Preliminary Classifications Out

[KidSilverhair]

The state has posted the preliminary classifications for 2016-17 football on the IHSAA website. Here's the gist:

- Western Dubuque and Newton move up to 4A

- Boyden-Hull/Rock Valley, Chariton, Crestwood and Saydel drop from 3A to 2A, while Center Point-Urbana, Iowa Falls-Alden, North Polk, South Tama, Spirit Lake and West Burlington move from 2A to 3A

- Louisa-Muscatine, Okiboji, Tipton, and West Central Valley drop from 2A to 1A, while Dike-New Hartford, Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont, Pocahontas Area, South Central Calhoun, Underwood, and West Marshall move from 1A to 2A

- Alburnett, Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn, Hudson, Ridge View, Saint Ansgar, Southwest Valley, Fort Dodge Saint Edmonds, West Fork, and West Monona drop from 1A to A, while Alta/Aurelia, BCLUW, Belmond-Klemme, Denver, Logan-Magnolia, Maquoketa Valley, Mount Ayr, Pleasantville, Tri Center, and Van Buren move from A to 1A

The cutoffs are:
610 largest 3A school (Norwalk); 318 smallest 3A school (Iowa Falls-Alden)

315 largest 2A school (MOC Floyd Valley); 203 smallest 2A school (four come in at 203)

202 largest 1A school (Tipton); 157 smallest 1A school (Clayton Ridge - they have Guthrie Center at 126 but I think that's a typo and should probably be 162)

157 largest A school (Pekin)

 

[KidSilverhair]

And here's a map with the 1A schools all spread out, so if you're interested you can try to build your own districts.

https://www.mapcustomizer.com/map/Iowa Class 1A

 

[cidhawkeye]

Hmm.. Should be very interesting the way the draw the line the time. Some schools got the long drives in the last lobbying process.

 

[EIHCGuy]

you support a private school they should get the short end of the stick, fella. I strike that all public schools do not add the privates on their top 5 list for out of district games either. That seems to be a popular opinion at the IFCA meeting as well.

 

[cidhawkeye]

you support a private school they should get the short end of the stick, fella. I strike that all public schools do not add the privates on their top 5 list for out of district games either. That seems to be a popular opinion at the IFCA meeting as well.

Good to know, hope it makes a differnce or at least everybody feels better. You would think if something is so popular the masses would introduce some legislation about it.

 

[fbfan05]

With only 7 districts there is going to be some long bus rides in almost every district.

As more class A teams move to 8 man football and Class A gets smaller each cycle, is there any discussion of dropping a class down the road and adding teams to the other classes to get us back to at least 64 teams in Class 1A-2A-3A? It would really help out travel.

 

[EIHCGuy]

The next change in classification will come in the form of two 8-man classes. Seems odd but its coming down the pipe

 

[WSC72]

EIHCGuy I have heard that has already been discussed by the classification committee. With more teams in 8 man it will most likely be discussed again.

 

[paxregis]

Every cycle, somebody pipes up about 8-man needing two classes in the near future. The numbers say otherwise. For every Class A school that comes down, a small 8-man school is forced to share football or their entire high school with a neighboring school

2000-01 26 teams
2002-03 40 teams
2004-05 47 teams
2006-07 56 teams
2008-09 60 teams
2010-11 65 teams
2012-13 60 teams
2014-15 64 teams
2016-17 62 teams

membership in 8-man peaked in 2010. As of the 2016-17 cycle, 22 of those 65 schools from that year will either not be open or not hosting their own football program.

 

[fbfan05]

I agree with Pax that 8 man may not be able to ever get enough teams to have 2 classes unless the state would raise the min. enrollment number, and then many of those Class A schools would choose to keep playing 11 man football.

But when a 8 man team shares with 11 man program it does not add back to the number of 11 man teams in the state. It only adds back when 2 eight man teams combine to form a new team.
So as Class A teams move to 8 man football, then Class A will soon be in the 40s for teams for the class.
How low does everyone think they will allow it to go?

The last time it got low the state dropped 1A-3A from 64 to 56 teams in a class and that added back 24 teams. But I doubt that they will drop those classes below 56.

One option would be to drop the number of teams in 4A to 40 or 32. There is huge enrollment difference between the top and bottom of 4A.

 

[EIHCGuy]

also discussed at IFCA meetings, fbfan05, was the thought of making a 5A 4A 3A 2A 1A and deleting A.

5A would have a minimum enrollment requirement.

 

[WSC72]

I agree with Pax that 8 man may not be able to ever get enough teams to have 2 classes unless the state would raise the min. enrollment number, and then many of those Class A schools would choose to keep playing 11 man football.

But when a 8 man team shares with 11 man program it does not add back to the number of 11 man teams in the state. It only adds back when 2 eight man teams combine to form a new team.
So as Class A teams move to 8 man football, then Class A will soon be in the 40s for teams for the class.
How low does everyone think they will allow it to go?

The last time it got low the state dropped 1A-3A from 64 to 56 teams in a class and that added back 24 teams. But I doubt that they will drop those classes below 56.

One option would be to drop the number of teams in 4A to 40 or 32. There is huge enrollment difference between the top and bottom of 4A.

4A does not have the biggest enrollment difference % wise in any sport. Number wise, yes

 

[paxregis]

If too many teams leave Class A for 8-man in 2018, I see 3A getting shrunk to 48 teams to keep A in the mid-50s range. I don't think Class A would be eliminated until 11-man membership falls to 240 schools. There are 272 schools playing 11-man in the next cycle

 

[cidhawkeye]

4A does not have the biggest enrollment difference % wise in any sport. Number wise, yes

Pesky details

 

[fbfan05]

Does anyone have any projected districts for 1A?

 

[atomic87]

Great map link above. BCLUW seems to be on a bit of an island. Looks like they'll have a couple 2 hour bus rides no matter which way they go.

 

[down_south]

So if the state drops to 7 districts of 8 teams how do you think they do the 16 playoff teams? Top two from each district puts you at 14 how do they decide the last two teams? My opinion it'd allow you to take three out of a district if you have a 3 way tie for first which would be nice. But other than that how would they come to a reasonable decision on the last two teams?

 

[usfhawk]

nm

 

[PNation]

Did a bunch of kids open enroll some where else once this was decided, 173 would be the legitimate combined total for this year off of last years BEDS and 142 would be the correct total for next year.

 

[RoundMound1]

So if the state drops to 7 districts of 8 teams how do you think they do the 16 playoff teams? Top two from each district puts you at 14 how do they decide the last two teams? My opinion it'd allow you to take three out of a district if you have a 3 way tie for first which would be nice. But other than that how would they come to a reasonable decision on the last two teams?

According to the state the first criteria will be 1st place ties. After that, they will use some magic formula akin to the BCS. Actually I made that last part up, they have no idea what to do if there are less than or more than 2 ties.

Again, why does 7 districts of 8 make sense?

 

[usfhawk]

Did a bunch of kids open enroll some where else once this was decided, 173 would be the legitimate combined total for this year off of last years BEDS and 142 would be the correct total for next year.

Looked it up and 142 is accurate for this year. They most be losing kids quickly and may have lost more in the consolidation.

Was interested only because I heard some speculate about them being in 1A.

 

[Scott Ervin]

Here are my projected 1A Districts if they go with seven. Remember this is pure speculation.
District 1-Alta/Aurelia, Emmetsburg, Hinton, Okoboji, Sibley-O, Unity Christian, Western Christian, West Lyon.
District 2-BCLUW, Belmond-Klemme, Central Springs, Eagle Grove, Lake Mills, Manson-NWW, Ogden, South Hamilton.
District 3-Bellevue, Clayton Ridge, Denver, Jesup, Maq. Valley, MFL-Mar/Mac, South Winn., Sumner-Fredericksburg.
District 4-Durant, IC Regina, Louisa-Musc., North Cedar, Tipton, Wapello, West Branch, Wilton.
District 5-Central Decatur, Col. Jct., Highland, I-35, Pella Christian, Pleasantville, Sigourney-K,
Van Buren/Harmony.
District 6-Des Moines Christian, Madrid, Mount Ayr, Panorama, Van Meter, WC Valley,
Woodward Academy., Woodward-Granger.
District 7-AHSTW, Guthrie Center/A-C, IKM-Manning, Lo-Ma, Mo Valley, OA-BCIG, Treynor,
Tri-Center.

 

[usfhawk]

Here are my projected 1A Districts if they go with seven. Remember this is pure speculation.
District 1-Alta/Aurelia, Emmetsburg, Hinton, Okoboji, Sibley-O, Unity Christian, Western Christian, West Lyon.
District 2-BCLUW, Belmond-Klemme, Central Springs, Eagle Grove, Lake Mills, Manson-NWW, Ogden, South Hamilton.
District 3-Bellevue, Clayton Ridge, Denver, Jesup, Maq. Valley, MFL-Mar/Mac, South Winn., Sumner-Fredericksburg.
District 4-Durant, IC Regina, Louisa-Musc., North Cedar, Tipton, Wapello, West Branch, Wilton.
District 5-Central Decatur, Col. Jct., Highland, I-35, Pella Christian, Pleasantville, Sigourney-K,
Van Buren/Harmony.
District 6-Des Moines Christian, Madrid, Mount Ayr, Panorama, Van Meter, WC Valley,
Woodward Academy., Woodward-Granger.
District 7-AHSTW, Guthrie Center/A-C, IKM-Manning, Lo-Ma, Mo Valley, OA-BCIG, Treynor,
Tri-Center.

These look pretty good. Wouldn't be surprised if D1 included OABCIG instead of Emmetsburg with Emmetsburg in your projected D2.

 

[Scott Ervin]

Yes, I thought of that also, but Conrad to Emmetsburg is really a long haul. BCLUW will be traveling a long way no matter where they end up so I thought this made more sense.

 

[atomic87]

Pushing Emmetsburg over would likely push BCLUW into another district with even longer travel distances (likely either northeast or central) so I think this makes sense too.

 

[nwmsbearcat]

Here's another prediction to ponder...
(Just don't think they'll put Regina and West Branch in the same district.)
District 1

• West Lyon
• Hinton
• Western Christian
• Unity Christian
• Emmetsburg
• Okoboji
• S-O
• Alta

District 2

• Manson
• Ogden
• Madrid
• WA
• South Hamilton
• Eagle Grove
• BCLUW
• W-G

District 3

• Lake Mills
• Central Springs
• B-K
• Denver
• Jesup
• MFL
• S-F
• South Winn

District 4

• West Branch
• Clayton Ridge
• M. Valley
• Bellevue
• Tipton
• Wilton
• Durant
• North Cedar

District 5

• Regina
• Highland
• Wapello
• Van Buren
• S-K
• L-M
• Columbus
• Pella Christian

District 6

• Van Meter
• Mt Ayr
• Central Decatur
• I-35
• Pleasantville
• DMC
• WCV
• Panorama

District 7

• OA-BCIG
• IKM-M
• GC/AC
• AHST-W
• L-M
• T-C
• Treynor
• Missouri Valley

 

[Scott Ervin]

The above districts are another option that is very feasible.

 

[usfhawk]

Yes, I thought of that also, but Conrad to Emmetsburg is really a long haul. BCLUW will be traveling a long way no matter where they end up so I thought this made more sense.

It's like dominos moving one team will move others. So, both scenarios have long road trips, just with different teams. Your districts look pretty solid to me.

 

[Scoreinisntborin]

With Districts coming out later today here are my predictions

Alta-Aurelia
Hinton
Okoboji
Sibley-O
Unity Christian
West Lyon
W Christian

AHST
IKM
Logan Magnolia
Missouri Valley
OA-BCIG
Tryenor
Tri-Center

Belmond-Klemme
Central Springs
Eagle Grove
Emmetsburg
Lake Mills
Manson NW Webster
South Hamilton

BCLUW
DM Christian
Madrid
Ogden
Pleasantville
Woodward Academy
Woodward Granger

Central Decatur
Guthrie Center
I-35
Mount Ayr
Panora
Van Meter
West Central Valley

Columbus Junction
Highland
Louisa Muscatine
Pella Christian
Sigourney-Keota
Wapello
Van Buren

Bellevue
Durant
North Cedar
Regina
Tipton
West Branch
Wilton

Clayton Ridge
Denver
Jesup
Maq Valley
MFL Mar Mac
South Winn
Sumner Fredrickburg

 

[EIHCGuy]

Great try. You forgot something: 1 more team in each district.

 

[Scoreinisntborin]

Great try. You forgot something: 1 more team in each district.

Didn't know it was 8 teams per district. Thanks for the heads up I'll post new ones then

 

[Scoreinisntborin]

If 8 team Districts

Alta-Aurelia
Emmetsburg
Hinton
Okoboji
Sibley-O
Unity Christian
West Lyon
W Christian

AHST
IKM
Log Mag
Manson NW Web
Missouri Valley
OA-BCIG
Treynor
Tri-Center

Central Decatur
DM Christian
I-35
Mount Ayr
Pella Christian
Pleasantville
Van Meter
West Central

BCLUW
Guthrie Center
Madrid
Ogden
Panora
South Hamilton
Woodward Academy
Woodward Granger

Columbus Junction
Highland
Louisa Muscatine
Regina
Sig Keota
Van Buren
Wapello
West Branch

Bellevue
Clayton Ridge
Durant
Maq Valley
MFL Mar Mac
North Cedar
Tipton
Wilton

Belmond Klemme
Central Springs
Denver
Eagle Grove
Jesup
Lake Mills
South Winn
Sumner Fred

 

[rkhemp]

Didn't know it was 8 teams per district. Thanks for the heads up I'll post new ones then

Pretty sure they will be 8 districts of 7, so you should be ok.

My bad. Just read the email. They seemed to have changed their minds. 7 districts of 8

 

[nwmsbearcat]

You have OA-BCIG in 2 districts.

 

[Scoreinisntborin]

You have OA-BCIG in 2 districts.

Thanks should be fixed now.

 

[gdkid2010]

Pretty sure they will be 8 districts of 7, so you should be ok.

My bad. Just read the email. They seemed to have changed their minds. 7 districts of 8

Can you post the contents of that?

 

[rkhemp]

Can you post the contents of that?

Quick summary: they are doing away with the 125 mile rule for playoffs since they will be played on Fridays, 13 point tie breaker rule is moving up to 17, kids will probably be allowed to wear helmet in the summer but if they do they are required to "rent" them from the school, the playoffs will have brackets, and allows the away team to bring 3 game balls to eliminate the gamesmanship by host schools.