Nulli Secundus
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Posts posted by Nulli Secundus
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2 hours ago, MarkECannon said:
Lakeland still has that apartment where they list all their transfers as occupying. Just kidding, just kidding
Hey! No bringing up NuJack
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On 1/24/2025 at 9:40 PM, nolebull813 said:
North and South.
(North Bracket)
Fort Meade
Frostproof
Discovery
Mulberry
Lake Region
Hardee
Desoto
(South Bracket)
Moore Haven
Lake Placid
Avon Park
Clewiston
Lemon Bay
Labelle
Okeechobee
You play the other 6 teams in your bracket, and 4 teams from the other bracket. The following year you play the other 3 plus one of the others you played in the first year and that would rotate every cycle.
The South bracket is similar to District 45
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1 hour ago, MarkECannon said:
Is this the QB that transferred from Auburndale to Lakeland last season?
That would be the one. Round Robin it seems...
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52 minutes ago, nolebull813 said:
Look for Lake Wales to be joining the Heartland Athletic Association soon. Lol.
They got Lakeland's QB for what it's worth and appear to be stocking up.
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7 hours ago, nolebull813 said:
Anyone hear of new teams popping up for 2025? Any new public schools opening?
I read that McLaughlin Academy in Lake Wales is gonna try 11-man football this coming year. I believe they have been around for a while but have never played football in their history
It's been around for roughly 60 years as it opened in 1964 as Lake Wales Junior High. Maybe the can snag from the Highlanders, lol.
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@Dr. D I told you! I expect more to follow.
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On 1/12/2025 at 1:08 PM, PinellasFB said:
I suppose these are all academic transfers, huh? I mean I'm sure these kids are concerned about getting the best possible college preparatory education.
You know better than that! Besides, if they aren't moving for "academic" reasons, who's to say some would bend the truth just to save face?
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On 1/10/2025 at 4:45 PM, Dr. D said:
Agree 100% with the above sentiment. I think the reason there is not more discontent with the FHSAA Rankings is that it is human nature when you don't understand something complicated to say, "okay, whatever" and press on. And since no one really knows what factors are considered and how they are weighted, it is hard to direct your discontent at a particular factor or set of factors. What accounts for the difference in a ranking of 17.723 vs. 16.897? Who knows? At least when the FHSAA used an RPI-type of rankings, we knew the weighting of the various factors, and the calculations could be verified independently. I would argue that the problem is with using any computer rankings at all -- let's just go to 6-8 team districts and settle it on the field.
Implementing 6-8 team districts statewide will take some.... consolidation. Yes, that's word for the day, CONSOLIDATION; district consolidation or class reduction. I'm all for it though, lol.
- MC Rockets and Dr. D
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5 hours ago, MarkECannon said:
Instead of saying TRANSFERRING can we call it TAKING MY TALENTS?
ACCEPTING TALENT... TAKING MY TALENTS implies talent was stolen when the talent moved of their own free will
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7 hours ago, PinellasFB said:
I'm surprised there isn't more discontent with the computer rankings. I keep beating the drum that taking out margin of victory (i.e. elo chess method) really ruins the algorithm. Elo chess requires thousands of interconnected games to become statistically significant, something impossible in a football season in a single state. Anyway, the results seem to overly reward wins vs bad competition and overly penalize a close loss vs strong competition. Removing scoring margin always irritates me because it's so easy to put in a diminished return for MoV over a certain amount (to discourage running up the score for ranking purposes) and still get nearly the same effect. A single score loss to a great team should always be worth more than 5 TD win vs a bad team. MoV does this.
The marriage between MP and the FHSAA has been a nightmare. It also devalues the importance of district competition which we've seen.
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3 hours ago, Dr. D said:
The FHSAA Football Advisory Committee held its annual meeting this morning. This committee is made up of 8 coaches who represent the 4 regions of the FHSAA, and meets once a year, presumably to represent the interests of the coaches, and to present recommendations for change. Recommendations are passed up to the Athletic Directors Advisory Committee, and then up to the FHSAA Board of Directors for action. Unfortunately, a link was not made available for public viewing of the meeting. Information on the committee's makeup and agenda for this meeting are available here: https://fhsaa.com/sports/2020/3/11/Sport_Committees.aspx
To give you the Reader's Digest summary, it appears the coaches' most pressing issues are knee pads and drone usage. Apparently, there is general satisfaction among this group with the state of high school football in Florida. So get ready for ridiculously small districts and top-secret computer rankings for the foreseeable future. The various ideas/suggestions on this board for improving Florida high school football apparently have not registered with the powers-that-be. But let's keep the conversations going in 2025.
I'm waiting for a 1-team district to emerge at some point. Kind of shocked it hasn't already happened with the number of 2-team districts that exist.
I read it, twice in fact and I laughed. Then I realized that no one is joking while telling a sick joke. Shame! With the recommendations presented and the voting, it makes me wonder what kind of deals have been made.
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On 12/30/2024 at 2:42 PM, Dr. D said:
My last rant of 2024. Sorry.
Here's my first rant of 2025. Can the FHSAA at least keep accurate archive records!? The sheer amount of misspelled teams, missing entries, incorrect scores and duplications is utterly ridiculous. This is just football. I can't imagine how messed up the other sports may be.
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On 12/31/2024 at 9:26 AM, PinellasFB said:
One other thing to consider is a lot of those championship teams had very tough semi-final games compared to their championship games. Perhaps it was the seeding process that was broken this year?
I'm more inclined to say that is the nature of the football. The FHSAA record books are littered with many examples of this scenario throughout the decades.
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13 minutes ago, nolebull813 said:
Winter Haven is horrible in football and basketball and they still go and play teams that beat their heads in. Lol. I never understood that. Scheduling a game you have ZERO percent chance of winning. That doesn’t make you better. It just embarrasses your players and lets them know how inferior they are at the game of football.
Classic Winter Haven
You must have been reading my mind. I've been looking at compiling all the sports at some point starting with Basketball next. Winter Haven is at the center of the carousel known as open enrollment, lol. Head in any direction and there's a better program.
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2 hours ago, Dr. D said:
I appreciate the thoughtful, reasoned viewpoints you publish on this forum. I wish the powers-that-be in the FHSAA had your passion and dedication to high school football.
Several points of contention: First, I hope you live a long, healthy, prosperous life, as open transfers are not going away anytime soon, because school choice laws are not changing any time soon in Florida. That is just a fact. It will never be "your 22 vs my 22"; it will be your school's kids + the kids from other schools in the county + the kids from the next counties over + the kids from across the state, vs my 22.
The fact that Miami Central (metro population = 3M) is in the same classification (3A) as Brooksville Central (population = 9,800) shows how screwed up the competitive balance is in Florida. Putting all teams in one classification would likely lead to the 95% of schools with no chance of winning a championship in the first place leaving the FHSAA. Why not just put the elite 5% in their own classification, and leave everyone else alone? The NCAA realizes that all schools are not created equal, which is why we have the FCS, FBS, Division II and Division III. Florida high school football is no different. The only state I am aware of that has a singular state champion is Kentucky, and that is in basketball. But no one thinks Kentucky is the toughest basketball state in the nation. Maybe there are too many classifications in Florida, but going from 8 to 1 may be a bit too radical (for me, anyway).
Well, again, I appreciate your creative thinking and maybe it will somehow rub off on those who can act to make Florida high school football better for all.
I try to provide objective information from my point of view. I guess there may be a little bias in that, lol. Seriously, thank you. I hope I live a long and prosperous life as well. Things really come into perspective as I approach that half century milestone. Sheesh! Anyway, I have stated before that I know Lakeland, Polk County and statistics. I rely on other knowledgeable posters like yourself to fill in the rest.
First, I'm going to say that the idea of competitive balance AT BEST is a cruel joke. I honestly believe the notion of competitive balance is an outright lie. There is nothing that can be done to resolve that outside of bussing "talent" to starving schools to equal the playing field. In the example you cited using Miami Central and Brooksville Central in the same classification to show how screwed up competitive balance is in Florida. You're right, competitive balance is a cruel joke. Even without the current climate of open transfers, Brooksville Central or any Hernando County school for that matter historically don't have strong teams. That is systemic to Hernando's football ecosystem in having players on a larger scale that can compete with neighboring counties. Since 1963, Hernando County has YET to produce a team that made it beyond the 3rd round with most of their departures in the 1st round. I can see the clear advantage Miami Central would have over Brookville Central. However, the question I pose to you is does a class exist in which Brooksville Central has a fighting chance? As I stated in my previous post, if the state were to undo open transfers AND go to one class, those schools that are at a disadvantage are free to leave the FHSAA. As @nolebull813 would say, there are some schools that shouldn't play football and this is no exception. However, if you are going to play football, then strap up and play football.
To your comment about having one classification would likely lead to 95% of the schools with no chance of winning a championship, how does that differ from today? How many prognosticators predicted this year's finals? Also, I whole-heartedly believe moving the 5% in a new classification will only breed a new tier of powers below that 5% threshold. It will be the same vicious cycle and the same complaints will continue.
I hear what you're saying about the National Crooked Athletic Association and I agree with the remark that not are schools are created equally. That comes down to money. The more money and notoriety you have as a school, the better athletes a school can pool from. Which reminds me, NIL needs to be abolished at the high school level. Just my opinion. Also at the high school level, until there's a universal player portal and rating system that can be tracked and assigned to select schools/counties based on player performance and athletic ability/potential, that would do a disservice to the entire state. You're already telling these young men that you don't measure up when they should be afforded the opportunity to show was they can do where it counts; the classroom, the weightroom, the training/film room and the field. However, the lessons learned from the trials are invaluable beginning with Team work and not quitting above all else. Not every school or county will be proficient in football and no amount of hand holding, adjusting and balancing will change that. That's where other sports come into play. I have to believe that everybody is good at something. Maybe not football...
Regarding Kentucky, no disrespect to the Blue Grass State but it's Kentucky, and it's basketball. Football reigns supreme and because of that, no one looks twice.
I'm always up for good thought provoking conversation. Thank you for your insightfulness as well.
- Dr. D and MarkECannon
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I've asked myself this question a lot of the years, If I had my way, lol. Such a small question and a very complicated answer. I'll try to lay it out without talking you all to death, lol.
Facilities
NFL teams that receives money from the state of Florida, the cities and/or the counties in which they reside should sponsor AND advertise FHSAA logos on their stadiums and include in promotional merchandizing in which the cut should go directly to the schools for facilities and advertisement. In other words whenever negotiations start regarding funding a new stadium, the FHSAA aspect should be baked in without exception, 5%-10%. With 3 NFL teams in Florida and a sizeable roster native to the state, not giving back is a travesty especially when taxes are levied to enhance their facilities and keep them in the Sunshine State.
Coaching
Florida DOE needs to make a decision regarding classification "coach". Are coaches going to be teachers in the classroom in addition to coaching or will they be hired for the sole purpose of coaching only? Both have pros and cons but I think most would agree that the current system in place is not working considering the amount of hours that goes into practice and preparation outside of regular teaching duties.
The bigger question becomes, how much is a coach worth in Florida? Is a coach worth more than the principal? No. Is a coach worth more than an English, Math or Science teacher? Society will say no in a heartbeat. Some will argue that coaches are already fairly compensated when you factor in that other educational professionals work after hours lesson planning and grading with no stipend or supplemental support aside from their paycheck. From that vantage point, coaches are going to lose every single time. However, a Football Coach as a singular entity might be easier to push if that coach is successful. If the state went that route, I would imagine there would be a lot of turnover for performance reasons.
FHSAA
I've said this before and I'll say it again. I've always been a proponent of having less classifications. I used to believe in a promotion system based on performance but that was before the open transfer era. Two things needs to happen before I leave this earth; Open transfers needs to be done away with AND the FHSAA should only have one class, once and for all until the number of schools justify adding a 2nd class. It shouldn't matter how large or small your municipality is. It's your 22 vs my 22. May the best team win. Schools that don't think it's fair or don't want to compete because they may be physically outmatched are free to leave the FHSAA. I would expect more to follow because the simple truth is not every team is going to win and every dominant team will eventually lose. It is a TRAVESTY that in this state there isn't a true champion. When that happens, Florida would be regarding as THE TOUGHEST football state in the nation.
Promoting Florida High School Football is easy. It virtually sells itself. However, it does take promotion and it should be a year round campaign that encompasses all sports honestly. However we are talking about high school football so I'll only talk about that. Another element that really hurts Florida is the rapid growth and migratory patterns of residents in and out of the state. There are a few of us on this board that no longer reside in Florida and with it the goes the tradition and allegiance for our respective areas. It's now replaced with out of state people looking for a slice of Florida paradise and prosperity with no local ties to the community and that's part of the reason why fan and school support is dwindling. How would I combat that? In conjunction with only having one class, that one class would be divided in 64 districts comprising of 6-8 teams each. The winner of each district goes to the playoffs to start a 6 round playoff ending with one champion, end of story. From a marketing and advertisement perspective, I would do so much in the manner of the Hunger games. Which district will bring it home? At that point, it becomes bigger than just the school representing the district. It becomes about the entire district and there's a good chance that attendance and support could rise based on pride alone. Then, the State of Florida in conjunction with the NFL pool could supply funding to market and televise.
Sorry, my thoughts are random and radical but this is what I would do if I could. By the way, this is not all of them, lol.
- MarkECannon and Dr. D
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8 hours ago, Perspective said:
I always hate it when the high school playoffs end. I can still get my football fix with the college and pro games, but I know the end of the high school football season tends to result in less traffic to this site, fewer posts, fewer good conversations, etc. With that in mind, and constantly reminding myself that with one or two exceptions I've never personally met any of the folks who post on this site, I feel a sense of community here. So, I just wanted to take a minute or two out of my hectic, last-minute shopping/wrapping day and wish everyone here a Merry Christmas/Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year!
Just remember, when things get a little crazy over the holidays, just try to keep everything in Perspective.
Changed my reaction. You are the definition of a shameless plug, lol. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and the entire FHSF family.
- Ray Icaza, Perspective and MarkECannon
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13 hours ago, nolebull813 said:
If a family lived in a RV as their only form of housing, what school boundary would they be part of? Would it be wherever they first set up shop at? RV parks don’t require long term leases. Hell they have daily rates. So if someone moved from out of state, what address do they put on their new license, and what the hell school do their kids go to? Lol.
From what I can tell, Polk County goes with the location of the dwelling.
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2 hours ago, nolebull813 said:
I bought Into the sizzle and not the steak.
More like
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43 minutes ago, nolebull813 said:
Lakeland was fools gold! Cost me the playoff pick em.
Gotta research. That's what you told us, lol.
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5 hours ago, DarterBlue2 said:
Is Polk the other? I remember small schools like Fort Meade and Bartow, as well as Haines City used to be very good in the 1980s and 90s.
No. Dade, Broward and Palm Beach. Polk has sent 3 teams to the finals 4 times in the same season, but only came away with 2 winners each time. Runner-ups in bold:
- 1996: Lakeland, Bartow, Frostproof
- 1999: Lakeland, Frostproof, Ft. Meade
- 2004: Lakeland, Ft. Meade, Lake Gibson
- 2005: Lakeland, Evangel (Lakeland), Ft. Meade
Regarding the other Polk teams you mentioned, they all had at least 1 title appearance before Lakeland got its 1st in '86. Matter of fact, Auburndale, Haines City, Kathleen, Bartow, Ft. Meade and Frostproof collectively made 10 trips to the big show while winning 4 titles before Lakeland. Winter Haven is the oldest school in Polk yet to make an appearance in the FHSAA era. Given their location and the current landscape, it may never happen.
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28 minutes ago, DarterBlue2 said:
Dade and Broward.
Three actually. Broward was the last to the party, but they still got in.
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18 hours ago, Jullian said:
The 954 traveled south of County line road & won 3 State Championships, 2 of them VS unbeaten teams. 2 blowouts & a good competitive game vs Orlando Jones. Congrats boys.
Heck of a feat. Only 3 counties have 3 or better in a single season.
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1 hour ago, nolebull813 said:
Not only did Publics win 5 of 8, out of the 16 finalists, a whopping TWELVE of the teams were publics
I don’t EVER want to hear crying about publics being at a disadvantage EVER again.
You might as well give me your money now.
Bartow coach arrested
in The Huddle
Posted
Educators in Polk County county can't stay out of the news as of late. What in the world is going on? *RHETORICAL*