I’m not a fan of opting down at all, but I think there are programs that need to do that in order to save their program.
Quick observation- A majority of the schools that opt down in 11 man from B to C1, C1 to C2, or C2 to 8 man are schools/communities that have a diverse student/community population.
Schuyler is a great example. They struggle to be competitive in B. They played 2 C1 schools this year and lost to both of them (5-4 Neb City blew them out, 1-8 DC West beat them closely). When schools are in a situation like that there are 3 choices in my opinion.
1- stay the course and likely continue down the same path
2- opt down and be ineligible, but likely competitive
3- look for a coop
Schuyler, like many diverse communities/districts, struggles to get kids out. Looking for a coop makes sense for them, but most schools around them are going to avoid them because that school would be inheriting a large enrollment number with a participation percentage that is not proportionate to that number. In short, it isn’t a good deal for the other school. Madison had a run of decent teams when Wagner was there as the RB. They have since opted down. In the early 2000’s SSC had a perfect regular season. They have since opted down. Crete has gone through its cycles of quality teams and teams that have struggled. They have never opted down and have survived. Lex and Cozad have experienced similar runs as Crete from the 90s to now. Neither of those schools have opted down and they have survived. It is difficult, and it is hard on the program...but I think it makes it that much sweeter when that one successful season comes around.
Regarding points, I do think schools should get 2 bonus points for playing a school that opts down. Consider this.... to my knowledge the NSAA will not schedule cross class games unless both teams request the game on their wish list. From the example above (DC West/C1 vs Schuyler/B) it would mean that DC West asked to play a bigger school and the NSAA said “sure, and we will give you 2 points for it). Now that Schuyler opts down they could get paired with DC West in district or non-district play and DC West will have to play that game whether they want it or not. And there will be no bonus points for it. NSAA gives 2 points for games you want but none for games you don’t want? That doesn’t make much sense to me. The idea of awarding bonus points for playing teams that opt down was proposed as legislation through the proposal process a few years ago and it failed miserably.
Probably more info than you wanted, but lots to consider in this type of situation
Quick observation- A majority of the schools that opt down in 11 man from B to C1, C1 to C2, or C2 to 8 man are schools/communities that have a diverse student/community population.
Schuyler is a great example. They struggle to be competitive in B. They played 2 C1 schools this year and lost to both of them (5-4 Neb City blew them out, 1-8 DC West beat them closely). When schools are in a situation like that there are 3 choices in my opinion.
1- stay the course and likely continue down the same path
2- opt down and be ineligible, but likely competitive
3- look for a coop
Schuyler, like many diverse communities/districts, struggles to get kids out. Looking for a coop makes sense for them, but most schools around them are going to avoid them because that school would be inheriting a large enrollment number with a participation percentage that is not proportionate to that number. In short, it isn’t a good deal for the other school. Madison had a run of decent teams when Wagner was there as the RB. They have since opted down. In the early 2000’s SSC had a perfect regular season. They have since opted down. Crete has gone through its cycles of quality teams and teams that have struggled. They have never opted down and have survived. Lex and Cozad have experienced similar runs as Crete from the 90s to now. Neither of those schools have opted down and they have survived. It is difficult, and it is hard on the program...but I think it makes it that much sweeter when that one successful season comes around.
Regarding points, I do think schools should get 2 bonus points for playing a school that opts down. Consider this.... to my knowledge the NSAA will not schedule cross class games unless both teams request the game on their wish list. From the example above (DC West/C1 vs Schuyler/B) it would mean that DC West asked to play a bigger school and the NSAA said “sure, and we will give you 2 points for it). Now that Schuyler opts down they could get paired with DC West in district or non-district play and DC West will have to play that game whether they want it or not. And there will be no bonus points for it. NSAA gives 2 points for games you want but none for games you don’t want? That doesn’t make much sense to me. The idea of awarding bonus points for playing teams that opt down was proposed as legislation through the proposal process a few years ago and it failed miserably.
Probably more info than you wanted, but lots to consider in this type of situation
