Just trying to make a few points to various discussions since my last post.
I do know that people on the rankings committees have said they do use BC Moore as a tool, along with the Bound Power Rankings, and I believe they some make or have access to a RPI list for the class they rank as well. There is no perfect way to truly evaluate all of the teams in the state when so many don't play each other, and yes you can compare scores sometimes, but that isn't perfect either. My guess is that if you were to ask any of the ranking committee members they would have sound reasoning for how they rank it, and also probably have a few disagreements within the rankings.
When it comes to making the pods, I don't know if there is a perfect way of doing it, that is why I kind of tried to balance geography and rankings for what I put out there. I do know that the state will separate the top 4 and I think they really try to only have one of the 5-8 in each pod if possible. Like I said and has been mentioned I don't think the state is going to send Woodbury Central to Maquoketa Valley (which would be a 7 v 10 matchup) when there are some matchups that make more sense geographically and still are separating the powers. But, I do think they are willing to send teams 2.5 or 3 hours if it makes sense to get the right matchups. Like mentioned earlier Woodbury Central went to North Tama, I know Newman went to AHSTW and West Lyon West to both Osage and DNH a few years ago, it can happen.
I would also say pods are easier to make in Class A then in 1A or 2A.
Finally I know when it was mentioned that things seem a little bit more open some are like West Hancock and Saint still need to be the favorite, and I completely agree. But, for a few years there is seemed like no matter what we were getting West Hancock and Grundy, this year I still am not betting against West Hancock, but I look at the top 8 or so and kind of see this.
West Hancock: Still very good, well coach, and physical, but I have watched some film and they just aren't this unbeatable force like they have been.
AC/GC: I really am concerned about their defense, they have athletes, and a good, but I could see them losing before the dome.
Saint Ansgar: Kind of the same as WH, very well coached, physical, but don't have maybe the depth that they once did.
Lisbon: Super fast, not the most physical, and I have questions about their district. But if they can get to the dome, their speed could be an issue.
Tri-Center: Kind of came out of nowhere, but have looked impressive, and the loss to AHSTW isn't a bad one.
Gehlen: I kind of question the strength of D1 as well, and while I think Woodbury Central is a good win, it has became less impressive.
Maquoketa Valley: I can't figure out the loss to Cascade, but that was week 1, and they have been pretty dominate since then on both sides of the ball, but I think there a bunch of unknowns.
Pekin: Kind of the same as Lisbon, big questions about the strength of schedule. But, they can put up points.
