EDITORIAL

IF NCAA FOOTBALL CAN CHANGE SO CAN WE

     11 or 12 games. That is the college football season. And realistically 3-5 of those games are glorified practices for elite NCAA teams, even in the SEC. One loss in September under that system can cost you a shot at BCS national title game. No matter how much your team improves, it can all be over at the hands of South Central Louisiana State University. And everyone cries foul, talks about how unfair it is, and cites corporate greed. So much so the system is changing.
 
     Now lets take a look at a much less money hungry and nationally viewed sporting league, the Mid Penn Boy's Lacrosse league. We play 16-18 games in less than 2 months, often times multiple games in a row, or 3 games in 4-5 days. Brutal schedules, harsh weather, and injuries dominate the landscape. No games are gimmes at the high school level. Sure some are more predictable, but we are not talking about a team of guys going pro vs the bio club team, we are talking about high school boys asked to win every night. One loss in March can end your shot at the Mid Penn Championship.
   
     Why do I draw this comparison? To site the issue and problems with a one representative format for each division in the Championship Game. This year is the perfect year to highlight why this system is a failure in representing all teams and giving everyone an adequate shot.
 
     In the Keystone Division we have a Hershey team who appears to be at a higher level than any other team in their division. For the Trojans, and the division, the one team representative is not a problem. Hershey at this point is the best team in the Keystone Division and should be in the title game.
   
     The Commonwealth Division is not nearly as cut and dry. Carlisle has been playing well this season and has a very good shot to repeat. Trinity has elevated their game to the top level of the Mid Penn and also has a great shot to get into the championship game. They play April 16th at Carlisle in a defacto Semi-Final game. All eyes will be on that game.
  
     Here are just some of the flaws with this. One game does not determine a teams season, growth, or talent. The game is not a neutral site. The teams we see 4/24 will not be the same teams in a week or two at the end of the regular season. Anyone who has played or coached at the high school level knows teams grow and develop incredibly fast at different points. Some teams rise up and become much better while others plateau or never really improve from where they were at the start of the preseason. Placing the burden of champion on one or two regular season games seems short cited in an effort to find the best team.
 
     The better way would be to have a semi-final game with the 1 and 2 teams from each division, at a neutral site, two days prior to the Championship Game. Give teams a chance to grow the whole season and keep fighting for the title. This would also be a great way to grow the game locally in terms of media coverage, attendance, and recognition for four, not just two, quality programs. And talk about post season excitement, we'd have three great match-ups verses just one.
  
     When comparing NCAA Basketabll and Football post seasons there is little debate on which one is better at declaring a champion

Let us know what you think in the comments section. Counter points are always appreciated!