From the Sports Desk

with Carey Phillips: 08/15/02

That's what the NCHSAA might as well be saying. It seems the only requirement to make the post season is to field a team. One or two wins will be enough, and in some cases we could have winless teams in the playoffs.

Last year's subdivision of the 1-A playoffs put some teams in the post season with just one win and resulted in two 1-A teams being called state champions.

The subdividing has been extended to 2-A, 3-A and 4-A this year meaning 256 will be in the playoffs and eight state champions will be crowned.

The state has 86 schools in 4-A, 87 in 3-A and 90 in 2-A. Each classification will send 64 teams to the playoffs.

The situation is even more ridiculous in 1-A. The classification has 87 schools, but at least 17 (and possibly 18) have no football teams. Do the math and you'll find that no more than six (and possibly just five) will not make the playoffs.

Here's more. All 31 of the 1-A schools in the western half of the state will be in the post season. They don't have to win a game. In fact, they don't even have to score a point all year.

Traditionally, making the playoffs has been a reward for a good season. The new standard will mean that not making the playoffs will be an embarrassment.

Let's look at Smoky Mountain's situation in the Mountain Athletic Conference. Seven of the nine MAC teams will reach the playoffs. Last year, the Mustangs finished third in the league and wrapped up a post season spot on the final night of the regular season. If the same scenario developed this year, there would be no such drama.

When the season ends and the playoff berths have been determined, the state will divide those teams into large school and small school for each classification. As one of the smallest 3-A schools in the state, SM would be assured of playing in the small 3-A bracket if it makes the playoffs.

Schools will again be seeded in the football playoffs so it's impossible to know who opponents might be and where games will be played. We do know that the state finals are set for Dec. 14 in Chapel Hill, Winston-Salem and Raleigh.

Back to Sports: 08/15/02.