[IceQB]

I have heard a lot of talk about the current playoff system and the peoples thoughts of too many classes and too many teams making the playoffs. I would like to hear some opinions about tweaking the current system, I dont see us changing the number of classes or eliminating any more temas from postseason play. So how about tweaking the current system a little to creat some differnet matchup in the postseason. With the current system we have the same Regional matchups each year: D1 vs D2, D3 vs D4, D5 vs D6, and D7 vs D8. I would like to see the KHSAA do one of the following to change up these pairings each year:
First Option: Rotate the pairing each year
Year 1: 1 vs 2, 3 vs 4, 5 vs 6, 7 vs 8
Year 2: 1 vs 3, 2 vs 4, 5 vs 7, 6 vs 8
Year 3: 1 vs 4, 2 vs 3, 5 vs 8, 6 vs 7

Second Option: Blind Draw for Regional Pairings

I have looked at the maps of current Districts and Regions. We currently have teams traveling 3+ housr for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd round playoff games so there is not an argument for my options creating more travel. I think the current system allows programs/teams to advance further in the playoofs each year than others who are annually better than them just becasue of the pairings that exist. In 6A there are teams that will never advance beyond Rounds 2 or 3 because of T and X, but other neighboring districts have teams advance further who are not the caliber of those teams. The same is true in 4A with Highlands and I am sure in other classes as well.
I am not one who believes everyone should get a trophy for just fielding a team but I also believe some programs have the perception of being better than others by advancing further in the playoffs annually but in fact are not even comparable to the teams getting beat out early because of the pairings. I know you have to beat the "best" teams at some point, it would just be nice to see some teams meet a little later in the playoffs occassionally.

Just a thought.