Q of the Week: So who is the Preseason #1 ranked IHSA Football Team in Illinois?

[JCHillmen]

I think you are looking at the petition from a different point of view. When ESL started petitioning up to 7A, it was to maintain the class that they had competed in since the 8 class system was put in place. At the time, this board crucified ESL and called the coaches arrogant for not wanting to play 6A. The petition wasn't used to avoid a specific team nor create a favorable lane for a championship. In '13 and '14 ESL had two of their worse teams in recent memory and made it to the semi's and Qtr's with a 6-3/ 5-4 regular season record. I am sure LA felt the same way after competing in 8A for all those years. If the conference was ESL would pretty much stay 7A for ever.

On the other hand, I can see some teams opting to move higher to avoid certain teams in the playoffs. So far that trend hasn't started yet but we will see what the future holds.

No doubt LA, ESL, and SR are doing it because they like to play up as much as possible. LA benefitted a few times just by happenstance, but they weren't avoiding MC. It is just unfortunate that it gave both teams a "lighter" route the last few years, though there was certainly no avoidance intended. ESL we know will play anyone. SR is the headscratcher in that they petition up, but would seem to be perfectly competitive in 5A and 6A most years. So props to them for wanting to stretch beyond that.

 

[Cross Bones]

Requesting up to avoid one team makes no sense because you're moving up to a more difficult field on whole. It may seem reasonable if you're a school that completely outmatches either field except for the 1 school.

 

[MCCaravan6410]

Is BR still 5A? I think that’s wild