In Texas, 74 percent of football teams make the playoffs
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) – A West Texas lawmaker says too many high school football teams reach the state playoffs and has introduced a bill that would reduce the number that advance.
Republican Sen. Charles Perry of Lubbock says the University Interscholastic League’s playoff system has become “watered down” and allows up to 74 percent of teams to make the playoffs. The bill he filed Thursday looks to reduce the number of schools advancing from each district from four to two.
Perry tells the Fort Worth Star-Telegram that his bill is meant to keep away noncompetitive teams.
But he says it’s also a cost-saver because some rural districts spend $8,000 to travel for a playoff game.
The last time only two teams advanced to the state playoffs among the largest schools was 1989.