Playoff System - Is this the best setup?

[Rivershark]

I'm not saying this is going to happen, but if PRFL and Carrington end up playing each other in the semi finals it would really be unfortunate that the #1 and #2 have to play in the semi finals. How has the playoffs evolved over the years and is this the best option? If I recall correctly, in the late 80's the state might have been split north/south versus east/west.

[madseason]

I'm not saying this is going to happen, but if PRFL and Carrington end up playing each other in the semi finals it would really be unfortunate that the #1 and #2 have to play in the semi finals. How has the playoffs evolved over the years and is this the best option? If I recall correctly, in the late 80's the state might have been split north/south versus east/west.

I'm not sure that it is the best setup. Considering the west had won the championship like 20 yrs in a row before last year. People started to consider the west championship the real championship game. Don't know what I would think if there were a state seeding for the playoffs. Probably some pros and cons? I think the only way that would work would to have teams play at least one East/West game during the year to get a judge of cross state strength.

[RedDirtFan]

East and West split is just fine. The travel would be completely overwhelming, otherwise. This is a big state. As for PRFL/Carrington being the top 2 teams--people thought that about Hazen/Killdeer last year and the winner of that game ended up running into a better team. There are no guarantees, especially when you know so little about the other half of the state.

The only thing I don't like about the current setup with the re-alignment is the byes for the #1 seeds. I understand this at higher levels of football when teams play so many games that they can appreciate the off week, but these kids want to play as many games as possible. Two one seeds could end up hosting only 1 playoff game.

[lovwatchingsports]

The question is, should 16 teams out of 24 make the playoffs instead of 12?

[ndlionsfan]

I'd rather go 8 than 16. I like the 12, though. More than 50% of teams should not make the playoffs and giving a bye to the #1 seeds gives more importance to earning that region title.

[madseason]

East and West split is just fine. The travel would be completely overwhelming, otherwise. This is a big state. As for PRFL/Carrington being the top 2 teams--people thought that about Hazen/Killdeer last year and the winner of that game ended up running into a better team. There are no guarantees, especially when you know so little about the other half of the state.

The only thing I don't like about the current setup with the re-alignment is the byes for the #1 seeds. I understand this at higher levels of football when teams play so many games that they can appreciate the off week, but these kids want to play as many games as possible. Two one seeds could end up hosting only 1 playoff game.

I agree. I think the kids want more games not less. And #4 seeds have upset #1 seeds (PRFL #4 over #1 Enderlin couple yrs back)

[madseason]

But I agree with ndlions fan that over 50% shouldn't make the playoffs. Too many 9 man teams IMO. Cavalier, North Border and North Prarie should be 11 man and they would compete with the 11 man teams in region 2. Whatever happened to opting up for better competition? Cavalier comes to mind, last year they might have won state in A.

[RedDirtFan]

I really would have liked to see those PRFL/Cavalier matchups.

[d_fense]

It wouldn't have been a given, but I think it would have been an upset if Cavalier would not have won the State Class A the past two seasons.

The difference between the top teams in a class and the next larger class typically are not that great. If Park River was in Class AA this year, I would put them as the favorite in the East.

[madseason]

It wouldn't have been a given, but I think it would have been an upset if Cavalier would not have won the State Class A the past two seasons.

The difference between the top teams in a class and the next larger class typically are not that great. If Park River was in Class AA this year, I would put them as the favorite in the East.

Last year Shanley and Bis St marys were way above the rest. This year the AA is a lot closer. I think this PRFL team is a lot better than last year. Almost everyone is back. Last year imo was a Cinderella season, no one would have picked them to win state. Who knows this year could have another Cinderella? That is what is great about HS football.

[Hinsa]

It wouldn't have been a given, but I think it would have been an upset if Cavalier would not have won the State Class A the past two seasons.

The difference between the top teams in a class and the next larger class typically are not that great. If Park River was in Class AA this year, I would put them as the favorite in the East.

Ahead of Wahpeton? Central Cass? SHANLEY?

I thought wacky weed was still illegal in NoDak?????

[madseason]

No super Dominant team in 9 man this year. 9 man game at the dome will be a good one too IMO. Actually I don't think there will be a blowout in any of the bowl games. Going to be a good day to watch ND football

[madseason]

It wouldn't have been a given, but I think it would have been an upset if Cavalier would not have won the State Class A the past two seasons.

The difference between the top teams in a class and the next larger class typically are not that great. If Park River was in Class AA this year, I would put them as the favorite in the East.

Ahead of Wahpeton? Central Cass? SHANLEY?

I thought wacky weed was still illegal in NoDak?????

LOL! yep I'd pay to see those games. And I'd pick PRFL. Well maybe not against Shanley.

[madseason]

It wouldn't have been a given, but I think it would have been an upset if Cavalier would not have won the State Class A the past two seasons.

The difference between the top teams in a class and the next larger class typically are not that great. If Park River was in Class AA this year, I would put them as the favorite in the East.

Ahead of Wahpeton? Central Cass? SHANLEY?

I thought wacky weed was still illegal in NoDak?????

LOL! yep I'd pay to see those games. And I'd pick PRFL. Well maybe not against Shanley.

Beulah is ranked #1 in AA Hazen ranked3rd I think in A Hazen lost by 16 and I heard it was closer than the score showed, so not much different this year between the AA/A maybe should of been one class? And I think Beulah was one of only 2 AA teams to beat A teams in the first round and I know there were quite a few games. And didn't a AA team get destroyed by a 9 man team? Bismarck st Marys and Shanley go to AAA the rest go A. IMO. AA/A/9man/6man?

[d_fense]

It wouldn't have been a given, but I think it would have been an upset if Cavalier would not have won the State Class A the past two seasons.

The difference between the top teams in a class and the next larger class typically are not that great. If Park River was in Class AA this year, I would put them as the favorite in the East.

Ahead of Wahpeton? Central Cass? SHANLEY?

I thought wacky weed was still illegal in NoDak?????

This years Park River team would with out question be favored against Wahpeton, Central Cass, and SHANLEY.

Last years Park River team wouldn't have beaten Wahpeton or Shanley, but probably would have beaten Central Cass.

Hinsa, have you seen Shanley play this year? They are nowhere near the team they have been the previous few years.

[Hinsa]

I haven't seen Shanley, but other than their first game they are pummeling people.

[madseason]

It wouldn't have been a given, but I think it would have been an upset if Cavalier would not have won the State Class A the past two seasons.

The difference between the top teams in a class and the next larger class typically are not that great. If Park River was in Class AA this year, I would put them as the favorite in the East.

Ahead of Wahpeton? Central Cass? SHANLEY?

I thought wacky weed was still illegal in NoDak?????

This years Park River team would with out question be favored against Wahpeton, Central Cass, and SHANLEY.

Last years Park River team wouldn't have beaten Wahpeton or Shanley, but probably would have beaten Central Cass.

Hinsa, have you seen Shanley play this year? They are nowhere near the team they have been the previous few years.

Yea I think PRFL would have a good chance this year in AA. Last year Shanley and Bismarck St marys were a class above. Would have beat a lot of AAA teams.

[madseason]

I haven't seen Shanley, but other than their first game they are pummeling people.

Milnor NS beat Lisbon (AA team) 40- 20 PRFL was ahead 48-8 at half over Milnor. Grafton AA @PRFL 42-8 PRFL at Halftime. Lisbon and Grafton? Is that who Shanley is pummeling?

[Run4Fun2009]

I haven't seen Shanley, but other than their first game they are pummeling people.

Milnor NS beat Lisbon (AA team) 40- 20 PRFL was ahead 48-8 at half over Milnor. Grafton AA PRFL 42-8 Halftime.

Grafton, H-CV and Lisbon are pretty poor teams though. PR-FL would compete in AA but I still would take Shanley over them.

[madseason]

I haven't seen Shanley, but other than their first game they are pummeling people.

Milnor NS beat Lisbon (AA team) 40- 20 PRFL was ahead 48-8 at half over Milnor. Grafton AA PRFL 42-8 Halftime.

Grafton, H-CV and Lisbon are pretty poor teams though. PR-FL would compete in AA but I still would take Shanley over them.

I would pay to watch that game.

[RattlerWebWonk]

I'm not saying this is going to happen, but if PRFL and Carrington end up playing each other in the semi finals it would really be unfortunate that the #1 and #2 have to play in the semi finals. How has the playoffs evolved over the years and is this the best option? If I recall correctly, in the late 80's the state might have been split north/south versus east/west

Every time this topic comes up I want to punch someone in the face!!

There's not enough space for me to completely share my thoughts, nor do I have enough time to elaborate; but suffice to say that "fairness" is a gray area that can never be fixed by "changing the system". It will only change the argument as to why the system is unfair.

(sarcasm alert) Is it time to bring back the power polls so we can fairly cross-bracket the east and west teams?

[RedDirtFan]

I'm not saying this is going to happen, but if PRFL and Carrington end up playing each other in the semi finals it would really be unfortunate that the #1 and #2 have to play in the semi finals. How has the playoffs evolved over the years and is this the best option? If I recall correctly, in the late 80's the state might have been split north/south versus east/west

Every time this topic comes up I want to punch someone in the face!!

There's not enough space for me to completely share my thoughts, nor do I have enough time to elaborate; but suffice to say that "fairness" is a gray area that can never be fixed by "changing the system". It will only change the argument as to why the system is unfair.

(sarcasm alert) Is it time to bring back the power polls so we can fairly cross-bracket the east and west teams?

I agree. There's no fix. It's fine the way it is. The best team wins--what more can we ask for?

[madseason]

I haven't seen Shanley, but other than their first game they are pummeling people.

Milnor NS beat Lisbon (AA team) 40- 20 PRFL was ahead 48-8 at half over Milnor. Grafton AA PRFL 42-8 Halftime.

Grafton, H-CV and Lisbon are pretty poor teams though. PR-FL would compete in AA but I still would take Shanley over them.

Grafton almost beat Shanley and PRFL pummeled Grafton . PRFL would beat Shanley .

[Rivershark]

Does anyone know why the semi final games are not held at neutral sites? It hasn't always been like this. Just wondering when it changed and why?

[RedDirtFan]

Does anyone know why the semi final games are not held at neutral sites? It hasn't always been like this. Just wondering when it changed and why?

No idea but this is much better than neutral sites, in my opinion.