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[WOS87]

Some of this may be out of date by a year or two but most should be pretty current

Alabama
State titles awarded: 6
Classifications (teams): 6A (64); 5A (64); 4A (64); 3A (64); 2A (64); 1A (54)
Total teams (approx.): 374
Regular-season games: 10
Playoff rounds: 5
Playoff teams in top division: 59 percent (32 of 54)
Playoff teams in all divisions: 51 percent (192 of 374)
To make playoffs: Top 4 in each of 8 geographic regions (round-robin play) qualify in each classification. State association decides region alignments. Non-region games have no impact except in certain tie-breakers.
Computer assistance: None
Non-public schools status: Members
Title games: The Super 6 is played over two days at Birmingham's Legion Field. All games are televised, some tape-delayed.
Most recent change: Expanded from 4 to 6 classes in 1984.


Alaska
State titles awarded: 2
Classifications (teams): Large class (15 teams) is 11-man; Small class (12) is 8-man
Total teams (approx.): 27
Regular-season games: 8
Playoff rounds: 3 for 11-man, 2 for 8-man
Playoff teams in top division: 53 percent (8 of 15)
Playoff teams in all divisions: 44 percent (12 of 27)
To make playoffs: The top 4 in each large-school conference and top 2 in each small-school advance. Only conference games matter for playoff status.
Computer assistance: None
Non-public schools status: Members
Title games: Large schools play in Anchorage in the First National Bowl; small schools play the week before.
Most recent change: Alaska's first large-school title game was in '97 and first small-school championship in '00.


Arizona
State titles awarded: 7
Classifications (teams): Five — 5A (58); 4A (58); 3A (30); 2A (34); 1A-8 man (23). 5A and 4A are each divided into Division I and II for state playoffs.
Total teams (approx.): 203
Regular-season games: 10
Playoff rounds: 1A has 3, the rest have 4
Playoff teams in top division: 55 percent (32 of 58 in 5A, Divisions I and II)
Playoff teams in all divisions: 51 percent (104 of 203)
To make playoffs: 1A, 2A and 3A use region records (round-robin); 4A's divisions use region records to determine 15 spots and a computer formula to decide the 16th and seeding. In 5A's divisions, the computer formula determines the 16 qualifiers and seedings.
Computer assistance: Yes, by power Index points. In 4A, teams get 50 points for a 4A win plus 5 points for each 4A oppoent's win (regardless whether you beat them or not) divided by your 4A game total.
Non-public schools status: Members
Title games: At split sites, such as Arizona and Arizona State universities. Most are televised.
Most recent change: 2006 was the fourth season for the Power Index points and second for splitting 5A and 4A into two brackets apiece.


Arkansas
State titles awarded: 4
Classifications (teams): 5A (32); 4A (32); 3A (64); 2A (80); Class A schools don't play football.
Total teams (approx.): 208
Regular-season games: 10
Playoff rounds: 4 in 5A and 4A, 5 in 3A and 2A
Playoff teams in top division: 50 percent (16 of 32)
Playoff teams in all divisions: 46 percent (96 of 208)
To make playoffs: The top four teams in each conference, which are aligned by the state association.
Computer assistance: None
Non-public schools status: Members, but their enrollment is figured with a multiplier of 1.75 (up from 1.35) per student.
Title games: All four games are at Little Rock's War Memorial Stadium, played on two Saturdays. They are televised on tape-delay.
Most recent change: In 2006, the state expanded to six classes. The non-public multiplier changed in 2005.


California
State titles awarded: 0 — the state is divided into 10 sections and each award a variety of divisional titles.
Classifications (teams): Each section has its own rules and number of divisions.
Total teams (approx.): 987
Regular-season games: 10
Playoff rounds: 4 in the Southern Section. Others vary.
Playoff teams in top division: N/A
Playoff teams in all divisions: N/A, but 55 percent (240 of 436) make it in the Southern Section.
To make playoffs: Leagues get a certain amount of automatic qualifiers based on league size.
Computer assistance: No, but many newspapers have power ratings that officials may look at in the future.
Non-public schools status: Members, but some sections (Oakland) don't allow private schools in with publics, so the non-publics play in another section.
Title games: None
Most recent change: Three title games were set for 2006 and '07, with a committee deciding which northern and southern schools will meet for titles. It's a two-year pilot program and may or may not be the first step toward a state playoff.


Colorado
State titles awarded: 7
Classifications (teams): 5A (48); 4A (45); 3A (39); 2A (45); 1A (40); 8-man (38); 6-man (20)
Total teams (approx.): 275
Regular-season games: 10 for top 3 divisions; 9 for the others
Playoff rounds: 4 for all but 6-man, which has 3
Playoff teams in top division: 33 percent (16 of 48)
Playoff teams in all divisions: 38 percent (104 of 275)
To make playoffs: That depends on the classification. Some are by conference placing, others by computer formula or a combination. A multiple-team tie in 1A could be decided by playing shootout halves against two or three other schools.
Computer assistance: Yes. Nearly every division has its own formula to compute qualifiers and set seedings. In some cases, there's a tie-breaking criteria in case you're tied in Wild Card points. Most computations award playing a good schedule, even if you lose.
Non-public schools status: Members
Title games: The 5A and 4A championships will be held at Invesco Field in Denver. The lower divisions are at home sites.
Most recent change: 2006 was the first year 32 teams in 5A (66 percent) made the playoffs.


Connecticut
State titles awarded: 6
Classifications (teams): LL (27); L (23); MM (22); M (21); SS (23); S (24)
Total teams (approx.): 140
Regular-season games: 10 or 11, depending on the year
Playoff rounds: 2
Playoff teams in top division: 15 percent (4 of 27)
Playoff teams in all divisions: 17 percent (24 of 140)
To make playoffs: The top four in each class advance by a computer formula
Computer assistance: Yes. More points are awarded for defeating teams in higher classes.
Non-public schools status: Members
Title games: Three sites are decided ahead of time, but which games go where isn't set until after the state semifinals. They are not televised.
Most recent change: Expanded from four to six classes in 2002.


District of Columbia
District titles awarded: 1
Classifications (teams): 1 (11)
Total teams (approx.): 11
Regular-season games: 11
Playoff rounds: 2
Playoff teams in top division: 36 percent (4 of 11)
Playoff teams in all divisions: 36 percent (4 of 11)
To make playoffs: The top two from each conference make the state semifinals. Only conference games count for playoff consideration.
Computer assistance: None
Non-public schools status: Non-public schools in D.C. belong to an organization involving schools in surrounding states.
Title games: The championship game (Turkey Bowl) is on Thanksgiving. It is not televised.
Most recent change: In 1992, semifinal cross-bracketing was introduced.


Delaware
State titles awarded: 2
Classifications (teams): Division I (18); Division II (20)
Total teams (approx.): 38
Regular-season games: 10
Playoff rounds: 3 (2 for teams with byes)
Playoff teams in top division: 33 percent (6 of 18)
Playoff teams in all divisions: 32 percent (12 of 38)
To make playoffs: Winners of two league championships advance as well as four at-large teams based on a formula.
Computer assistance: Yes.
Non-public schools status: Members
Title games: Both are played at Delaware State's field in Dover.
Most recent change: Each division's field was expanded from 4 to 6 teams in 2005.


Florida
State titles awarded: 8
Classifications (teams): 6A (82); 5A (76); 4A (81); 3A (79); 2A (37); 2B (39); 1A (40); 1B (38)
Total teams (approx.): 472 (another 22 independent schools don't play for the postseason)
Regular-season games: 10
Playoff rounds: 5 for 6A, 5A, 4A and 3A; 4 for 2A, 2B, 1A and 1B
Playoff teams in top division: 39 percent (32 of 82)
Playoff teams in all divisions: 41 percent (192 of 472)
To make playoffs: In the top four classes, the champions and runners-up in 16 districts make the field. In the bottom four, it's the top two teams in each of eight districts.
Computer assistance: None
Non-public schools status: Members
Title games: The games move around the state. All are televised on tape-delay.
Most recent change: Several years ago, the state association split up divisions 1A and 2B because of travel and size issues between urban and rural schools.


Georgia
State titles awarded: 5
Classifications (teams): 5A (70); 4A (83); 3A (72); 2A (77); 1A (57)
Total teams (approx.): 359
Regular-season games: 10
Playoff rounds: 5
Playoff teams in top division: 46 percent (32 of 70)
Playoff teams in all divisions: 45 percent (160 of 359)
To make playoffs: The top four teams from each region (32 total) advance. The regions are set by the state association.
Computer assistance: None
Non-public schools status: Some (not all) private schools are members, but a multiplier of 1.5 is used to count enrollment. For example, a non-public school of 500 would count as 750. There is a separate private school association.
Title games: The championship games are played at home sites (alternating on the bracket) and televised on Georgia public television.
Most recent change: Expanded from 4 to 5 classes in 2000


Hawaii
State titles awarded: 2
Classifications (teams): Division I (25); Division II (22). Teams are not necessarily divided by enrollment; strength of programs is considered.
Total teams (approx.): 47
Regular-season games: 8 to 10, depending on the league
Playoff rounds: 3 (2 for teams with a bye)
Playoff teams in top division: 24 percent (6 of 25)
Playoff teams in all divisions: 26 percent (12 of 47)
To make playoffs: Postseason champions of different leagues make it, plus the bigger Oahu leagues advance second-place teams.
Computer assistance: None
Non-public schools status: Members
Title games: The title games are played at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu. Both are televised.
Most recent change: There's only been a true state champion since 1999 in Division I and since 2003 in Division II. The state association is exploring 8-man football as an option for smaller schools.


Idaho
State titles awarded: 6
Classifications (teams): 5A (15); 4A (24); 3A (25); 2A (24); 1A is 8-man and split into Division I (22) and Division II (21)
Total teams (approx.): 131
Regular-season games: 9
Playoff rounds: 3 or 4, depending on the bracket. Most classes gave up a regular season game to get more teams in the playoffs.
Playoff teams in top division: 53 percent (8 of 15)
Playoff teams in all divisions: 44 percent (57 of 131)
To make playoffs: A certain amount of teams in each region (differing from class to class) advance to a specific spot on the bracket. Only region games count in the region standings.
Computer assistance: None
Non-public schools status: Members
Title games: The championship game sites are not determined until after the semifinals. They are at three set locations, but it depends on which teams advance. Some are televised.
Most recent change: In 2004, 1A was reduced to just 8-man football. Before that, there were 11-man and 8-man divisions.


Illinois
State titles awarded: 8
Classifications (teams): The top 256 teams are determined by a formula and broken into playoffs of 32 teams apiece in 8A through 1A.
Total teams (approx.): 513
Regular-season games: 9
Playoff rounds: 5
Playoff teams in top division: 32, determined after the season.
Playoff teams in all divisions: 50 percent (256 of 513)
To make playoffs: All champions of conferences with six or more teams make it. So do the teams with the best records. After that, it's by playoff points (combined wins of all opponents) and finally by the combined wins of all defeated opponents. In practice, every team with 6 wins or more is in. Most 5-win teams also advance.
Computer assistance: Yes, by the above formula.
Non-public schools status: Members, but private and parochial school enrollment is determined in part by a 1.65 multiplier.
Title games: Four games on Friday and four on Saturday of Thanksgiving week are played at the University of Illinois. They are televised.
Most recent change: The 1.65 multiplier went into effect in 2005.


Indiana
State titles awarded: 5
Classifications (teams): 5A (62); 4A (62); 3A (62); 2A (62); 1A (63)
Total teams (approx.): 311
Regular-season games: 9
Playoff rounds: 5 or 6, depending on the bracket
Playoff teams in top division: 100 percent (62 of 62)
Playoff teams in all divisions: 100 percent (311 of 311)
To make playoffs: Exist as a high school football team. A blind draw takes place in all 40 sections (7 or 8 teams apiece) to determine what each bracket looks like. A bingo-type machine spits out ping-pong balls. The second team chosen in each matchup is the home team, even if it is 0-9 and playing an 8-1 squad. The brackets are unveiled on TV.
Computer assistance: None
Non-public schools status: Members
Title games: The games are played at the RCA Dome in Indianapolis the weekend after Thanksgiving and broadcast on a state-wide TV network.
Most recent change: Expanded to five classes 1985. When a tournament began in 1973, a points system was used, but it was gone a few years later when a committee argued that every other team in every other sport had a postseason chance.


Iowa
State titles awarded: 6
Classifications (teams): 4A (48); 3A (64); 2A (72); 1A (72); A (68); 8-man (39)
Total teams (approx.): 363
Regular-season games: 9
Playoff rounds: 4 for 4A, 3A, 2A, 1A and A; 3 for 8-man
Playoff teams in top division: 33 percent (16 of 48)
Playoff teams in all divisions: 24 percent (88 of 363)
To make playoffs: In 4A, a formula is used to determine the field. In 3A through A, the top two teams in each district advance. In those classes, district games count toward the playoffs. In 8-man, the six district champions are joined by two at-large teams, based on record.
Computer assistance: Yes, in the biggest and smallest classes.
Non-public schools status: Members
Title games: The televised championships are on back-to-back days at the UNI-Dome in Cedar Falls.
Most recent change: In the late 1990s, 8-man football was added.


Kansas
State titles awarded: 7
Classifications (teams): 6A (32), 5A (32), 4A (64), 3A (64), 2-1A (61), 8-man Division I (48), 8-man Division II (48)
Total teams (approx.): 349
Regular-season games: 9
Playoff rounds: 4 for 5A, 4A and both 8-man divisions; 5 for 4A, 3A and 2-1A
Playoff teams in top division: 50 percent (16 of 32)
Playoff teams in all divisions: 46 percent (160 of 349)
To make playoffs: The top two teams advance from each district. Only those round-robin games (three in 4A) matter for playoff purposes. All districts are four teams except 8-man divisions, which have six teams.
Computer assistance: None
Non-public schools status: Members
Title games: The championships last year were played at five sites — Topeka, Russell, Emporia, Salina and Hays. They are not televised.
Most recent change: 2006 was the fourth season for Kansas to take two district qualifiers instead of one.


Kentucky
Commonwealth titles awarded: 4
Classifications (teams): 4A (52); 3A (53); 2A (53); 1A (54)
Total teams (approx.): 211
Regular-season games: 10
Playoff rounds: 5
Playoff teams in top division: 62 percent (32 of 52)
Playoff teams in all divisions: 61 percent (128 of 211)
To make playoffs: The top four in each district (round-robin play) advance.
Computer assistance: None
Non-public schools status: Members
Title games: The championships are at Papa John's Cardinal Stadium in Louisville. All games are on TV.
Most recent change: In the mid-to-late 90s, Kentucky expanded from 16 to 32 teams and started dividing the classes into nearly perfect fourths.


Louisiana
State titles awarded: 5
Classifications (teams): 5A (55); 4A (60); 3A (62); 2A (59); 1A (65); B and C schools don't play football
Total teams (approx.): 301 (pre-hurricane)
Regular-season games: 10
Playoff rounds: 5
Playoff teams in top division: 58 percent (32 of 55)
Playoff teams in all divisions: 53 percent (160 of 301)
To make playoffs: District champions are in automatically. After that, the rest are based on power ratings.
Computer assistance: Yes, teams get points for winning games and more for defeating higher classes. They are seeded according to ratings without regard to district champs.
Non-public schools status: Members
Title games: Before Hurricane Katrina, all games were scheduled for the Louisiana Superdome. They have been shown on TV, tape-delayed.
Most recent change: The seeding system was changed a few years ago to allow more teams on power ratings and fewer by automatic berth.


Maine
State titles awarded: 3
Classifications (teams): A (27); B (22); C (18)
Total teams (approx.): 67
Regular-season games: 8 to 9
Playoff rounds: 4 for Class A West teams; 3 for Class A East, B and C teams
Playoff teams in top division: 44 percent (12 of 27)
Playoff teams in all divisions: 42 percent (28 of 67)
To make playoffs: A mathematical computation — the amply named Crab Tree formula — decides what teams make it.
Computer assistance: Yes
Non-public schools status: Members
Title games: All games are at Fitzpatrick Stadium in Portland; sometimes they are televised.
Most recent change: 2006 was the third year for the Crab Tree format.


Maryland
State titles awarded: 4
Classifications (teams): 4A (47); 3A (47); 2A (46); 1A (46)
Total teams (approx.): 186
Regular-season games: 10
Playoff rounds: 4
Playoff teams in top division: 34 percent (16 of 47)
Playoff teams in all divisions: 34 percent (64 of 186)
To make playoffs: A points system awarding higher points for defeating bigger schools and bonus points for wins of your defeated foes.
Computer assistance: Yes
Non-public schools status: No private or parochial schools are in the state association.
Title games: The games are at Ravens Stadium in Baltimore, played on either a Thursday-Friday or Friday-Saturday schedule, depending on whether the Ravens play at home that week.
Most recent change: The tournament expanded in 2003 from 8 to 16 teams in each class. Before that, just 17 percent of schools qualified.



Massachusetts
State titles awarded: 0; Only Central-West and Eastern regional crowns are awarded.
Classifications: The East has seven (1, 1a, 2, 2a, 3, 3a and 4) while the Central-West has six (1, 1a, 2, 2a, 3, 3a)
Total teams (approx.): 260
Regular-season games: 11
Playoff rounds: 2 (Eastern Mass) or 1 (Central and West)
Playoff teams in top division: NA
Playoff teams in all divisions: NA
To make playoffs: In eastern Mass, the four league winners in every division (except 4) advance.
Computer assistance: Yes
Non-public schools status: Members, but five-year schools and some boarding schools are in other organizations.
Title games: Games must be on artificial turf at neutral sites. They are determined by availability.
Most recent change: Eastern Massachusetts added a round of playoffs only five years ago. A computer system (which decided the top two finalists) was thrown out.



Michigan
State titles awarded: 8
Classifications (teams): The top 256 teams are determined by a formula and broken into playoffs of 32 teams apiece in Division 1 through 8.
Total teams (approx.): 621
Regular-season games: 9
Playoff rounds: 5
Playoff teams in top division: 32, figured after the season.
Playoff teams in all divisions: 41 percent (256 of 621)
To make playoffs: By a formula awarding points for wins.
Computer assistance: Yes, you get more points for defeating schools with higher enrollments in the state's A, B, C and D class system. In practice, all teams with at least six wins (out of nine) and those with at least five wins (out of seven or eight) are in. The final spots are determined by the formula.
Non-public schools status: Members
Title games: The 2005 finals were at Detroit's Ford Field the two days after Thanksgiving.
Most recent change: In 1999, the playoffs were expanded from 128 (classes A, B, C and D) to 256 teams (Divisions 1-8).



Minnesota
State titles awarded: 6
Classifications (teams): 5A (60); 4A (57); 3A (67); 2A (69); A (69); 9-man (71)
Total teams (approx.): 393
Regular-season games: 8
Playoff rounds: 5 or 6
Playoff teams in top division: NA
Playoff teams in all divisions: 98 percent (estimate)
To make playoffs: All teams play in sections, with each having from 7 to 10 teams. At least eight make the section playoffs, then all eight section champions play in the state quarterfinals.
Computer assistance: Yes, different sections have autonomy to decide a system for standings, seedings and their own tourneys. Some use a formula, especially when there are too many teams for a round-robin schedule. The state takes over when each division is pared to eight.
Non-public schools status: Members, but there is talk of exploring a non-public school multiplier.
Title games: The Prep Bowl finals (and semifinals) are in the Metrodome in Minneapolis. All title games are Friday after Thanksgiving. They are televised.
Most recent change: In the mid-to-late 90s, Minnesota expanded from five to six classes.



Mississippi
State titles awarded: 5
Classifications (teams): 5A (32); 4A (57); 3A (55); 2A (55); A (42)
Total teams (approx.): 241
Regular-season games: 11
Playoff rounds: 4 in 5A and 1A; 5 in 4A, 3A and 2A
Playoff teams in top division: 50 percent (16 of 32)
Playoff teams in all divisions: 53 percent (128 of 241)
To make playoffs: The top four teams in each district (round-robin play) advance.
Computer assistance: None
Non-public schools status: Members
Title games: Games are played at Memorial Stadium in Jackson over two days. Last season, all were televised.
Most recent change: In the late 1990s, the playoffs were expanded from two to four teams per district. When Mississippi started high school playoffs, it abandoned conference play and introduced district schedules.


Missouri
State titles awarded: 7
Classifications (teams): Divisions 6 (32); 5 (36); 4 (64); 3 (64); 2 (64); 1(64); 8-man (18)
Total teams (approx.): 342
Regular-season games: 10
Playoff rounds: Three in Divisions 6 and 5; four in Divisions 4 through 1 and two in 8-man.
Playoff teams in top division: 25 percent (8 of 32)
Playoff teams in all divisions: 25 percent (84 of 342)
To make playoffs: The champion of each four- or five-team district (round-robin play) makes the playoffs.
Computer assistance: None
Non-public schools status: Members, but a multiplier of 1.35 is used with non-public enrollment numbers. This multiplier is in its fourth year in Missouri, but just the second for football.
Title games: The 11-man championships are decided at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis. The 8-man game is at Missouri Western. The Division 6 game is televised.
Most recent change: One proposed change is switching to four 8-team districts. The teams would play anyone they wanted for eight weeks. In Week 9, the teams would be seeded and a bracket of 1-8, 4-5, 3-6 and 2-7 would be played off. First-round losers would pair off for a 10th game while second-round winners would advance to the 8-team state playoffs.



Montana
State titles awarded: 5
Classifications (teams): AA (13); A (25); B (43); C 8-man (45); C 6-man (23)
Total teams (approx.): 149
Regular-season games: 10
Playoff rounds: 3 in AA and C 8-man; 3 or 4 in A, 4 in B and C 6-man
Playoff teams in top division: 62 percent (8 of 13)
Playoff teams in all divisions: 40 percent (60 of 149)
To make playoffs: In AA, teams use a computer formula to set the top eight. In A, the top three in each district advance; In B and C 8-man, the top two go (all round-robin play). In C 6-man, the top four in each conference advance.
Computer assistance: Yes, but mostly for AA.
Non-public schools status: Members
Title games: The AA site depends on who qualifies. In A, it alternates between the South and North.
Most recent change: Six years ago, the playoffs were expanded to the current format.



Nebraska
State titles awarded: 6
Classifications (teams): A (28); B (32); CI (59); CII (60); DI 8-man (58); DII 8-man (59); a few schools play 6-man but not for a sanctioned title
Total teams (approx.): 296 (besides 6-man)
Regular-season games: A and B play 9, others play 8
Playoff rounds: 4 for A and B, 5 for the others
Playoff teams in top division: 57 percent (16 of 28)
Playoff teams in all divisions: 54 percent (160 of 296)
To make playoffs: In Class A, the top three from five districts plus a 16th wild-card team advance. In other classes, it's a combination of district champions (sometimes runners-up) and teams from the wild-card points system.
Computer assistance: Yes, but district champions always advance.
Non-public schools status: Members, but a multiplier has been discussed because a small percentage of teams are private (an estimated 10-15 percent) and non-public schools won five of six state titles in 2004.
Title games: All title games are played at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln over three days.
Most recent change: The amount of playoff teams has toggled in recent years, with many arguing that 16 of 60 is not enough and 32 is too much. In 1998, there were seven classes, including one for 6-man.


Nevada
State titles awarded: 4
Classifications (teams): 4A (44); 3A (14); 2A (12); 1A 8-man (24)
Total teams (approx.): 94
Regular-season games: 9
Playoff rounds: 4 or 5
Playoff teams in top division: 55 percent (24 of 44)
Playoff teams in all divisions: 47 percent (44 of 94)
To make playoffs: Top finishers in conference play advance.
Computer assistance: None
Non-public schools status: Members
Title games: Four different sites are used, with the big schools alternating between Las Vegas and Reno. Some games have been televised.
Most recent change: Since 2000, the growth in Nevada has caused the addition of about two 3,000-student high schools per year. That trend caused Nevada to expand from two to four classes. Teams can petition to play up in class.


New Hampshire
State titles awarded: 5
Classifications (teams): I (10); II (10); III (10); IV (10); V (11)
Total teams (approx.): 51
Regular-season games: 10
Playoff rounds: 2 for each class
Playoff teams in top division: 40 percent (4 of 10)
Playoff teams in all divisions: 39 percent (20 of 51)
To make playoffs: The top four in each classification advance (round-robin schedule).
Computer assistance: None
Non-public schools status: Members
Title games: The sites depend on who advances to championship games.
Most recent change: In 2004 there was an expansion from four to five classes, mostly putting new programs in one group.



New Jersey
State titles awarded: 0 (20 sectional champions)
Classifications (teams): 1 (76); 2 (76); 3 (76); 4 (76) plus non-public schools
Total teams (approx.): 304 (and 40 private)
Regular-season games: 9; teams that don't make the playoffs are assigned a Week 10 opponent by the state association.
Playoff rounds: 3
Playoff teams in top division: 42 percent (32 of 76)
Playoff teams in all divisions: 42 percent (128 of 304)
To make playoffs: The top eight teams in each 19-team section qualify by a power points formula.
Computer assistance: Yes
Non-public schools status: 40 private schools are members and play in four 10-team sections, each one crowing a champion.
Title games: Most of the sectional championships are played at Giants Stadium and Rutgers. A few are at home sites. Some are televised.
Most recent change: In the 1990s, New Jersey went to sport-specific classes (different amount of classifications based on each sport). Before that, the breakdowns were based on general classifications. At that time, if you were in Division 1 for one sport, you were D-1 for every sport.



New Mexico
State titles awarded: 6
Classifications (teams): 5A (22); 4A (19); 3A (21); 2A (16); 1A (16); 8-man (18)
Total teams (approx.): 112
Regular-season games: 10 for 11-man; 9 for 6-man
Playoff rounds: 4 for the big schools, 3 for the smaller schools
Playoff teams in top division: 73 percent (16 of 22)
Playoff teams in all divisions: 64 percent (72 of 112)
To make playoffs: In the top three classes, district champions and runners-up automatically advance. A committee picks the last teams and seeds them 1-16. In the bottom classes, the top two teams from each district advance.
Computer assistance: None
Non-public schools status: Members, but there are none in 5A and only two in 4A.
Title games: They are played in six different locations over two weekends.
Most recent change: The season was changed from 11 to 10 games to allow 16 teams instead of eight in the bigger classes.



New York
State titles awarded: 5
Classifications (teams): AA, A, B, C, D (about 110 teams in each)
Total teams (approx.): 550 (not including Long Island and New York City public schools)
Regular-season games: 9
Playoff rounds: 6
Playoff teams in top division: NA
Playoff teams in all divisions: NA
To make playoffs: Each of New York's 11 sections has its own way of advancing in the postseason. Most utilize best records in scheduled games against common-sized opponents.
Computer assistance: None
Non-public schools status: Not members, a separate organization runs its own season and tournament.
Title games: All five title games are at the dome in Syracuse the weekend after Thanksgiving. Games usually are on TV, but tape-delayed.
Most recent change: For at least a decade, most teams have scheduled only games against common-sized foes, getting rid of most conferences in football.



North Carolina
State titles awarded: 8
Classifications (teams): 4A (91); 3A (92); 2A (89); 1A (77). The divisions are subdivided for the playoffs.
Total teams (approx.): 349
Regular-season games: 10 (plus an endowment game)
Playoff rounds: 5
Playoff teams in top division: 70 percent (64 of 91)
Playoff teams in all divisions: 73 percent (256 of 349)
To make playoffs: The top 64 teams in each classification advance. Conference champions are automatically in, as are most second- and third-place teams.
Computer assistance: None
Non-public schools status: No members except one school, but the association will allow non-boarding parochial schools.
Title games: The title games rotate around the universities at Wake Forest, North Carolina, Duke and North Carolina State. They are televised on tape-delay.
Most recent change: 4A and 1A were the first to split into 4A/4AA and 1A/1AA for the playoffs. 2A and 3A followed suit just a few years ago.



North Dakota
State titles awarded: 4
Classifications (teams): AAA (16); AA (16); A (32); 9-man (45)
Total teams (approx.): 109
Regular-season games: 9
Playoff rounds: 3 or 4, depending on classification and bracket
Playoff teams in top division: 63 percent (10 of 16)
Playoff teams in all divisions: 46 percent (50 of 109)
To make playoffs: The top teams in each region qualify. Only round-robin region games count unless in a tie-breaker.
Computer assistance: None
Non-public schools status: Members, but there are very few parochial schools.
Title games: The championship games rotate between the FargoDome in Fargo and the Alerus Center in Grand Forks. Both are domes, which allows players to avoid below-zero temperatures. All games are televised live state-wide.
Most recent change: The 9-man playoff field was cut down in 2005. Also, the ninth and 10th playoff teams in AA were eliminated.



Ohio
State titles awarded: 6
Classifications (teams): Division I (116); D-II (119): D-III (118); D-IV (120); D-V (119); D-VI (124)
Total teams (approx.): 716
Regular-season games: 10
Playoff rounds: 5
Playoff teams in top division: 28 percent (32 of 116)
Playoff teams in all divisions: 27 percent (192 of 716)
To make playoffs: In each division, the top eight teams in four regions advance by their Harbin computer ratings. A team gets 6 first-level points for defeating a D-I team, 5.5 for D-II, 5 for D-III, 4.5 for D-IV, 4 for D-V and 3.5 for D-VI. The formula includes second-level points of teams schools defeat. The total is divided by the number of games for a school and its combined opponents.
Computer assistance: Yes
Non-public schools status: Members
Title games: The championship game sites are put up for bid. For several years, they have been split over two days between Canton and Massillon. All title games are televised on ONN.
Most recent change: The tournament expanded to eight teams per region (from four) in 1999. The association expanded from five divisions to six in 1994.



Oklahoma
State titles awarded: 8
Classifications (teams): 6A (32); 5A (32); 4A (32); 3A (32); 2A (64); 1A (68); B 8-man (36); C 8-man (36)
Total teams (approx.): 332
Regular-season games: 10
Playoff rounds: 5 for 2A and 1A; 4 for everyone else
Playoff teams in top division: 50 percent (16 of 32)
Playoff teams in all divisions: 48 percent (160 of 332)
To make playoffs: The top four teams in each round-robin district advance. Only those games count for the postseason.
Computer assistance: None
Non-public schools status: There are 10 private school members. Some other parochials belong to an organization that includes schools from other states.
Title games: There are several venues ready to host depending on what is geographically feasible for the two teams advancing in each class. Some title games have been televised.
Most recent change: The state added a sixth 11-man class in 1992.



Oregon
State titles awarded: 4
Classifications (teams): 4A (81); 3A (51); 2A (59); A 8-man (43)
Total teams (approx.): 234
Regular-season games: 9, plus one endowment game
Playoff rounds: 5 for 4A; 4 or 5 for 3A and 2A (depending on bracket) and 4 for 8-man
Playoff teams in top division: 40 percent (32 of 81)
Playoff teams in all divisions: 41 percent (96 of 234)
To make playoffs: District or league champions plus other top placers advance in each classification.
Computer assistance: Only for tie-breakers
Non-public schools status: Members, but only six schools in the top two classes are parochial.
Title games: The championship games are played at the University of Oregon's Autzen Stadium. They are televised.
Most recent change: The state just expanded the 2A playoffs from 16 to 24 and the 8-man from 8 to 16 teams. There is a plan to expand the number of classifications because some 4A schools are about three times larger than the smallest schools in that class.



Pennsylvania
State titles awarded: 4
Classifications (teams): AAAA (140); AAA (141); AA (142); 1A (144)
Total teams (approx.): 567
Regular-season games: 10
Playoff rounds: 6
Playoff teams in top division: 23 percent (approx. 32 of 140) advance past the regular season, but only 16 make it to the "state" tournament bracket.
Playoff teams in all divisions: 23 percent (approx. 130 of 567), but only 16 per class make it into the state bracket.
To make playoffs: The state's 12 districts are autonomous, but many have a ranking points formula. Some districts play a couple playoff games before they are fed into the state bracket. Some are placed in right away because the districts are of vastly different size.
Computer assistance: Yes
Non-public schools status: Members
Title games: The championships are played during two days at Hersheypark Stadium in Hershey.
Most recent change: The playoffs recently have been expanded from 5 to 6 weeks.



Rhode Island
State titles awarded: 4
Classifications (teams): Division I (11); D-II (10); D-III (10); D-IV (10)
Total teams (approx.): 41
Regular-season games: 12
Playoff rounds: 2
Playoff teams in top division: 36 percent (4 of 11)
Playoff teams in all divisions: 39 percent (16 of 41)
To make playoffs: The top four teams in each division advance based on a round-robin schedule.
Computer assistance: None
Non-public schools status: Members, but only six schools have football.
Title games: The championship games are held at neutral sites. The big-school game usually is televised.
Most recent change: The state is studying its divisions because private schools have won so many titles in multiple sports.



South Carolina
State titles awarded: 5
Classifications (teams): 4A Division I (16); 4A Division II (32); 3A (48); 2A (48); A (53)
Total teams (approx.): 197
Regular-season games: 11 for 4A, 10 for the rest
Playoff rounds: 5 for all except 4A, which has 4
Playoff teams in top division: 100 percent (16 of 16)
Playoff teams in all divisions: 65 percent (128 of 197)
To make playoffs: Everyone in 4A Division I makes it, divided into upper and lower state brackets. In Division II, a computer points system is used. The other brackets are filled by the top finishers in each (round-robin) region.
Computer assistance: Yes, in 4A D-II.
Non-public schools status: A couple private schools are members. Others play in their own organization.
Title games: The championships are held over two days at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia. Most are televised.
Most recent change: The state decided to break up its top division because no small 4A teams were winning titles. While the state's biggest 16 schools play for a title, half of the smaller 4A teams compete for their own championship.



South Dakota
State titles awarded: 6
Classifications (teams): 11-AA (17); 11-A (19); 11-B (30); 9-AA (28); 9-A (28); 9-B (28)
Total teams (approx.): 150
Regular-season games: 9 for AA, 8 for everyone else.
Playoff rounds: 4
Playoff teams in top division: 94 percent (16 of 17)
Playoff teams in all divisions: 64 percent (96 of 150)
To make playoffs: A power point system ranks the teams in each four-region classification.
Computer assistance: Yes
Non-public schools status: Members
Title games: The games are played at the Dakota Dome in Vermillion.
Most recent change: In the mid 1990s, the state expanded to an unprecedented three 9-man divisions.



Tennessee
State titles awarded: 5 plus three in Division II
Classifications (teams): 5A (61); 4A (60); 3A (57); 2A (57); 1A (59); D-II Class Region AAA (8); AA (7); A (11)
Total teams (approx.): 294 plus 26 in D-II
Regular-season games: 10
Playoff rounds: 5
Playoff teams in top division: 52 percent (32 of 61)
Playoff teams in all divisions: 54 percent (160 of 294); not including D-II
To make playoffs: The top four teams in each of eight regions advances. Only round-robin region games count toward the playoffs.
Computer assistance: None
Non-public schools status: Members, with most private schools competing in D-II.
Title games: Games are at Middle Tennessee State University. All five Division I championships are televised. None of D-IIs are.
Most recent change: In the late 1990s, the state association added Division II for private schools, some of which have financial aid.



Texas
State titles awarded: 12
Classifications (teams): 5A (246); 4A (229); 3A (174); 2A (236); 1A (150); 1A 6-man (118); All classifications are split into Divisions I and II for the postseason.
Total teams (approx.): 1,153 (Not counting seven independent 6-man teams that are not eligible for the playoffs. Another 105 are in private or parochial associations).
Regular-season games: 10
Playoff rounds: 5 for 4A D- I, 3A D-I, 2A D-I, 1A D-I and 1A 6-man D-I and II; 6 for 5A D-I and D-II, 4A D-II, 3A D-II, 2A D-II and 1A D-II
Playoff teams in top division: 52 percent (128 of 246)
Playoff teams in all divisions: 46 percent (533 of 1,153)
To make playoffs: The top 3 teams in each district (top 4 in 5A) make the playoffs after a round-robin schedule. The biggest-enrollment school (the two largest in 5A) plays in the Division I bracket while the two smallest enrollments schools of the qualifiers go to Division II, except for 1A 6-man which has divisions already separated into 12 Division I districts (larger enrollment) and 12 Division II districts (smaller enrollment) with the top two teams after round-robin play qualifying from each district.
Computer assistance: None
Non-public schools status: Not members except for two; private and parochial schools play in separate associations.
Title games: Championship-neutral sites are agreed on by the participating schools. The 5A games are usually televised. Beginning in 2006 the championship sites were set for 5A before the season began.
Most recent change: In 2006 the 5A playoffs expanded with four schools (two each in D-I and D-II) advancing instead of three total.



Utah
State titles awarded: 5
Classifications (teams): 5A (25); 4A (21); 3A (24); 2A (16); 1A (9)
Total teams (approx.): 95
Regular-season games: 9, plus an endowment game
Playoff rounds: 4 for 5A, 4A and 3A, 3 for 2A and 1A
Playoff teams in top division: 64 percent (16 of 25)
Playoff teams in all divisions: 67 percent (64 of 95)
To make playoffs: The top teams in each region (round-robin schedule) advance.
Computer assistance: None
Non-public schools status: Members
Title games: The games usually are at small colleges such as Southern Utah.
Most recent change: The 5A class was added in 1993 and 1A was reinstated in 2001 after a five-year absence.



Vermont
State titles awarded: 4
Classifications (teams): Division I (7); D-II (9); D-III (8); D-IV is 8-man (8)
Total teams (approx.): 32
Regular-season games: 9
Playoff rounds: 2
Playoff teams in top division: 57 percent (4 of 7)
Playoff teams in all divisions: 50 percent (16 of 32)
To make playoffs: Divisions I, III and IV use divisional record and a computer system to break ties. Division II goes straight to the formula.
Computer assistance: Yes, there is a Divisional Quality Points System and a Overall Quality Point System.
Non-public schools status: Members
Title games: In September, schools willing to host championship games are selected.
Most recent change: Division III was added in 1991 and D-IV in 2002.



Virginia
State titles awarded: 6
Classifications (teams): 6A (61); 5A (63); 4A (43); 3A (46); 2A (39); 1A (44)
Total teams (approx.): 296
Regular-season games: 10
Playoff rounds: 5
Playoff teams in top division: 52 percent (32 of 61)
Playoff teams in all divisions: 65 percent (192 of 296)
To make playoffs: A ratings system measures teams' relative strength. The formula is also used to seed teams.
Computer assistance: Yes.
Non-public schools status: Not members, several schools belong to other organizations.
Title games: The D-I and II games will be at James Madison University; III and IV at Liberty University; and V and VI at the University of Richmond. Some games are televised on tape-delay.
Most recent change: In 2003-04, the playoffs were expanded from three to six classes.



Washington
State titles awarded: 6
Classifications (teams): 4A (91); 3A (77); 2A (51); 1A (38); B 11-man (40); B 8-man (26)
Total teams (approx.): 323
Regular-season games: 10
Playoff rounds: 4 for 4A, 3A, 2A and B 11-man; 3 for 1A and B 8-man
Playoff teams in top division: 18 percent (16 of 91)
Playoff teams in all divisions: 25 percent (80 of 323)
To make playoffs: Washington has nine districts and each one or a combination of districts gets so many spots to fill on the state bracket. Some have district playoffs before the state playoffs. Within some districts are conferences, most of which play a round-robin schedule.
Computer assistance: None
Non-public schools status: Members
Title games: The championships are played in the Tacoma Dome in Tacoma.
Most recent change: 4A was added in 1998.



West Virginia
State titles awarded: 3
Classifications (teams): AAA (36); AA (41); A (47)
Total teams (approx.): 124
Regular-season games: 10
Playoff rounds: 4
Playoff teams in top division: 44 percent (16 of 36)
Playoff teams in all divisions: 39 percent (48 of 124)
To make playoffs: The top 16 teams in a computer rating formula make the playoffs in each class. A team must play 50 percent or more of its games against its classification or higher to be eligible.
Computer assistance: Yes, the formula is similar to neighboring Ohio, except it seems to put more of a premium on first-level points than second-level points (wins by defeated opponents).
Non-public schools status: Members
Title games: The Super Six games are bid on by communities.
Most recent change: In 1990, the playoffs were expanded to 16 teams.



Wisconsin
State titles awarded: 7
Classifications (teams): The top 224 teams are determined by a formula and broken into playoffs of 32 teams apiece in Division 1 through 7.
Total teams (approx.): 450
Regular-season games: 9
Playoff rounds: 5
Playoff teams in top division: 32, figured out after the season.
Playoff teams in all divisions: 50 percent (224 of 450)
To make playoffs: The state's top 224 teams advance based on conference record and other criteria. Champions of approved conferences/divisions, teams with winning records in conference games and others are in. Nearly every team with a .500 record or better advances.
Computer assistance: Yes
Non-public schools status: Members
Title games: The championships are played at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison.
Most recent change: The seventh division was added in 2002.



Wyoming
State titles awarded: 5
Classifications (teams): 5A (11); 4A (11); 3A (12); 2A (12); 1A (11)
Total teams (approx.): 57
Regular-season games: 8
Playoff rounds: 3
Playoff teams in top division: 73 percent (8 of 11)
Playoff teams in all divisions: 70 percent (40 of 57)
To make playoffs: Conference champions plus those with a high power rating advance.
Computer assistance: Yes
Non-public schools status: Members
Title games: The championships are played at the home site of the highest remaining seed.
Most recent change: The association abandoned the shootout (a quarter or half between or among tied teams). Also, they expanded the playoffs from four to eight teams per classification.

[LoboFan07]

Great job WOS! Very informative!

[dgreco]

I went to school in RI, and I thought it was funny about private schools winning to much. Just an example Mt. St. Charles won 27 straight hockey state titles, and then lost the last 3 years to Bishop Thomas F. Hendricken another private school. Also between Hedricken, La Salle, Mount, and St. Rays I would say public schools win about 3 or 4 titles a year in both men and women for about 40 sports. It is also because the state is so small, so the best athletes always go to the same schools. BTW great job and it was very informative.

[sehs95]

Somewhat surprising how diluted the titles are in most states. Classifications with 10, 20, 30, 60 teams.

Pennsylvania (140), Ohio (120) and Texas (120) stand out as having by far the densest classifications.

[bodyguard]

Nice job, but you may want to update California to reflect the state championship bowl games.

[RHS_Cyclone]

Just a heads up, but Arkansas has changed. We now award 6 state championships. Class 7A (16), 6A (16), 5A (32) are all the new numbers. I think 4A has 48 while 3A and 2A have 64. 7A and 6A only have 3 playoff rounds now.

[59rebel]

After dreadful games where the big 16 were getting into playoffs with poor and very bad records they changed it to the 16 largest with a winning record.This pushed the 16 into the top 20 or so schools. A much better way of playing for a championship.

[Texas High School football]

After reviewing each state, I think that the UIL should take over each state's organization. How in the world can you win one playoff and not be eligible for a second? I say that the NCAA rules are better than the NFHS rules as well. Better yet, have the UIL come up with a realignment and a playoff system for NCAA div 1A. I am biased as hell, but California has less schools than Texas and yet has a popularity contest to determine its champions? Something is not right with that.

[jimmyo5]

In New York, Sections 8(nassau) & 11(suffolk) do not play in the state playoff system. They simply play for a Long Island Championship.

[foamspoon]

In New York, Sections 8(nassau) & 11(suffolk) do not play in the state playoff system. They simply play for a Long Island Championship.

Also NYC and Buffalo do not participate in the NYS Championships.

The Long Island Championship...

Four Divisions/Conferences (divisions in Suffolk county and Conferences in Nassau)

Roughly between 12 and 14 teams per Div/Conf. divided completely by school pouplation. I being the largest and IV being the smallest, with roughhly 105 schools on Long Island playing football.

Play-offs tweaked a little this year. 2008

Top 8 teams in the Div/Conf qualify for the play-offs after a 8 game regular season. In years past it was only the top 4 (Big Four). Teams that do not make the playoffs play a cross over game against the other div/conf with the team that finished in similar place. i.e. DIV last place plays DIII last place. (Suffolk County Only) The problem was not every team played the same schedule during the regular season and there was always one or teams that had a complait about no making the play-offs (mainly the 5th placed finished team.) With 8 teams making the play-offs it eliminates those complaits but can lead to teams with sub .500 seasons making the first round. Nassua has used this system for a few years and no 8 place team has come close to upsetting the first plce team in the first round.

1st Round 1 vs. 8, 2 vs. 7 etc.

2nd Round Teams are re-bracketed so the highest seed plays the lowest and so on.

3rd Round County Championships

4th Round Long Island Chamionships played at either Stony Brook Univ. or Hofstra University. On the Friday and Saturday after Thanksgiving one afternoon and one night game each day.

In years past an 2 All-Star games were played on either the wednesday night before Thanksgiving and thanksgiving morning one for the large schools and one for the small schools.

After the playoffs both counties vote on the Rutgers Cup and Rutgers Throphy which is given to the best team in the respective counties.

The Long Island Championships have been so sucessful that mnay coaches, AD, and Admins are reluctant to join the state playoff system. It is a good system for Long Island but many coaches feel their teams do not get the recognition they deserve bc they do not win a state championship. William Floyd H.S. arguably the best team in New York State the last four years and holding a 38 game winning streak is one of those teams.

[jimmyo5]

William Floyd is a good as it gets in NY state. I would love to see how they would do against some of the big time programs from around the country. I am not sure they would beat a Trinity but would it be a competitive game?

[foamspoon]

William Floyd is a good as it gets in NY state. I would love to see how they would do against some of the big time programs from around the country. I am not sure they would beat a Trinity but would it be a competitive game?

Jimmy,

You seem to follow HS football around the nation. I think you might already know your answer.

[Pitt4059]

Pennsylvania may change for the 2010 season. The teams from the WPIAL, Western Pennsylvania, have already voted to pull out of the PIAA state football playoffs if the PIAA goes to a 6 classification format rather than the 4 classification format as it currently stands. This will crush the state playoff system for Pennsylvania.

[GMCGURU000]

i'm from NJ.. we have great football here. phenomenol athletes and very very good coaches. but the absolute worst playoff system in the country. anybody agree?

[JoeNY]

William Floyd is a good as it gets in NY state. I would love to see how they would do against some of the big time programs from around the country. I am not sure they would beat a Trinity but would it be a competitive game?

---They need to start playing New Rochelle in Westchester, North Rockland in Rockland, and some of the other top schools in Section 1 if they want to get recognition. Long Island and Section 1 are far ahead of the other sections in NY in my opinion.

[paulsonj72]

One change to Minnesota. In 2008 Minnesota went to a 2 day finals format on the Friday and Saturday of thanksgiving weekend. The 9 man 1A,2A, and 5A games are played on Friday with the 3 and 4A games played saturday. All other info is correct. South Dakota(I live on the MN/SD border) now has the teams in all but AA play in the region in the 1st round and after that the 8 winners are reseeded according to power point averages and the playoffs go on a straight 8 team elimination bracket. AA goes with a straight 16 team bracket. Iowa now qualifies 32 teams for the playoffs in all 6 classes( 4 per district) Kentucky has 6 classes (up from 4) and In Georgia the finals are played in the Georgia dome(info form my aunt whose HS team made it to the finals) and one final update Missouri now plays their 8 man title game in the Edward Jones Dome on the Friday of thanksgiving weekend. One more and then I'm done. Connecticut dropped to four classes in 2010 but added 4 teams per class so 32 teams make the 4 class playoffs instead of the 24 in the 6 class system. Just some updates that I've seen online(and actually see and hear in person).