Ray Icaza

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.

Congrats Darter, you are so deserving.

Just got home from that 4hr drive. I think Julian's analysis was spot on wit WB controlling field position most of the day as their defense prevented any chunk plays on the ground. They also never abandoned trying to run the ball even though with little success which opened up opportunities thru the air. They were as good as we expected and earned the victory. They cashed in on their opportunities, while the few we had we did not. Thought the backbreaker was with them leading 10-7, their QB threw into double coverage where we were in perfect position for a second pick. Instead their WR took that pass for a TD. Proud of our kids as they have battled all year.

More data to encourage an "OPEN DIVISION" for these 1% of elite teams.

Obviously, planning to attend our game at 12:30 Friday but doubt I can stay down there for a long weekend like I had hope to catch some of the others. Hoping the NFHS broadcast of games from this venue are as high quality as was the one for the Rural championship from the Villages location.

Darter, I did get the opportunity to watch the Madison County vs Hawthorne championship game on the NFHS network and the quality of the video, audio, sports reporters, etc.. was fantastic. It is a different venue but my guess it will be high quality.

Thanks but I like it better when we aren’t favored to keep that edge. Seem like everyone is now on the bandwagon and this game certainly isn’t a given. By the way, good luck to your Naughts as my posts have been clear on Privates vs Public’s so will be pulling for you.

Kowboys path to the championship will have required beating the top 3 teams in 6A to raise that trophy so it will have been earned and well deserved. The class of 2025 has watched us lose in the finals in 2020, then the semi's in 2022 and now they are at the doorstep again. It won't be easy as that is the nature of the beast, but like they have all year they believe. GO KOWBOYS & grab that glory.

Hope your relocation goes well and its been a pleasure making your acquaintance. Every team that has had to battle physically during the last 2 weeks to get here is probably a bit banged up. We are no different but will enter the final pretty much intact. At least it won't be as cold as it was last night.

Pretty chewed up as others have pointed out. Don't think it affected either team as they are used to it and we were able to run the ball effectively despite it. Enjoyed meeting you during the OHS vs Jones game and maybe we will run into each other in Miami. Funny thing is our 2 losses that possibly could have gone the other way are to the 7A finalist Lake Mary and 4A finalist Jones. That sealed our fate as being a true contender for the 6A crown, but somehow we are managing to prove those naysayers wrong. These last two victories to propel us there were against teams ranked higher than us as well as being on the road. One last obstacle to overcome.

We have had our share of missed calls throughout the year, but so have other teams therefore I haven't had reason to be critical of the officiating this year. Don't know the exact numbers, but yardage wise for penalties it was probably around 150 to 50. More importantly, they called back 2 touchdowns and numerous other successful plays against our offense in critical moments to force a punt. Meanwhile, when we did manage a 3rd down stop against them, we would get a PI (half a dozen this game) or a roughing the passer or something else helping them keep the ball and the drive alive. They threw the ball the entire game (48 attempts), which was their strategy since they knew the run would not work, good for about 380 yards. But you pick your poison and despite 5 TD passes he had 4 INT's along with 4 or 5 sacks. Everyone knows holding can be called almost on any play, yet they never called it once against them the entire game with that many passing attempts with our side clearly seeing it being done. I can sight other individual examples, but it is probably pointless and I am not suggesting the refs cheated, only that the calls seemed to be pretty one sided. The result of this is the coaches had to keep the kids head in the game as when they continually feel the calls are against them it is demoralizing, but they did manage to fight thru it. GO KOWBOYS!!

Anxious to get home to see how well they throw the ball as BUCHHOLZ ran it a total of 4/5 times but only twice out of a wildcat that was a designed run. They passed virtually on every down and got lots of help with at least a half dozen PI’s to keep drive’s alive.

Credit to Bobcats for not quitting and continuing to battle. More credit to the group of refs that helped them in that effort. Enough said as the important thing was to survive and advance again on the road. Another Monday. GO KOWBOYS!!