Playoffs eligibility question

[redhill1300]

For the older gens or history buffs: was there ever a time in state athletics where the requirements to make the playoffs was much tighter? Like very few teams with losing records, etc? Or has it mostly always been the way it is today?

 

[K84]

For the older gens or history buffs: was there ever a time in state athletics where the requirements to make the playoffs was much tighter? Like very few teams with losing records, etc? Or has it mostly always been the way it is today?

Definitely used to be tighter. I can remember when you had to win your conference to make the playoffs. One year Brown beat Concord for the conference championship. Brown finished 7-3 and Concord finished 9-1 and didn’t make the playoffs.

 

[Vik-Val 86]

I remember those days. One or two teams would make the playoffs that were in the conference.

 

[redhill1300]

I remember those days. One or two teams would make the playoffs that were in the conference.

What made them go away from that? In the modern era, it’s almost unwatchable football for the first 2 rounds minimum

 

[BallKnower1995]

Biggest factor now is 8 classifications, having to have the largest and smallest 32 teams (or whatever it is for 1A) in the state means you have to let in a set number of teams for the bracket to make sense (12 teams, top 4 get a bye, etc.) no matter the record

 

[BallKnower1995]

Also teams finishing with great records not making the playoffs like in the above example. If my team finished 9-1 and missed the playoffs I would at least be a little upset about it. Although I still think conference champs should be seeded first then everyone else regardless of RPI

 

[Vik-Val 86]

What made them go away from that? In the modern era, it’s almost unwatchable football for the first 2 rounds minimum

I know there are too many teams making it in. Lot of 1st rd blowouts. And then the 1st bye rounds.

 

[K84]

Also teams finishing with great records not making the playoffs like in the above example. If my team finished 9-1 and missed the playoffs I would at least be a little upset about it. Although I still think conference champs should be seeded first then everyone else regardless of RPI

Everyone knew before the season started that the conference champion would be the only team to make the playoffs.

 

[K84]

What made them go away from that? In the modern era, it’s almost unwatchable football for the first 2 rounds minimum

Money

 

[fitguync30]

I know there are too many teams making it in. Lot of 1st rd blowouts. And then the 1st bye rounds.

Yes, when they had the 1A and 1AA classifications and so on, you'd see 2-8 type teams make the playoffs since there were so many spots to fill. Then that 2-8 team had to take a long bus ride to their first round opponent to be blown out 55-7. So pretty much a waste of time for all involved. They need to go down to 5 or maybe 6 classifications and only let good teams into the playoffs. Going up to 8A is ridiculous.

 

[BallKnower1995]

Everyone knew before the season started that the conference champion would be the only team to make the playoffs.

Not disagreeing at all, if that was the standard/expectation then so be it. Just saying there was probably some complaining at some point so brackets were eventually expanded

 

[Bigdadd1110]

Its better to be inclusive then restrictive. Game quality is 2nd to more money and complaints. Of course it was much better and more competitive playoffs in the past but now more games = more money, and more playoff teams = less complaints about not making it. Agree 6 Classes would be ideal.