While I feel that the divisions are generally well aligned, their are always going to be teams that will be discussed as potential options for changing divisions. I believe the divisions are "set" through next year, but it is always fun to look ahead. While I do not feel that any of these changes are necessary, they would be the changes I would consider most.
Division 1
The two programs that stick out to me as possible options for moving down are Rice and Brattleboro. Rice was highly successful in Division 2 with 4 state titles in 5 years (2010, 2012-14), before they were moved up to Division 1. Since the move they have only made one playoff appearance and have not won a playoff game. While Rice is able to attract some high quality athletes, having an enrollment of around 400 is a challenge when it comes to remaining competitive against the largest schools in the state. Brattleboro has only made one playoff appearance since 2006 and has no playoff victories since 1973. This year their only wins were against Division 2 foes Mt. Anthony (their rival who just moved down before the season) and Spaulding, a one-win team that they defeated by only one point.
Division 2
Burr & Burton has made the state championship game the past 3 years and with an enrollment larger than Hartford and Middlebury, they could be a program that could sustain success in Division 1. Otter Valley struggled through a winless season this year in their move back to Division 2. However, some may argue that between their enrollment and 3 straight trips to the Division 3 championship game (2014-16) that they are right where they should be.
Division 3
Due to their enrollment, Missisquoi will eventually be considered for moving up a division, but with one win in their first two varsity seasons, now is not the time to make that consideration. Woodstock and Windsor have had the talent to be competitive in Division 2, but their numbers suggest they are right where they should be.
Otter Valley’s enrollment is 195 (boys). Mill River is 190, Woodstock is 183. There is only one other school in D2 below 200 boys, and that’s Bellows Falls. BF has tremendous tradition and football culture as well as coaching. We all wish we could be Bellows Falls.
ReplyDeleteOtter Valley petitioned UP to D2 in every year that we were in that division (2006, 2008, 2010).
The fact that OV has been successful for a few years should not be held against us. The kids who won all those games have graduated and not easily replaced.
Alignment in our state should function as it does in other states, by enrollment. Allow the schools who wish to petition up to do so, but we must stop punishing success and rewarding failure with the highly subjective formulas that we use.
Thanks for the comment. I agree that punishing success and rewarding failure has been an issue in regards to division alignments in VT football. OV's enrollment has sunk lower than I realized with it being at 195 (boys) and in that case it seems that D3 would be the right fit for them.
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