I heard that VES, Stab, and Covenant were all playing 8-man next year. What other schools are looking to do this? How will it impact the playoff structure?
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Do you know what other teams are going to make the switch? I think it is an awesome idea. With declining roster numbers in public schools, I wonder how long before we see a group of VHSL schools explore the possibility.A lot of schools are making the shift, and some are making a huge deal about NOT making the shift (Fuqua).
If there are enough teams shifting to 8-man, the VISAA can sponsor a separate 8-man championship (essentially a separate, one-division sport)-- problem solved. Might even get Southampton back playing this side of the state line. We'll have to see exactly how many teams are making the change before speculating any further.
I have seen first hand where 8 man guys are overlooked. There are always exceptions to every rule. As a former 8 man coach in a different state, speed, tackling, ball handling ability all does not matter. Unless you a truely exceptional stand out, he more than likely will not get a d1 offer. Those kids with that talent level will usually transfer to a 11 mam school for better looks. Even the starting LB from boise state was a walk on. He played 8 man and single handedly diffused oregon in the las vegas bowl this year. If he was 11 man he would have been given an offer, but as an 8 man kid he had to be a walk on.I will agree that it makes it easier for one or two players to dominate a game, similar to basketball. But I don't think it hurts recruitabilty at all. I subscribe to that if you can play, colleges don't give a darn where you are or who you played in high school. I think the wide open nature of 8 man makes it easier to see athleticism or a lack there of. If you have the goods, college coaches will notice.
http://www.espn.com/blog/bigten/pos...wn-8-man-football-to-making-big-plays-at-iowa