7 divisions for football in 2013

[Crab's Brother]

I have already stated that I agree that SE Ohio is lagging in the scheduling department. There is not much to argue there. I know people can't stand Paladin, and I feel that it is mostly because of his delivery. He is very negative to this part of the state and I doubt that changes.

The question I have for Paladin, is what would you do to fix it? The Southeast does not have the scheduling options that other areas have. You mentioned Brookfield . They played a wide variety of teams but they never had to travel more than 1:15 to play (Based on google maps). The teams in the northern part of the state have better quality teams to play close to home. I would like to hear your suggestions. Do feel a Valley or Wheelersburg should fill their non league schedules with teams in or north of Columbus every year? Is a game or two like that every year enough? I guess the question I have is what is enough? If one school plays a couple of big time programs every year, but also plays their league games, is that enough to make a big difference in playoff preformance? These small schools down here rely on their football teams to fund the rest of the sports programs (they have done well enough to avoid play for play) and playing teams 100+ miles away that won't provide much gate, can really hurt the entire athletic program.

Like I have said before, none of this changes how I feel about my school. I will go to the playoff games and cheer the kids on.

Go Indians!

[eagles73Taylor]

Paladin pretty much every school you mentioned has one thing in common, and that is they are centralized in a small area. The kids can just walk to where they need to get to. Kids in southeast ohio have to drive or rely on someone to drive them to facilities to get better. Trojandave, your example is exactly the same, it isnt the will or the work ethic, rather logistics! Northwest school kids may have to drive up to 15 miles to get one way to school to practice. Look at the better football districts around our area, Burg they are one of the smallest districts in scioto county. Ironton, same situation. There are a plethera of factors, but dont put southeast ohio schools down because they struggle overcoming many of them.

[Paladin]

The whole region sucks for the most part. Key is to play tougher teams AND to have your league teams do the same. I'll use Logan as an example -- they upgraded their schedule years ago to play D-I teams in and around Columbus. Sometimes they were too tough but Logan never faced much in the way of difficult teams in the SEOAL as well. Most ducked competition. Logan one year lost all their non-league games and ran the table beating everyone in the SEOAL. Lets look at the MAC and best example I can use. Many of those towns are small and much like SEO. However, everyone in that league schedules up or tough teams in non-league. You know what the league is loike as well. There the overall effect is to lift ALL BOATS. And that is the key for SEO. EVERYONE needs to increase the competitive leavel . Of 3 non-league games , two should be bigger or tougher schools for everyone. Schedulke a gate game or rivalry that may not be tough or bigger. If all do it, the competitive level of the entire area goes up.

As for Brookfield, they got run out of the All American Conference where they played before ( Youngstown Liberty, Girard, Lakeview, Warren Champoin, LaBrae, Newton Falls,Campbell Memorial, Struthers) where they got their butts kicked. They have to travel now as the AAC are teams in just two counties. But they played a good schedule and have built their program back up. Former state Champ.

[A-Town Big Dog]

You're welcome trojandave.

It would be nice to see some of our local teams take advantage of the increased "slack" with the addition of another division and thus adding 32 more playoff teams state-wide, by adding a couple of games each year outside of the area. Most conferences have 5-7 league games, which allows for quite a bit of scheduling flexibility. It might take a couple of years to work it out, and then it could take a few more years of tweaking the schedule and learning/growing as a program from the experience, but over the course of 5-6 years things could begin to change significantly. I'm sure at this point it's only a pipe dream, but it would still be nice to see.

I'm not sure there really is any slack for teams in our area, the addition of a 7th division greatly helps the largest schools in the state make more appearances as 32 of 72 total or 8 of 18 per region (44.4%) of all new D1 schools will now qualify for the playoffs each year but the remaining divisions are only being shortened from 30 to 27 teams per region meaning we will go from a 26.7% qualification rate at 30 teams to a 29.6% rate at 27 teams. I can see where many teams from our area have less computer points available as a lot of the SE schools they compete against are falling to divisions below where they are currently.

[Jesco White]

You're welcome trojandave.

It would be nice to see some of our local teams take advantage of the increased "slack" with the addition of another division and thus adding 32 more playoff teams state-wide, by adding a couple of games each year outside of the area. Most conferences have 5-7 league games, which allows for quite a bit of scheduling flexibility. It might take a couple of years to work it out, and then it could take a few more years of tweaking the schedule and learning/growing as a program from the experience, but over the course of 5-6 years things could begin to change significantly. I'm sure at this point it's only a pipe dream, but it would still be nice to see.

I'm not sure there really is any slack for teams in our area, the addition of a 7th division greatly helps the largest schools in the state make more appearances as 32 of 72 total or 8 of 18 per region (44.4%) of all new D1 schools will now qualify for the playoffs each year but the remaining divisions are only being shortened from 30 to 27 teams per region meaning we will go from a 26.7% qualification rate at 30 teams to a 29.6% rate at 27 teams. I can see where many teams from our area have less computer points available as a lot of the SE schools they compete against are falling to divisions below where they are currently.

I was basing it on anticipation of those suttle changes altering the typical points range for playoff qualification more often than not. This year, for instance in Region 19, the lowest qualifying point total was the least it's been since before 2000. Obviously, it's not an exact science, but with adding a division forcing some schools to drop down and some regions to reconfigure, it is certainly a possibilty. The major change is obviously at the D-1 level, but I expect a ripple affect of sorts.

[Game day]

The whole region sucks for the most part. Key is to play tougher teams AND to have your league teams do the same. I'll use Logan as an example -- they upgraded their schedule years ago to play D-I teams in and around Columbus. Sometimes they were too tough but Logan never faced much in the way of difficult teams in the SEOAL as well. Most ducked competition. Logan one year lost all their non-league games and ran the table beating everyone in the SEOAL. Lets look at the MAC and best example I can use. Many of those towns are small and much like SEO. However, everyone in that league schedules up or tough teams in non-league. You know what the league is loike as well. There the overall effect is to lift ALL BOATS. And that is the key for SEO. EVERYONE needs to increase the competitive leavel . Of 3 non-league games , two should be bigger or tougher schools for everyone. Schedulke a gate game or rivalry that may not be tough or bigger. If all do it, the competitive level of the entire area goes up.

As for Brookfield, they got run out of the All American Conference where they played before ( Youngstown Liberty, Girard, Lakeview, Warren Champoin, LaBrae, Newton Falls,Campbell Memorial, Struthers) where they got their butts kicked. They have to travel now as the AAC are teams in just two counties. But they played a good schedule and have built their program back up. Former state Champ.

You are soooooo full of yourself. And how many games did Logan win this year in the league!

[NY BUCKS]

Alot of success of inner city schools have alot to do with how many schools are close together ....say johnny dont think he can cut it at 1 school johnny goes across the street to play for another school ...it happens all the time..

[doubleplay643]

The whole region sucks for the most part. Key is to play tougher teams AND to have your league teams do the same. I'll use Logan as an example -- they upgraded their schedule years ago to play D-I teams in and around Columbus. Sometimes they were too tough but Logan never faced much in the way of difficult teams in the SEOAL as well. Most ducked competition. Logan one year lost all their non-league games and ran the table beating everyone in the SEOAL. Lets look at the MAC and best example I can use. Many of those towns are small and much like SEO. However, everyone in that league schedules up or tough teams in non-league. You know what the league is loike as well. There the overall effect is to lift ALL BOATS. And that is the key for SEO. EVERYONE needs to increase the competitive leavel . Of 3 non-league games , two should be bigger or tougher schools for everyone. Schedulke a gate game or rivalry that may not be tough or bigger. If all do it, the competitive level of the entire area goes up.

As for Brookfield, they got run out of the All American Conference where they played before ( Youngstown Liberty, Girard, Lakeview, Warren Champoin, LaBrae, Newton Falls,Campbell Memorial, Struthers) where they got their butts kicked. They have to travel now as the AAC are teams in just two counties. But they played a good schedule and have built their program back up. Former state Champ.

What area schools would you like for Jackson to schedule in order to not "duck competition" should we travel to Columbus, Cincy, Dayton? Who is going to pay for that and does that really represent what the school's mission is for Friday Night? Is the mission not a chance to encourage kids to play, compete, bands to perform, parents to enjoy this. The mission should be to win a league title, compete in the play-off system, not to travel, waste $$$ and time in order to "play-up. Jackson has dropped Vinton County and Waverly, picked up next year Wheelersburg and Ironton (albeit lower Division schools but very very solid programs) and West Jefferson as well. So we are doing a Columbus area team, but doing that for three non-conference games is a waste of $$ and not the mission of any public school's AD. Just saying.

[trojandave]

eagles73: I respect your posts, however, you cannot tell me from my experience that it isn't the will or work ethic that is involved in the success of Portsmouth's basketball players........I have witnessed it, and even experienced it myself by playing against these same Trojans. Sure, logisitics may play a part, but logistics doesn't guarantee the will or work ethic, because I have seen many kids growing up in Farley Square or the North End who didn't have the drive of some others.......yet the "logistics" were the same for them as they were for the successful ones.

Remember the old adage, "Where there's a will, there's a way"........how true that is........if a person wants to truly excel in anything, then they will rise above adverse circumstances and find a way to live their dream.

[LICKING COUNTY FAN]

I hope there are a lot of private schools in D-7 maybe this will save so many from crying about recruiting and the open enrollment issue many public schools take advantage of. :122245

[Paladin]

NCF mentions private schools. What I think will happen is there will be more stratification spreading out all the Private schools into ALL divisions. That will, by necessity< place more in the tournament as most play better schedules of bigger teams , resulting in more computer points. It also sets up the likelihood that severAL with losing records get in. Last yeARS Ursuline team would have come close to winning it all even with a losing record, but didn't get in. Thank your lucky stars a "popular" position didn't reorganize the playoffs -- many want to scrap the regional Top 8 and go to the Top 32 regardless of region based on total computer points. That would reward those who play the tougher schedules but don't get in becuase they must finish 8th to get in now. Every year ther are alot of teams that would wipe the floor with many in SEO who do get in. And , most in the state see what I see year after year-- last nite SEO went 0-3, lost them all. Tonite I picked SEO to go 0-4. Games aren't over yet, butI won't be surprised with a bad night for SEO.

I also expect that the way regions are cut up for 7 divisions. will increase the area size and force many in SEO to travel even further in playoffs.

[bman]

Paladin you must have no life to get on here during a Saturday night and continue to trash a region you appear not to like. Most of us know SE football has a hard time competing against other areas of the state, for many of the reasons you list, but we enjoy the Friday night experience and watching our kids compete. It doesn't need to be pounded in by you every time a SE team loses. At the end of the day, it's just a game. That seems to be something you don't understand much. Take your hate someplace else.

[Paladin]

I'm just having a chat, offering an opinion. I love it when people say I don't know what I'm talking about............................. and then........................... it happens.

Cheers !

[Bleeding Red]

I'm just having a chat, offering an opinion. I love it when people say I don't know what I'm talking about............................. and then........................... it happens.

Cheers !

Kinda opposite of your coaching career I hear.

[The Enforcer]

Paladin you must have no life to get on here during a Saturday night and continue to trash a region you appear not to like. Most of us know SE football has a hard time competing against other areas of the state, for many of the reasons you list, but we enjoy the Friday night experience and watching our kids compete. It doesn't need to be pounded in by you every time a SE team loses. At the end of the day, it's just a game. That seems to be something you don't understand much. Take your hate someplace else.

Agree 100% with this post

[noles_fan]

I coached against another fellow coach who left his Eastern Ohio team and went to Maria Stein Marion Local. Saw him later at a coaching clinic. The usual conversation turned to what did he find different there. Answer --

most kids there are from German Catholic backgrounds, as is most of the MAC. All are small towns, just like SEO. Schools are tight knit and have alot of pride in themselves vs outsiders. TEams there EMBRACE tough competition and do all they can to avoid weak sister programs ( unlike SEO). All have strong community support ( booster clubs,etc). And lastly no one leaves because someone may dominate for a few years. Coldwater was a D-4 while the rest are D-5 and D-6. Even have a private school imcluded ( Delphos St. John). That competitive level brings out the coaching that is needed to survive. As well as the kids to stand for themselves and their community. Its a simple set of concepts, but they practice it like a religion. Many places in the state will not do all that for a sustained period of time. Coaches look for cheap wins, kids aren't always as dedicated and ditto the communities..Competition isn't as keen and competitve level falls.

Im pretty sure you have no idea what kind of community support teams have in SEO there for I dont think you should comment on such matters. Further more the coaches dont make the schedules so to say they are looking for cheap wins is further proof you shouldnt be making comments about things you have no knowledge about. The AD's make the schedule's and most are looked upon by the school boards to save the school system money by not sceduling long road trips. Most fans, teams, and coaches in this area would prefer to play up to prepare for the playoffs. You sir (and I use that term lightly) should keep your oppinions about things that you have no knowledge about to yourself. I for one am sick and tired of hearing you downgrade the young men of this area and the fans who support them. If no was else will say it I will, If you have such dislike for this area stop getting on here and reading and commenting about it.

[Paladin]

I'll continue to give my opinion, thank you very much. I spent 30 years in SEO and coached at two different schools. Since then , have maintained close friendships with a numbe of coaches. You don't like the truth ? Don't read it. MOST and I repeat , MOST coaches are CONSULTED by the ADs before ANYONE is scheduled. Thats because most AD have NO IDEA how tough or easy a particular program is at any given time. Coaches ARE aware of that.

With the logo, you might be from Monroe Central. If so, I knew Jay Circosta very well and can tell you with out exception, no one scheduled anyone without Jays approval.

If anyone schedule is weak in SEO, they need only look in a mirror. It isn't rocket science.

[noles_fan]

Locally, I can name two, but can go allaround the state and find them. Brookfield is the #1 seed in their region and a poor community. Schools have been in state trouble funding wise for years and the people there are at the low end in our county. Warren Harding, while a famous name is an inner city school with extremly poo parents and a school on Academic Watch. They are #5 seed in Region 1. Then, lots of schools in the Youngstown area. ( 13 schools in the two county area are in). Ditto schools in Akron, Canton, Cleveland, Toledo areas. Shadyside on the river near Steubenville ( extremely poor) and River Local. I could go on.

See your arguement doesnt hold water your still nameing schools in urban areas around metropolitain areas. Yes they may be poor school districts but they only have to drive 15 miles across town to play the powerhouses. You are comparing apples to oranges. For schools in our areas to play up you are looking at road game 60 miles or more with the possiblity of losing a home game or two due to bigger schools not wanting to sign a one and one contract. So by doing that you cut your football revenue which pays for equipment, uniforms, weights things your program needs to survive.

[Paladin]

You must be a punk kid. Local games have nothing to do with it Warren Harding was driving to Cincinnati for games. Toledo. Dayton. 3-5 hours was common. Where is River or Shadyside in a "mtero" area ? You are clueless as are most down there. The better programs are as disadvantaged . Iggy & Eds play Cincy, Indianapolis, Buffalo, N.Y., etc. What rock are you hidng under ? Please continue to whine while the area gets pounded. Make excuses. The state laughs at you folks. You do little right down there. And it shows.

[bman]

Paladin, how about you make your way over to the Athens thread and congratulate a SE team for a playoff win over a good Shawnee team.