Semi OT: PIAA

[Pittx9]

Thought there was a thread somewhat related, can't find it now. Who else saw the new classifications? PIAA and WPIAL going to 6 classifications now. I kinda like the idea, although let's just say my alma mater will always be in the largest classification but never is able to win. Interesting what will happen at Heinz Field, can Pitt even play the day before and the Steelers the day after the WPIAL Championships? Can the WPIAL Championships even be played on one day now? It's 6 GAMES we're talking now!

 

[Sean Miller Fan]

I have a feeling the WPIAL will combine 3A and 4A and also 5A and 6A and have just 4 classifications to keep the quadruple-header championships at Heinz. A, 2A, 4A, 6A.

The winners of 4A and 6A move on to states but also the 3A and 5A team that advanced the furthest in the WPIAL tournament.

Example: USC, a 5A school, loses in the 6A semis. They were the only 5A school to advance that far so they go to the state 5A playoffs. If 2 5A schools advance that far, they have a 1 game playoff the following week for states. If more than 2 advanced, it goes by seed.

Some of this has been discussed by the WPIAL.

 

[Joe the Panther Fan]

What they are talking about (and it's just talk at this point) would be to have the 6A teams and the 5A teams in opposite halves of the bracket, so that the semifinals are essentially the 6A championship game and the 5A championship game. Then those two winners play for the WPIAL championship of the combined 6A-5A "division" and both teams make the state playoffs.

I have no idea how they would make it work, but that's one of the things they are considering, no matter how stupid an idea it is.

 

[Pittx9]

What they are talking about (and it's just talk at this point) would be to have the 6A teams and the 5A teams in opposite halves of the bracket, so that the semifinals are essentially the 6A championship game and the 5A championship game. Then those two winners play for the WPIAL championship of the combined 6A-5A "division" and both teams make the state playoffs.

I have no idea how they would make it work, but that's one of the things they are considering, no matter how stupid an idea it is.

Agree. Would be very tough, extremely odd, and quite stupid. Unless I don't know that much about other states, I don't think I've heard of any other states with 6 classifications that do anything as bizarre as what the PIAA is discussing here.

 

[Joe the Panther Fan]

It's not the PIAA that is discussing it. It's the WPIAL. Because they need to protect their little fiefdom and preserve their playoff cash no matter what.

 

[Dr. von Yinzer]

Well, yeah, of course they do. How else should they handle it?

 

[ricflair4LIFE]

Thought there was a thread somewhat related, can't find it now. Who else saw the new classifications? PIAA and WPIAL going to 6 classifications now. I kinda like the idea, although let's just say my alma mater will always be in the largest classification but never is able to win. Interesting what will happen at Heinz Field, can Pitt even play the day before and the Steelers the day after the WPIAL Championships? Can the WPIAL Championships even be played on one day now? It's 6 GAMES we're talking now!

Let's see. Start the first game at 6 AM. You might be able to play all 6 games in 18 hours. (probably more time needed) That would mean the last game might be over by 12 AM.

 

[Saboteur]

Thought there was a thread somewhat related, can't find it now. Who else saw the new classifications? PIAA and WPIAL going to 6 classifications now. I kinda like the idea, although let's just say my alma mater will always be in the largest classification but never is able to win. Interesting what will happen at Heinz Field, can Pitt even play the day before and the Steelers the day after the WPIAL Championships? Can the WPIAL Championships even be played on one day now? It's 6 GAMES we're talking now!

I like it too....but I was born and raised and played in Ohio where computer rankings have determined playoffs since 1972!
The WPIAL does not like it because it will eliminate that entity as a ruling body. Most of the students in high school sports (about 75%) play east of State College so changing to suit them makes sense.
The answer is to allow schools to make their own schedules and take the playoff pairings out of the smoke filled back room of the WPIAL and into the 21st century. I repeat, Ohio (which as 7 classifications now) has been arranging playoff eligibilty and pairings under compter rankings for 41 YEARS!!! Ohio has more large cities than PA, so the issue is really on point in rural areas. The number of players from Ohio in D1 dwarfs PA (look at MSU's roster).
I chuckle when WPIAL teams play "up" or "down" or (heaven forbid) schedule a game outside of their classification. It is a matter of routine for this in Ohio....
So as long as you insist on the WPIAL controlling playoffs and scheduleing it will be a problem....because the WPIAL was designed for 1950.....not 2016.....reminds me of the Fort Pitt tunnels.