Holes in schedule

[ol' gus]

So district games are pretty much decided but what really happens if for whatever reason you can't find games on certain pre-district dates?

 

[ol' gus]

I sure could use some input from guys who have made out schedules. For example, does the world stop turning if for some reason you absolutely can't find a week 3 or week 0 game? Does it affect playoff eligibility? What else could happen?

 

[Johnny South]

It happens all the time. It happens more to the stronger teams that no one wants to play, but also the very weak teams that are not enough of a challenge. They just have more than one open date. That is why I advocate 8 team districts, to eliminate all of the scheduling problems for all of the schools.

 

[HP Drifter]

sometimes as the new season is upon the horizon you may can pick up games, especially with non-UIL teams.

 

[Little Doc]

I agree with Johnny South. The tougher teams year after year have to scramble to find games because the coaches of weaker teams are more interested in playing someone they can beat and put a W on their resume rather than finding out how their teams can prepare for tougher opponents and find out their own weaknesses. Usually these teams get into the playoffs and lose in the first or second round consistently because they haven't played any tough competition to prepare them. Just my opinion.

 

[Coach Brand]

The tougher teams year after year have to scramble to find games because the coaches of weaker teams are more interested in playing someone they can beat and put a W on their resume rather than finding out how their teams can prepare for tougher opponents and find out their own weaknesses. Usually these teams get into the playoffs and lose in the first or second round consistently because they haven't played any tough competition to prepare them. Just my opinion.

Maybe these coaches actually play teams of equal strength. Did you ever think of that? What's the point of a "weaker" school scheduling a state contender. Teams don't have to lose in order to find their weaknesses.
Playing tough competition doesn't necessarily prepare a weaker team to get past the 1st or 2nd round of the playoffs.

You can't win against a thoroughbred when all you have is a mule. It doesn't matter how many races you enter against them. It's just a fact.

Coaches have an obligation to their school and to their kids to put them in a position to be successful.

 

[coachsatcher]

And don't forget, many of these games are scheduled when teams are equal, but a year or so later, one has gotten better. I heard that all year this year. We had four opponents who beat our ears in, in years past, but because we ran the table, everyone said they were weak. They weren't weak when they were put on the schedule.

 

[Little Doc]

Apparently, I hit a nerve. Just didn't think anyone would make it so obvious!

 

[coach_jshelton]

There are a lot of factors that go into scheduling - too numerous to mention. I do agree with finding ways to have districts that have 6 or more teams. It would help all teams with their schedule, and at least 50% of the schedule would actually be played with potential playoff implications.

 

[ol' gus]

I think a home and away every year with each district opponent would go a long way in solving the scheduling problems, and other problems too.

 

[Johnny South]

Maybe these coaches actually play teams of equal strength. Did you ever think of that? What's the point of a "weaker" school scheduling a state contender. Teams don't have to lose in order to find their weaknesses.
Playing tough competition doesn't necessarily prepare a weaker team to get past the 1st or 2nd round of the playoffs.

You can't win against a thoroughbred when all you have is a mule. It doesn't matter how many races you enter against them. It's just a fact.

Coaches have an obligation to their school and to their kids to put them in a position to be successful.

Just because the ears are just a little bit longer than normal doesn't necessarily mean that it is a mule. Some of my friends down south of the border used to say that they wouldn't keep a colt if it didn't have good long ears.
The Coach's responsibility is to transform that "so called Mule" into the Thoroughbred of which you speak! You know from prior experience that just a little cannon fodder is good, but not every week. Every coach loves a W, but not many make it to the big game.

 

[Edward Golden]

I love competition as much as anyone, but I would not schedule a team that I am pretty sure would 45 me. I would find a team equal or a somewhat better than me, but getting 45 really helps neither team except the winning team gets a W.