This Week's Games

On behalf of all fans of Kentucky high school football, I want to issue a plea to the Kentucky High School Athletic Association to please abandon the six-class system. This is the fifth year of the new system, and it is now clear that the system is virtually devoid of drama. Consider the action on tap for anyone who makes the trek to Western Kentucky University for the state finals:

Friday, December 2, 2011:

11 AM C.S.T.

Class 1A Final: Mayfield (14-0) v. Hazard (11-2)

This is Mayfield's third straight trip to the final, and the second straight for Hazard. Last year, Mayfield beat Hazard 47-6. In fact, Mayfield's last three playoff games this season (Lou. Holy Cross, Beechwood, and Hazard) are the exact same matchups as their final three playoff games last year. Not exactly "any given Sunday" material.

3 PM C.S.T.

Class 2A Final: Glasgow (14-0) v. Cov. Holy Cross (11-3)

This is the fourth time in five years that a Catholic school from Northern Kentucky has reached the final. The other three times it was Newport Central Catholic, who won the title last year 42-0 over Owensboro Catholic. We will hope that Glasgow keeps it closer.

7 PM C.S.T.

Class 6A Final: Lou. Trinity (13-0) v. Scott Co. (14-0)

This will be Trinity's fourth 6A title in the last five years, and its sixth state title in the last seven years. Trinity and St. X have won the state championship in the class for the biggest schools every year since 2000. No team from outside of Louisville has won the state title in the highest class since 1996. So there's just no drama here -- nor much chance for a state title by the new McCracken County Mustangs going forward.

Saturday, December 3, 2011

11 A.M. C.S.T.

Class 3A Final: Lou. Central (11-3) v. Belfry (13-1)

This is the third time in five years that these two teams have met for the 3A title. In 2007, Central won 27-17. In 2010, Central won 46-7. Central also took the 2008 title, so this one will be their fourth in five years. I hope the Belfry fans are bringing radios so at least they can listen to the UK/UNC basketball game.

3 P.M. C.S.T.

Class 4A Final: Franklin-Simpson (13-1) v. Ft. Thomas Highlands (14-0)

This will be Highlands' fifth consecutive state title, with the others coming in Class 5A. In 2007, they won the title with a 28-7 win over Bowling Green -- none of the state title games they've played since have been that close. At least the folks from Franklin-Simpson don't have a long drive to the game.

7 P.M. C.S.T.

Class 5A Final: Bowling Green (14-0) v. Anderson Co. (12-2)

Anderson County's run through the playoffs -- which included a 31-30 win over Conner in the quarter-finals -- may have been the most exciting aspect of the post-season. And Highlands's move to 4A does mean that 5A finally gets a new winner. But BGHS has been totally dominant all year -- they even beat St. X -- and I just can't see them losing in their home town.

Here are match-ups that I would much rather see:

A: Mayfield v. Belfry

AA: Franklin-Simpson v. Cov. Holy Cross

AAA: Lou. Central v. Fort Thomas Highlands

AAAA: Lou. Trinity v. Lou. St. Xavier (This wouldn't be a good game either -- Trinity already blew out St. X -- but they should always be put in opposite brackets so they can meet in the final.)

Please let me be clear: I'm not criticizing any fans, or teams, or players, or coaches who are involved in the current playoffs. And I hope, with all my heart, that we get some competitive games for the fans who show up. But I really think that administrators have failed in their obligation to create a system that identifies true champions while ensuring that almost all teams face real challenges. They should abandon the six-class system, and try something else.