1. How did Ball High end up in the division with the biggest schools in the state?
The way the University Interscholastic League playoffs are set up, the enrollment of the four teams from each district that qualify for the playoffs are compared. The two biggest schools go Division I (big school), while the two smallest go Division II (small school).
With Ball High having enrollment losses since Hurricane Ike, it would seem that the Tors would have no problem qualifying for the Division II bracket. However, the enrollment numbers used are from October 2007, almost a year before the Ike roared ashore.
At the time those numbers were taken, Ball had the sixth highest enrollment in District 24-5A at 2,452. The only two schools behind it were Clear Springs (2,320) and Dickinson (2,155).
If current enrollment was taken into account, it would be Ball in Division II and Springs in Division I. This is further proof that the system the UIL has put in place is severely flawed.
2. Can a team with no previous playoff experience like Clear Springs actually have a long run in the postseason?
Tradition plays a key role in high school football and, at times, it can be an intimidation factor in a playoff match.
Springs doesn’t have that experience, but the players seem excited about building the foundation for it this season. The Chargers have the right bunch of characters and coaching staff to show that young programs can have success, too.
3. Does Dickinson have a shot of repeating its postseason success of a year ago?
The Gators will have a bit of a hard time matching last year’s regional semifinal run. They have been inconsistent at time throughout the season, looking horrible for a half before looking like the best team in the area in another.
The inconsistent will probably cost Dickinson in the playoffs, possibility as soon as this week against Willowridge in the first round.
4. Can a 5A team from Galveston County actually make the regional finals?
Well Dickinson probably doesn’t have a shot and Ball is almost certainly going to be one-and-done.
That leaves Springs as the only team with a shot — and the Chargers have the potential to do just that. They have the talent, they are well coached, and they have a bit of a swagger, which won’t hurt. Don’t be shocked to see Springs squaring off against two-time defending state champ Katy in three weeks.
5. Which teams are the favorites to win the two Region III-5A brackets?
In Division II, Katy has claimed back-to-back state titles. It is the favorite until someone knocks the Tigers off.
Hightower and Cinco Ranch are the likely favorites in Division I, although don’t write off Brazoswood. The Bucs are playing as well as anyone in the region right now.
