MAIS Alignment: Big Four Anchor Plan Wins

[615dawg]

Drop back to four classifications.

4A looks like this:

District 1
Jackson Academy
Pillow
Bayou
Magnolia Heights
St. Joseph

District 2
Hartfield
Starkville
Heritage
East Rankin
Lamar

District 3
MRA
Simpson
Park Place
Brookhaven
Parklane

District 4
Jackson Prep
Copiah Academy
Cathedral
Silliman
Oak Forest

Four district winners will play for Division I Championship
Next six (determined by Power Points) will be in playoff for Division II Championship


Hillcrest dropping to 8-Man football.

 

[8dog]

No better compromise than the Lose-Lose-Lose compromise.

 

[dawgstudent]

I feel for Park Place. Going from 8-man in 2024 to MRA in 2025.

 

[615dawg]

This is atrocious. The MAIS needs to fold for this.

There may be a 100 point game next year. Hopefully its just that and no one gets seriously injured.

 

[Maroon Eagle]

Four classifications but there can be… 11 state champions?

 

[SteelCurtain74]

I feel for Park Place. Going from 8-man in 2024 to MRA in 2025.

You can go ahead and start the running clock when they play MRA.

 

[Maroon Eagle]

You can go ahead and start the running clock when they play MRA.

Maybe that can be an 8-man game.

 

[SteelCurtain74]

Maybe that can be an 8-man game.

It might end up that way. They only had around 23 players this past season.

 

[OG Goat Holder]

This is atrocious. The MAIS needs to fold for this.

There may be a 100 point game next year. Hopefully its just that and no one gets seriously injured.

Do you even Pinelake bro

 

[vhdawg]

Hillcrest dropping to 8-Man football

Hillcrest has been at 8-Man football

 

[johnson86-1]

This is atrocious. The MAIS needs to fold for this.

There may be a 100 point game next year. Hopefully its just that and no one gets seriously injured.

That really does seem to be the dumbest of all possible solutions and I'm not even sure what problem it solves.

I don't know why the non-jackson area schools put up with being sacrificial lambs just because the Jackson-area schools want to pretend they have more than 3 competitors on an annual basis.

I don't know how much those school sizes have changed, but the Jackson schools are at least two times as big and maybe 3 times as big as some of the schools in their district plus they recruit. The difference between 100-115 students in a grade and 50-60 students in a grade is massive without recruiting, plus ignoring big time recruiting they have decent public schools nearby to pull depth from whereas a lot of the private schools in Mississippi are just schools you go to if you have the money because the public schools are terrible. You don't get a 6th man from the local public school to come be a starter.

 

[patdog]

That really does seem to be the dumbest of all possible solutions and I'm not even sure what problem it solves.

I don't know why the non-jackson area schools put up with being sacrificial lambs just because the Jackson-area schools want to pretend they have more than 3 competitors on an annual basis.

I don't know how much those school sizes have changed, but the Jackson schools are at least two times as big and maybe 3 times as big as some of the schools in their district plus they recruit. The difference between 100-115 students in a grade and 50-60 students in a grade is massive without recruiting, plus ignoring big time recruiting they have decent public schools nearby to pull depth from whereas a lot of the private schools in Mississippi are just schools you go to if you have the money because the public schools are terrible. You don't get a 6th man from the local public school to come be a starter.

It is pretty stupid, but maybe the best they could do. A lot of these schools were already playing 1 or more of the Jackson metro schools non-conference anyway and for each smaller school, it's only 1 game per year. Not sure what other options they have other than to have the Jackson metro schools play triple round robin and then everyone makes the playoffs. The current format had 6 schools in the top division and one of them jumped to MHSAA and the other made it clear they weren't interested in being in that classification again (I assume an implicit threat to go back to MHSAA).

 

[johnson86-1]

It is pretty stupid, but maybe the best they could do. A lot of these schools were already playing 1 or more of the Jackson metro schools non-conference anyway and for each smaller school, it's only 1 game per year. Not sure what other options they have other than to have the Jackson metro schools play triple round robin and then everyone makes the playoffs. The current format had 6 schools in the top division and one of them jumped to MHSAA and the other made it clear they weren't interested in being in that classification again (I assume an implicit threat to go back to MHSAA).

I just don't get the point of giving Jackson schools a shot at a Div II championship the few years they are not better than all the smaller schools. A small school is actually big enough to beat one of the 4 Jackson schools, and their reward is to go to the playoffs with the other three, likely getting trounced, instead of competing against schools their size for a championship?

Seems like they should just have whatever largest classification (5A? 6A?) that is just the 4 jackson area schools. The regular season would essentially be meaningless to the 4 Jackson schools except for seeding in the playoffs. The rest of the schools above could compete in the districts listed (sans Jackson schools) and the top district winners could go to the playoffs.

The districts above could be used to set some rotation where the smaller schools have an obligation to play at least one Jackson school each year so the Jackson schools can fill out a schedule each year, but if they happen to be better than a Jackson school in a particular year, they shouldn't suddenly have to compete against the other Jackson schools to win a state championship.

 

[Wesson Bulldog]

Brookhaven needs to start EVERY game in that division with a running clock.

 

[OG Goat Holder]

That really does seem to be the dumbest of all possible solutions and I'm not even sure what problem it solves.

I don't know why the non-jackson area schools put up with being sacrificial lambs just because the Jackson-area schools want to pretend they have more than 3 competitors on an annual basis.

I don't know how much those school sizes have changed, but the Jackson schools are at least two times as big and maybe 3 times as big as some of the schools in their district plus they recruit. The difference between 100-115 students in a grade and 50-60 students in a grade is massive without recruiting, plus ignoring big time recruiting they have decent public schools nearby to pull depth from whereas a lot of the private schools in Mississippi are just schools you go to if you have the money because the public schools are terrible. You don't get a 6th man from the local public school to come be a starter.

Keep in’ up with the Hartfield Jones.

 

[OG Goat Holder]

I just don't get the point of giving Jackson schools a shot at a Div II championship the few years they are not better than all the smaller schools. A small school is actually big enough to beat one of the 4 Jackson schools, and their reward is to go to the playoffs with the other three, likely getting trounced, instead of competing against schools their size for a championship?

Seems like they should just have whatever largest classification (5A? 6A?) that is just the 4 jackson area schools. The regular season would essentially be meaningless to the 4 Jackson schools except for seeding in the playoffs. The rest of the schools above could compete in the districts listed (sans Jackson schools) and the top district winners could go to the playoffs.

The districts above could be used to set some rotation where the smaller schools have an obligation to play at least one Jackson school each year so the Jackson schools can fill out a schedule each year, but if they happen to be better than a Jackson school in a particular year, they shouldn't suddenly have to compete against the other Jackson schools to win a state championship.

I’ve never seen a system like this. It’s unique to MS. Unique to Jackson. Some people just have to prop themselves up no matter how fake the prop is. It’s insanity.

After watching all the Prep, etc parents all fired up and making social media “headed to state!!!1” posts, I’m not surprised. Anything to make everybody feel good. And the Jackson 4 will absolutely smile as they destroy the half sized opposition.

This state cannot get out of its own way. In any category of life.

 

[615dawg]

OG Goat Holder and I don't see eye to eye on some MSU sports, but we are in sync on this.

This is absurd. A couple months ago it started to become clear this was probably going to happen. Park Place is like 40 kids per grade and played 8-man this year, now they are going to be in a district with MRA? MRA could win that game by 100 with a running clock. It's demoralizing to those kids.

And someone else brought up a good point. Let's say one of the Big Four is down and someone upsets them. They don't get a shot at the Division II title, they have to go be a sacrificial lamb.

Why do the Big Four want this? It makes no sense for them either. Can't wait to watch Jackson Academy's volleyball team with multiple D1 signees take on Bayou, who is coached by the 3rd grade teacher who never played the sport but wants to be involved.

 

[greenbean.sixpack]

Does Carroll no

Keep in’ up with the Hartfield Jones.

Pinelake is doing it for the glory of God.

 

[dawgstudent]

Christ Covenant just started a high school (up to 11th grade now). This was there first year of high school football(95% 9th and 10th graders) and did 8-man only. They are going to do 8-man for 2 more years and then will do 11-man starting in fall of 2027. Enrollment wise and if MAIS remains the same - they will be going through exactly what Park Place is going through now. Christ Covenant should have around 40-50 kids/grade so enrollment will be between 160-200.

 

[patdog]

OG Goat Holder and I don't see eye to eye on some MSU sports, but we are in sync on this.

This is absurd. A couple months ago it started to become clear this was probably going to happen. Park Place is like 40 kids per grade and played 8-man this year, now they are going to be in a district with MRA? MRA could win that game by 100 with a running clock. It's demoralizing to those kids.

And someone else brought up a good point. Let's say one of the Big Four is down and someone upsets them. They don't get a shot at the Division II title, they have to go be a sacrificial lamb.

Why do the Big Four want this? It makes no sense for them either. Can't wait to watch Jackson Academy's volleyball team with multiple D1 signees take on Bayou, who is coached by the 3rd grade teacher who never played the sport but wants to be involved.

The Big 4 need a total of 28 games on their schedule not against each other. They might get 4 vs MHSAA of outbid state teams. This gives them 16 of the the remaining 24 they need. The real answer is they probably need to play double round robin with just one championship game.

 

[SteelCurtain74]

OG Goat Holder and I don't see eye to eye on some MSU sports, but we are in sync on this.

This is absurd. A couple months ago it started to become clear this was probably going to happen. Park Place is like 40 kids per grade and played 8-man this year, now they are going to be in a district with MRA? MRA could win that game by 100 with a running clock. It's demoralizing to those kids.

And someone else brought up a good point. Let's say one of the Big Four is down and someone upsets them. They don't get a shot at the Division II title, they have to go be a sacrificial lamb.

Why do the Big Four want this? It makes no sense for them either. Can't wait to watch Jackson Academy's volleyball team with multiple D1 signees take on Bayou, who is coached by the 3rd grade teacher who never played the sport but wants to be involved.

I'm assuming that Park Place, Cathedral and Brookhaven Academy agreed to this. If so, the leadership of those schools should be removed. There is no way they will be competitive, forget the Big 4, with any of the other schools listed.

I'm also assuming Tri-County, Central Hinds and Canton Academy are 3A? All 3 would be better options than Park Place, Cathedral and Brookhaven.

 

[Maroon Eagle]

I'm also assuming Tri-County, Central Hinds and Canton Academy are 3A? All 3 would be better options than Park Place, Cathedral and Brookhaven.

Canton dropped to 2A.

 

[patdog]

Canton dropped to 2A.

Wow! No reason they should have that few students. I guess Tri County & MRA are just killing them.

 

[SteelCurtain74]

Wow! No reason they should have that few students. I guess Tri County & MRA are just killing them.

I've been told Tri County has capped their enrollment so they aren't bumped up. If that's incorrect, someone can correct me.

 

[dawgstudent]

I've been told Tri County has capped their enrollment so they aren't bumped up. If that's incorrect, someone can correct me.

I've heard that as well.

 

[greenbean.sixpack]

I've been told Tri County has capped their enrollment so they aren't bumped up. If that's incorrect, someone can correct me.

Back in the 70s/80s when Strider was racking up state championships, it was always rumored they capped enrollment to stay Single A (and held all boys back in elementary).

 

[Maroon Eagle]

Wow! No reason they should have that few students. I guess Tri County & MRA are just killing them.

Yeah, Canton is 2A in all sports.

It’s not just an issue of having fewer male students and just being 2A in football.

 

[patdog]

I've been told Tri County has capped their enrollment so they aren't bumped up. If that's incorrect, someone can correct me.

Wow! That’s a lot of tuition money they’re leaving on the table.

 

[Called3rdstrikedawg]

It's no different than the NFL! They still allow the Cowboys to compete against much better organizations. And what about the SEC. State has been in the same division with Alabama and LSU for a hundred years!

 

[greenbean.sixpack]

Canton dropped to 2A.

From what I understand Canton and TCA are unique in that they are small enough and out of the way enough that parents have a lot of say in sports decisions. For example, they don't cotton to "recruiting" a kid who may not be quite material for sports at MRA/Germantown, etc.,to come in and take the spot from a kid whose parents have paid tuition since the first grade.

 

[Called3rdstrikedawg]

From what I understand Canton and TCA are unique in that they are small enough and out of the way enough that parents have a lot of say in sports decisions. For example, they don't cotton to "recruiting" a kid who may not be quite material for sports at MRA/Germantown, etc.,to come in and take the spot from a kid whose parents have paid tuition since the first grade.

That happens in public schools too. There are several in Rankin and Madison Counties with 100 player rosters and about 16-17 play most of the downs. In other words, no real development of the middle to lower end of those rosters. But yes, it definitely occurs way more in MAIS schools.

 

[Maroon Eagle]

Yeah, Canton is 2A in all sports.

It’s not just an issue of having fewer male students and just being 2A in football.

Adding…

2025’s 2A is 2024’s 3A— the lowest classification that plays 11-man football.

Canton was in 3A in football and is 4A in other sports for 23-24.

 

[615dawg]

Canton Academy could move to Gluckstadt and the Big Four would become the Big Five.

Of course, that area is going to have a shaky 2025 with Nissan on the brink of bankruptcy.

Insider says Nissan has “12-14 months to survive”

Nissan is cutting staff and slashing production while it seeks a new longtime investor.

www.motorauthority.com

 

[Maroon Eagle]

Canton Academy could move to Gluckstadt and the Big Four would become the Big Five.

Of course, that area is going to have a shaky 2025 with Nissan on the brink of bankruptcy.

Insider says Nissan has “12-14 months to survive”

Nissan is cutting staff and slashing production while it seeks a new longtime investor.

www.motorauthority.com

You’ve been banging the drum for a Canton-to-Gluckstadt move for a few years.

But geez… I missed the news that Nissan had paused its plan to build EVs at Canton.

 

[615dawg]

You’ve been banging the drum for a Canton-to-Gluckstadt move for a few years.

But geez… I missed the news that Nissan had paused its plan to build EVs at Canton.

Its a smart move for them. No easy access to any private school for Gluckstadt folks and plenty of potential students. CA and TCA like being where they are size-wise.

As for the Nissan news - its bad. If Nissan closes, it will be devastating to Madison County.

 

[johnson86-1]

Its a smart move for them. No easy access to any private school for Gluckstadt folks and plenty of potential students. CA and TCA like being where they are size-wise.

As for the Nissan news - its bad. If Nissan closes, it will be devastating to Madison County.

Didn't realize that Nissan didn't have hybrids. But crazy that they are on the brink of bankruptcy and even talking about EVs. Make cars people want first, then you can set that money on fire chasing EVs. Unless they basically have to have EVs because of fleet efficiency standards or because it's no longer feasible to buy credits from TESLA to sell cars in California.

 

[johnson86-1]

That happens in public schools too. There are several in Rankin and Madison Counties with 100 player rosters and about 16-17 play most of the downs. In other words, no real development of the middle to lower end of those rosters. But yes, it definitely occurs way more in MAIS schools.

I think you misread what you responded to. Or maybe clicked post reply under the wrong post. Outside of the big 4, I would assume there's not a single MAIS school with a 100 player roster in football. A roster that size is going to require 65-70 students per grade if 100% of the boys play football. I'd guess 50-60 players is a big roster outside of the big 4.

 

[johnson86-1]

From what I understand Canton and TCA are unique in that they are small enough and out of the way enough that parents have a lot of say in sports decisions. For example, they don't cotton to "recruiting" a kid who may not be quite material for sports at MRA/Germantown, etc.,to come in and take the spot from a kid whose parents have paid tuition since the first grade.

I've never understood why parents that pay tuition for years at MRA are ok with then recruiting athletes to come take playing time from their kids. I get that they can't exactly stop it, but if I had kids there I certainly wouldn't give a dime to the school beyond the required tuition and fees. I'd tell them to get it from the people paying to recruit.

 

[SteelCurtain74]

MAIS has hired Barrett Donahoe as it's new Executive Director to replace Shane Blanton. Donahoe is the current head of school at Pillow. He's also coached football at Marshall Academy, Tri County and Heritage Academy.

Speaking of Heritage Academy, there is a podcast called Tombigbee Tales that is doing an expose' on Heritage. It has some content related to why Shane Blanton allegedly stepped down. I believe it's a former teacher from Heritage that is the one doing the podcast. It's quite interesting. I haven't decided if she's just a disgruntled former employee or if any of her information has any merit. It's been a good listen so far.

 

[8dog]

I'm assuming that Park Place, Cathedral and Brookhaven Academy agreed to this. If so, the leadership of those schools should be removed. There is no way they will be competitive, forget the Big 4, with any of the other schools listed.

I'm also assuming Tri-County, Central Hinds and Canton Academy are 3A? All 3 would be better options than Park Place, Cathedral and Brookhaven.

I think it passed 19-0 at the AAC level or at least it did initially. Jackson 4 had 2 votes.