I would expect an Athens grad to have no less of an opinion. There are many good arguments that can be had on a wide range or subjects in relation to football, this just isn't one of them. It is merely a distraction used to avoid the discussion of Athens hiding in the TVC. It can be twisted and turned about many ways using these or those numbers, but to say that the size of a school doesn't matter (on the macro, not the micro level) is just delusional. Athens simply lacks the talent to compete with similarly sized schools in athletics, so they chose to go to a league with small, rural, poor schools where they could make themselves look tough and develop a false sense of accomplishment. That's why they just don't get much respect.
Some of the things brought up by others are also important. Coaching is a very important part. Coach Adams obviously did a good job with the talent he had this year, but Coach of the Year? Not a chance. Some of those other D3 schools who play an actual tough schedule must be puking in their own mouths. It's just very difficult to assess his coaching when they schedule down.
Support of the team is also very important. Teams like NY and Trimble have rabid fan support no matter what their record. It doesn't matter if NY is 10-0 or 6-4, our stadium is always standing room only. We all wear our colors proudly regardless of the records. Yes, we are very vocal during after both wins and losses, but that's because we care. Athens on the other hand, can't even totally fill their stadium for a battle of 9-0 teams even with those that have jumped on the bandwagon since they moved to a small school league. Yes, Athens side looked filled, but if you looked closer there was a lot of brown, white and orange in those cold, wet seats. Nevermind prior to them joining the TVC, when, minus the families of the players and band, the stadium was virtually empty.
For some reason, I think the OHSAA also believes there is a difference. Hence the divisions. What I would like to see is the cutoff levels for the different divisions not being announced until after the student count. If I recall correctly, a couple of years ago Athens was something like 13 over the limit which put them into D2. I know that most of us at NY were sure what the next year's result were going to be and lo and behold, they moved to D3. The difference is very important in that even if they went 10-0 in the TVC as a D2 team, they would never make the playoffs. As a D3 team, they can.
I'm encouraged that they have added Jackson to their schedule next year. But since they do not feel that divisions are important, let's see them add some D1 playoff teams to their non-league schedule. Then they may garner true respect and not the inflated bravado of playing in the TVC.
p.s. - Oh and thanks 93 for saving me from mentioning it: ON THE GRIDIRON: NELSONVILLE-YORK HAS BEATEN ATHENS 18-OUT-OF-THE-LAST-21 GAMES.
