QUINCY (WGEM) -Big hits, unbelievable touchdowns and rambunctious student sections cheering from the stands.
For schools like Quincy Notre Dame, the expansion is viewed as a game-changer.
“We were certainly 100 percent in favor of this because this would give us and other schools similar to our situation an opportunity to still play in the playoffs and possibly get matched up with teams that we can be competitive with,” said Quincy Notre Athletic Director Bill Connell.
The situation for Quincy Notre Dame centers on enrollment. At times playing conference games against teams nearly four times their size. A significant disadvantage when trying to secure a playoff spot in the traditional system.
The new format allows schools like QND to still have a legitimate shot at reaching the state tournament even when faced with a non-favorable regular season schedule. Which has already been demonstrated in another sport.
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“There was sometimes this year our boys’ soccer team to start the season out wasn’t the strongest,” Connell explained. “But as the season ended, we were playing our best soccer and that certainly showed once we got into the IHSA playoffs that we were playing our best soccer and we worked our way all the way to the final four almost.”
Not everyone is convinced the expansion is the right call, however. As Brown County Head football coach believes the old format had merit.
“I really like the old system and the fact that you had to earn your way into the playoffs and had to get that fifth win to get in and sixth win to make sure you’re in,” Little said. “It was something that we set goals for kids that they had to achieve and sometimes we didn’t make it. You know kids have to learn those lessons that sometimes we’re not just gonna get those extra things. You have to go out and earn it.”
This perspective argues that the struggle to reach the playoffs serves as a valuable learning experience for young athletes.
Beyond competitive debate lies a more pressing concern involving player health. The expansion means an extra playoff game will be added. Raising concerns for Tom Little.
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“A nine-game season is a lot,” Little noted. “Adding an extra game, especially if your team is not very good, you’re going to be playing another good team and that’s a lot of hits on kids. I don’t know if it’s our best decision.”
Regardless of where one stands on the debate, the impact is undeniable with nearly 130 more schools now qualifying for a chance at the state tournament.
That means more hits on the field, more unbelievable touchdowns, and more screaming from the student section.
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