Class 6A in PA?

[philip's dad]

I agree totally

[once a runner]

nLion, I respectfully disagree. It seems like you're saying that our area isn't good enough to get teams to the state championship so we should add more classifications. That would increase the chances of getting teams to the championship, but nevertheless, all classifications still have to go through the WPIAL (and Dist. 10 is pretty good as well). Don't you think a state like Mass. is a bit ridiculous with 13 classifications? I noticed California, which has 3 times the population of PA, has only 5 classifications.

I could see adding a class for the schools that are super large. There are AAAA schools who are still playing schools nearly 3 times their size. That can make a big difference in a sport like football. Don't get me wrong, I don't think going to 6 classifications would be a travesty. If the PiAA could convince me that it was about fair play and not just money I could possibly get behind the idea. However, when they ignore the other sports because they aren't a cash cow, then it's obvious their motives are just about money. Look at wrestling for a moment. How hard is it for a school like Bald Eagle (which is AAA and has a male enrollment just over 250) supposed to compete on a level field with schools with 1,000 or even 1,500 in some cases? Any sport that awards team championships certainly deserves more than 2 classes if the PIAA is truly interested in fair play.

As far as increasing McCort's chances of winning states, that wouldn't be the case unless they can drop enrollment a little bit more. If the PIAA keeps the same formula they have now there would be about 100 schools in each class instead of the current 150. It appears that BM would be in AA with their current enrollment. That would also include schools like Aliquippa, Jeanette, Wilmington and Mt. Carmel is on the bubble. On the bright side, they probably would avoid Steelton Highspire.

[nLions1]

like Mass. is a bit ridiculous with 13 classifications? I noticed California, which has 3 times the population of PA, has only 5 classifications.

California and Alaska are the 2 huge states that have small classifications if you really look at it. Why? We dont know. Why does Mass. and NJ have such huge classifications? Because they are kind states and want everyone to be a winner!

all classifications still have to go through the WPIAL

Indeed neighbor, but with classifications spreading everything out, dont you think some new opponents would finally make their way to the playoff ring? Some teams that maybe for once they say "I hate the playoffs. Once we get to the LHAC teams we get destroyed, and cant hang with them."

Maybe Im living in a dream world. Maybe we should just stick to 4 classifications because no matter what, 6 or 4 we are only going to have 1 state title team every 20 years.

[El-Moldo]

Just think. We already have about 120 all-state football players at the end of each season with 4 classes. If we add two more classes, that'll give us another 60 all-staters or so, giving us around 180. Throw in 180 all-staters on the second team and pretty soon anyone half decent will be recognized as an all-state player.

[nash112358]

California and Alaska are the 2 huge states that have small classifications if you really look at it. Why?

I too am surprise that CA doesn't have more. But Alaska should only have 2, only about 680,000 people live there.

[nLions1]

El-Moldo, regarding all-state football players, does that even count as an honor anymore? Today it just seems like something being thrown in the last page of the sports section at the bottom right corner for somebody to find.

[Dfense wins games]

Your right. Why change? With thinking like that we would still be riding a horse to work. Interest in sports has changed. Sports sections are larger today in newspapers. ESPN was created in most young adults life. By looking at the above list, I bet most of the states have expanded their divisions. I guess we're right and they're all wrong.

Cute.


If PA had more teams that could actually make a run at the state championship, then I would say we need more classifications. The state champ is usually predicted preseason and they win all their games, including the championship. That means there is a lack of good quality teams. Sure "thats why the play the game" but it is not like there are 9 or 10 (heck 5 or 6 even) great teams per classification. I dont want 6 classifications because some schools want to water down the competition and avoid good teams en route to a "title". "A" championship caliber teams have atleast one D-1 player, "AA" have two, etc. Most schools around here have some good small-college talent... at most! 6 classifications is a joke. PA is a great football state and they do it the right way.

[pats39]

I believe CA did not even have state championship playoffs untill recently, only "bowl games"

[nLions1]

If PA had more teams that could actually make a run at the state championship, then I would say we need more classifications. The state champ is usually predicted preseason and they win all their games, including the championship.

http://www.pahelmetproject.com/champs.php

Theres a list of the PA state champs in all classifications to 1999..looks to me like there is actually a fair number of different teams that win state championships.
4 teams that went back to back and 1 team that went for a three peat. Theres always a couple schools in a state that have the ability to go back to back thats just the way it is, and eventually that team dies off until the next decade. If predicting the next state champion is so easy then tell me DWG, who is going to win the state championships next year? Gateway was a top 5 ranked nationwide powerhouse last year and were predicted to win the state championship, but they didnt win.

*Also I would like to point out Central Martinsburg. They gave the state championship team Wilmington a run for their money and if AA state championship teams have "at least 2 D1 players" name 2 players from Martinsburg that are going D1. Because they definitely had their chance at winning it last year.

[Dfense wins games]

So basically we are agreeing there nLions. Is it not competative now? Why water things down?

If predicting the next state champion is so easy then tell me DWG, who is going to win the state championships next year?

Give me a few months, bud.

Gateway was a top 5 ranked nationwide powerhouse last year and were predicted to win the state championship, but they didnt win.

Well maybe they needed that 3rd quality D-1 player...