These are great match-ups, and they beat cross-state travel for the teams involved. Look at a map sometime. These types of games are a solution for some of the classification complications we face when we look at competitiveness for teams at the ends of our enrollment spectrum. Sadly, I wish Burns was on this list a couple of times (instead of their games with Wright and Sundance). Also Southeast and Guernsey ought to be playing one or two games with Nebraska Panhandle teams.

No offense, but it is your turn to come to Sundance. I didn't particularly enjoy the trip either. But, then we get back to that old "travel" thing. Once they changed the classifications those 5 hour trips in conference became reality to us. How do you get out of playing a conference game no matter who else you play?

Bulldog Fan, we're talking about the 2009 schedule, not redoing the 2008 schedule. So by 2009 wouldn't it be your turn to go to Burns (if they aren't back in 3A)? I know Southeast would rather play a closer and stronger NE school, rather than have a NSI or Midwest team come to Yoder.

tmillerwyo...yes, you are right. You are also right about who SE would want to play, but don't they have to play the teams in their conference? Alas...as much as I like sports, this is the last year I will have to travel anywhere for high school sports unless I just want to. From a parent who hasn't missed more than about 4 events since grade school it will be nice to have that option. I will truly miss it, but even attending will not be the same without "my" kid playing. Wonder if I can do anything about the "bleacher butt" I have acquired.....

The interesting thing here is how does the WHSAA determing Strength of Schedule when some of the teams are 600 miles apart. ?(using Western Nebraska and Eastern Idaho as a guide) I know the SOS is going away after this year but was wondering what Patrick thought about the subject. As for the playoff thread a couple of subjects ago, I was a big proponent of getting rid of the last two teams in in each class, giving the top two teams a bye. I was harping on it pretty good in the 06-07 season until 2-8 Wheatland came in and beat us (Star Valley) on our own field. I'm not saying it's perfect, but until that NEVER happens, I've changed my tune. BTW Patrick, how is the WHSAA going to handle an eight-team playoff bracket without using power rankings? especially since (in 4A anyway) there are 11 teams and not an equal number in each conference?

Good luck to everybody this coming fall, I can't wait for football season, not a stretch to call the Bison the favorites right now is it?

Hi Llama,

The WHSAA is using the old style -- top four in each conference. If conferences are unbalanced, well, that's too bad. As I recall, unbalanced conferences were a big reason they went to power ratings in the first place (you know, the old argument about my fifth-place team in the South being better than your fourth-place team in the North, but your fourth-place team gets to go to the playoffs). Of course, the WHSAA may choose to balance the conferences by 2009 with its upcoming reclass cycle.

As for the SOS, it's all based on winning percentage. Yes, it is kind of odd that Marsh Valley, Idaho, and Alliance, Neb., would end up in the same mathematical SOS equation, but I guess football is football no matter where you play it.... or something.

--patrick