Ray Icaza

2024 ended up being a good year for my Kowboys despite a bit of disappointment at the end. Merry Christmas and looking forward to a better 2025 while wishing Goodwill to all of you. Praise the Lord.

I agree with this theory for the Open Division, but not necessarily that it needs to be mandatory as I imagine the "Carrot and Stick" will be the motivation of only ONE Champion. If any of the elites want that recognition, then they will take the Carrot or they then drop out and play for a lesser title, ie.. gold, silver, etc.... I also believe it should be similar to the current system used in college to select the top 12 teams from year to year so when a newbie like Flanagan or WB Raton appears on the scene for a short window they want a title they need to earn it. Let teams schedule regular season games as in the past and then at the end of the 10 game season, MaxPrep ranked them to compete for that title. If the FHSAA needs to increase revenue, then maybe expand the field to 16 or 24 teams. Finally, for revenue reasons play both the semi-finals and finals in south FL as most likely this is where those teams will come from and could produce a significant gate.

You rightfully list the wrong-headed ideas/policies they have tried over the years and I agree that the Metro/Suburban was a step in the right direction and needed some tweaking. What I disagree with is that these folks are "Totally Blind & Ignorant" as you claim. I tend to fall in the DR. D camp that they, just like most on this board are "HOMERS" and are settling on ideas that either help or don't hurt their team. If they stick to implementing the OPEN DIVISION in 2025 that will be a step in the right direction. I may be the one that is totally blind and ignorant for having hope.

I am not well enough versed to state how many classifications for state titles is the correct number. I do possess enough common sense to realize when the FHSAA came up with the formula of enrollment size they did it with the goal of "FAIRNESS". Even a simpleton realizes in the past a school of 500 would have a disadvantage against a school of 3000, thus that formula. Today that formula is irrelevant when you acquire not just a transfer or 2 or 10, but 3*, 4* and even 5* players from surrounding schools to build an All-Star team regardless of the enrollment size. Let's drop the hypocrisy and just do what is right.

From the time I started participating on this forum, I have been against the promotion/relegation system if it involved giving state championships to teams at different levels of competence. To this date, I reject rewarding mediocrity. That said, the "OPEN DIVISION" would produce a singular state champion as the best team in Florida which would make the road more challenging for be it STA, MNW, Venice, Chaminade, etc... They probably would be against this setup, but if they want to compete for that crown they would have no choice but to agree voluntarily. If they opt out, then they could compete for champion of the gold division or silver division or bronze division or however you want to define it that is not a State Champion. So I fully agree with your closing sentence, "NOT EVERYONE DESERVES A RING"! That includes STA, MNW, Venice, Chaminade, AHP, etc... Only ONE does.

That is correct, someone is always going to complain. If they went to an "OPEN DIVISION" with 12 schools they would most likely all complain, while the other 550 would rejoice so why cater to the few rather than the many??

That my friend is GOLDEN!

History gives validity to yours and Darter's view of the FHSAA Board of Directors. I have nothing objective to dispute your views, only hope.

Have faith, these FHSAA folks aren't blind and hopefully will do the right thing.

Venice and IMG use the same model, that is ......... load up on transfers. I think the Miami Northwestern was the most talented team by far I watched in the playoffs, but even the announcers acknowledged that Bridgewater not only loaded up on talent this year but it will only increase next year. Why should they beat up on each other you ask? Simple fairness, play teams that do what you do in an "OPEN DIVISION". Hope that happens.

You can lead a horse to water but you can't make him drink.

Privates advantages over publics have been my beef for years. But as everyone seems to agree the real problem is transfers. Don't know this to be a fact, but I did hear the announcers claim in our game this happened in reverse. Apparently, WB gain came at the expense of Cardinal Gibbons demise. Could that be true??

Pesky privates.

Had a chance for a handful of pass plays which we need, but just didn't execute. They were supposedly very good in the ground game also and what did they get...pretty much nothing but they executed on a few pass plays for big results. After a horrendous start we finally did get a score in the second quarter, got a quick 3 and out to mount another drive with time running down before halftime. Our reliable kicker missed afield goal to tie the game which would have finally moved fickled "MO" to our side but it wasn't to be. Sometimes the ball doesn't bounce your way.

Wasn't our day.