We're No. 2, we're No. 2

Rarely in your life will you see someone in a football game, when a camera is put on them, hold up two fingers.
Rather, enthusiastic fans – no matter where their team is in the standings – will raise the index finger as if to say, “We’re No. 1.”
And being No. 2 in district standings has never been something to brag about in Missouri high school football – until this year.
Yep, this year MSHSAA begins putting two teams in the state playoffs from each district – essentially meaning that every team in the state starts with a 50-50 chance of making the playoffs.
Needless to say, I don’t think this is a great idea.
No other sport in Missouri has half of the teams in the district make the playoff. Yeah, I understand that the district playoffs are part of the regular season in football. But you can lose a game and move on in football. You can’t do that in baseball or basketball. You lose and you’re done.
Also, people say this will allow more “deserving” teams to get into the playoffs. This argument doesn’t hold much water with me either.
Last year’s Blue Springs South/Rockhurst game in week 10 is a golden example. Everyone said, “Both teams deserve to be in the playoffs.”
Um, reality check time. That WAS a playoff game. Winner moves on, losing team stays home. How much more playoff could that game be?
Good teams are always going to stumble. Teams others may consider “undeserving” are always going to get in. The best two teams will hardly ever meet in the state championship game.
Is it a perfect system? No. Is there one? I doubt it.
In my opinion, adding more teams just waters down the process. How special is it to make the playoffs if half the teams in the state make it?
The  system could work. I’ll give it a chance. But it will take a lot to convince me this system is going to improve high school athletics – not just football – in Missouri.
To reach Jason Tarwater, SportsMonthly Director, call 816-350-6348 or e-mail jason.tarwater@examiner.net.