Mass. Officials Consider Statewide H.S. Football Playoffs

A plan for "the most sweeping change in Massachusetts high school football in 40 years," as the Attleboro Sun Chronicle calls it, has moved another step forward.

On Thursday, Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association officials voted in favor of a proposal (PDF) that would enact a statewide football tournament. The MIAA Board of Directors will review the plan in June.

The proposal, which would be implemented as a two-year pilot program as part of a larger reorganization, would trim 19 regional "Super Bowl" winners down to six divisional state champions, according to ESPN Boston.

The MIAA lists five goals for the playoff system:

- Establish a state championship in six divisions;
- Maintain leagues and Thanksgiving Day games;
- Increase postseason opportunities for student-athletes in football;
- Create divisions based on enrollment and competitive balance;
- Address safety concerns - eliminate three games in nine days

The Sun Chronicle and ESPN have more details on the plan and its chances going forward.