament per classification. Semi-final winners advance to the
final.
Sites: Semi-finals – The higher rated team (based on power rating) will host.
Region A champion v. Region B champion; Region C champion v. Region D champion. Class 6
pairings are Region D champion v. Region C champion and Region A champion v. Region B
champion. Class 4 pairings are Region B champion v. Region C champion and Region A champion
v. Region D champion.
Salem (Salem) – Class 1 and Class 2
Liberty University – Class 3 and Class 4
James Madison University – Class 5 and Class 6
Awards: Team trophy and individual medals to State Champion and Runner-up teams.
VHSL Administrator: Chris Robinson

so each classification get to decide the pairings?
Has this always been the case or is this new?

 

[71ShadesofNavy]

@EPJr, the VHSL rules/handbook allow for each district, region, and classification to vote on amendments/rules. I personally asked a 757 AD why they didn't ever vote for cross bracketing and he responsibly stated "if it was about football only I would vote yes, but it's about all sports and it's not financially and educationally responsible (long travel)".

 

[MaroonDude]

So every sport will be A v D and B v C?

Anybody, Anytime, Anyplace!

 

[EPJr1947]

So every sport will be A v D and B v C?

Anybody, Anytime, Anyplace!

"VHSL rules/handbook allow for each district, region, and classification to vote on amendments/rules. "

 

[DinwiddieProud]

so each classification get to decide the pairings?
Has this always been the case or is this new?

Like BN said, within the parameters of their own jurisdiction, Districts, Regions, and Classes have the autonomy to make rules as they see fit.

Not unlike the way the entire US Government system works, a District can’t make or change a rule that is contrary to a Regional rule. And so on up the ladder.

Just like a city or county can’t make a rule that contradicts a state rule or regulation. And a state over a federal rule.

But within what is available to them, they can basically do as they please.

In common everyday language, the VHSL tells the Class levels to send them four teams, (in football), for the semi and finals, and it’s up to you how you pick them.

 

[DinwiddieProud]

With all that said and out the way, “LETS GET READY TO RUMBLE!”

 

[SalemBorn10]

With all that said and out the way, “LETS GET READY TO RUMBLE!”

Hey I know this is kinda off topic but do you know if there’s a radio station that covers Dinwiddie football? Was going to tune it to give me something to do this evening plus I wanted to check in on the team. Thought you would maybe know if there was a radio station doing the Dinwiddie/Meadowbrook game this evening.

 

[71ShadesofNavy]

Hey I know this is kinda off topic but do you know if there’s a radio station that covers Dinwiddie football? Was going to tune it to give me something to do this evening plus I wanted to check in on the team. Thought you would maybe know if there was a radio station doing the Dinwiddie/Meadowbrook game this even

Hey I know this is kinda off topic but do you know if there’s a radio station that covers Dinwiddie football? Was going to tune it to give me something to do this evening plus I wanted to check in on the team. Thought you would maybe know if there was a radio station doing the Dinwiddie/Meadowbrook game this evening.

There is no broadcast of this week's game; however, next week Dinwiddie vs Matoaca will be the game of the week and broadcast on 910am and 105.1fm out of Richmond. Hess and Criswell are fantastic announcers.

 

[MaroonDude]

BS. Post the link. I think this is a Halloween TRICK!!!

 

[Phoebus Fan]

wow now this is the move. I thought the Phoebus vs Region B winner would be state title already. Now it will be. Let’s get it 757 vs 804 in the 434 lol

Whoever comes out of D is in for a long ride to Hampton

 

[1MoreHokie]

I give it 2-3 years. Going to get prohibitively expensive.

 

[otnorot]

so each classification get to decide the pairings?
Has this always been the case or is this new?

Class 6 implemented cross-bracketing in all sports starting last year.

The membership meeting minutes from last March have some details on each class's position on cross-bracketing, I can't get a good link but they are on pages 17-20 of the agenda for the October 2024 meeting which is on the VHSL website.

Class 6--54 of 56 in favor of cross-bracketing (starting at the QF round in other sports). Started this last year.
Class 5--"overwhelmingly in favor"
Class 4--cross-bracketing starting at the SF round approved unanimously
Class 3--49 of 51 in favor of cross-bracketing except for football
Class 2--32 of 44 against cross-bracketing, concerns about travel between regions A and D.
Class 1--44 of 46 in favor of cross-bracketing semifinals

I guess we will see if classes 1 and 5 change up the pairings in the future, class 3 for other sports as well.

 

[71ShadesofNavy]

Good stuff @otnorot! I also found out each region will also be required to do their power points. Going to be a lot of griping.

 

[EPJr1947]

Class 6 implemented cross-bracketing in all sports starting last year.

The membership meeting minutes from last March have some details on each class's position on cross-bracketing, I can't get a good link but they are on pages 17-20 of the agenda for the October 2024 meeting which is on the VHSL website.

Class 6--54 of 56 in favor of cross-bracketing (starting at the QF round in other sports). Started this last year.
Class 5--"overwhelmingly in favor"
Class 4--cross-bracketing starting at the SF round approved unanimously
Class 3--49 of 51 in favor of cross-bracketing except for football
Class 2--32 of 44 against cross-bracketing, concerns about travel between regions A and D.
Class 1--44 of 46 in favor of cross-bracketing semifinals

I guess we will see if classes 1 and 5 change up the pairings in the future, class 3 for other sports as well.

thanx

 

[Vaborn76]

BS. Post the link. I think this is a Halloween TRICK!!!

I too would like to see the link to this format. The VHSL website has not been updated to show this. It still shows D playing C and A playing B

https://www.maxpreps.com/tournament...ootball-state-brackets-(virginia)-class-4.htm

Unless what i linked here has not been updated

Actually there is also this. Which matches Bleeding Navy's post

 

[SFUWO 21]

wow now this is the move. I thought the Phoebus vs Region B winner would be state title already. Now it will be. Let’s get it 757 vs 804 in the 434 lol

Whoever comes out of D is in for a long ride to Hampton

Salem had to travel to LT a couple yrs ago and Blacksburg (before they fell off the map) made the trip to Hampton. Travel is not an issue. The team your playing might be

 

[Virginia HS Football Fan]

What a joke. I would be fine if this were the case throughout all sports and if the rotation was announced before the season.

However, announcing this with only a couple of weeks left in the regular season is garbage. The precedent to change the pairings was set with the fix of the Highland Springs vs. Freedom Final and now we get this.

Incompetence and gutlessness by the VHSL. The league needs people who can make decisions and do not cover to the schools.

 

[EPJr1947]

What a joke. I would be fine if this were the case throughout all sports and if the rotation was announced before the season.

However, announcing this with only a couple of weeks left in the regular season is garbage. The precedent to change the pairings was set with the fix of the Highland Springs vs. Freedom Final and now we get this.

Incompetence and gutlessness by the VHSL. The league needs people who can make decisions and do not cover to the schools.

if you mean kowtow to the schools the VHSL Office is not and will not be a dictator. None of this is done w/o the approval of the regions.

 

[District2SportsPod]

New here. But I tried to make a post as a thread and it may have gotten taken down due to self promotion, which I understand. We interviewed Chris Robinson with the VHSL last night and he talked about this. I would add links, but just search us on YouTube, Spotify, and all other social media. And please submit any questions yall may have as we will have him on again soon.

 

[District2SportsPod]

I hope everyone is sitting down! Many of us have waited for this day. It has come to my attention that the Class 4 powers to be have approved a change in this year's playoff format for all sports.

Effective this fall this is the semi-final format:

Region A champion vs. Region D champion

Region C champion vs. Region B champion.

Host sites will be determined power points.

Update: just so you know this is not fake news its on the VHSL website

Have a blessed day.

Confirmed. We interviewed Chris Robinson last night.

 

[Virginia HS Football Fan]

if you mean kowtow to the schools the VHSL Office is not and will not be a dictator. None of this is done w/o the approval of the regions.

I never mentioned anything about being a dictator. Not sure where you got that from. It's the integrity of the bracket.

The VHSL showing leadership for once and saying no to the schools and telling them if they wanted this, they should have told them before the start of the season, would have been the play.

What's to say now that the VHSL don't do this again going forward? They've now done this twice in as many years. What's to say that two regions can't collude for a sectional tournament while the other two plays through like normal?

One consistent format for everyone is the way to go. Not..."Oh man. We have a possible good matchup but too bad they will meet in the semis."

It's all BS to let this happen late in the season.

 

[VHSL-helper]

"What's to say now that the VHSL don't do this again going forward? "
Don't know what part of 'each Class makes their own decision' you don't understand.
And you seem to forget that the "S" in VHSL stands for SCHOOL.

 

[71ShadesofNavy]

@Virginia HS Football Fan please do not take my comments as being disrespectful. Sometimes I think your strong disdain of the VHSL clouds your mind to the actual facts.

This decision was made in March of 2024. The minutes were posted in April. Whether you like it or not the membership schools not the vhsl votes on these things. They are not required to notify the public of anything. The playoff format is available 24 hours a day 7 days a week on the website and all the teams knew. Just have to look. The only reason I brought this up is because I was working on my media guide and ran across the memo from Chris Robinson. The memo was not an announcement it was a reminder for the schools. Just thought the fans might want to know about the changes.

Because it's for all sports I agree with @1MoreHokie and due to financial matters I do not think it will last.

Hopefully, I have not gotten you riled up again, but you need to understand and accept the true facts.

 

[EPJr1947]

Salem (Salem) – Class 1 and Class 2
Liberty University – Class 3 and Class 4
James Madison University – Class 5 and Class 6

too bad the winners cannot play each other the following week.
three football champions is enough.

 

[Phoebus Fan]

Salem (Salem) – Class 1 and Class 2
Liberty University – Class 3 and Class 4
James Madison University – Class 5 and Class 6

to bad the winners cannot play each other the following week.
three football champions are enough.

Been 6 divisions forever. Just is what it is. Most states have around that amount.

 

[mikesalem]

@Virginia HS Football Fan please do not take my comments as being disrespectful. Sometimes I think your strong disdain of the VHSL clouds your mind to the actual facts.

This decision was made in March of 2024. The minutes were posted in April. Whether you like it or not the membership schools not the vhsl votes on these things. They are not required to notify the public of anything. The playoff format is available 24 hours a day 7 days a week on the website and all the teams knew. Just have to look. The only reason I brought this up is because I was working on my media guide and ran across the memo from Chris Robinson. The memo was not an announcement it was a reminder for the schools. Just thought the fans might want to know about the changes.

Because it's for all sports I agree with @1MoreHokie and due to financial matters I do not think it will last.

Hopefully, I have not gotten you riled up again, but you need to understand and accept the true facts.

It may have been decided in March, but at the top of the memo in red it says:

Updated October 25, 2024

So it might have been decided on more recently?
Either way, it is what it is, but IMO those kinds of things need to be decided and announced before the season.