When you think of playoff time in high school sports you think of winners, champions! After all that's what a regular season is designed to do,separate the cream from the milk.

This week the Idaho State high school football playoffs begin with some 80 teams competing in six divisions. Unfortunately nearly 25% of those teams have losing records.

The 4A and 2A brackets each have a whopping field of 16 teams! I find it hard to believe there are 16 teams in each of these divisions worthy or capable of winning a state title.

The 5A bracket sports a field of 12 teams including Meridian at 3-6. The Warriors have to travel to Madison with the winner getting Rocky Mountain next week. How about we cut to the chase and have Madison play at Rocky this week?

Skyview will take a trip to Post Falls where the two teams have a combined record of 9-8. I'm sure if could be a compelling game but what happens next week when the winner has to plays at Mountain View.

The Idaho prep football playoffs have become a little like post season college bowl games, it's more surprising if you don't get in a bowl than if you do.

I like the underdog as much as anyone but when it comes to playing for a state title, the overall work of the body of the season should be the litmus test for a berth in the bracket.

For instance, if you just went by best records a first round 5A Bracket might well be:

Rocky Mountain vs. Madison, Highland vs. Lewiston, Coeur d'Alene vs. Eagle and Mountain View vs. Skyview.

While I love the sportsmanship trophy, the state playoffs shouldn't be about a participation trophy.

 

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