Next month the GHSA will debate how it should move forward with the classification of its private schools. There is a strong push by the larger public schools to duplicate what has been the case in Class A since 2012: private schools compete in their own state playoffs.
In fact, last year the publics and privates in Class A totally split into two separate sub-classifications within Class A, though the teams may crossover and play each other during the regular season.
Still, opinions differ on whether separating was the right move. Here are a few anonymous opinions from a handful of Class A coaches on what could happen if the larger public schools force the private schools into their own separate division:
· “I think it’s a stupid move.”
· “It takes away from the game and sends the wrong message to the kids. You’re telling them we can’t compete against those other kids over there.”
· “They think [private schools] recruit and offer scholarships. That is not the case, at least not at our school.”
· “I don’t think it is going to happen. If it does, those large private schools have so much money and influence that they will just go to the state legislature, and nobody wants that. So, at the end of the day, I think they will work something out.”
· “If [public schools] keep pushing this, eventually, all the private schools may leave the GHSA and form their own association. And if that happens, then the private schools really will recruit and offer scholarships to the best players at public schools because they won’t be governed by GHSA rules anymore. That would be ugly.”
Commerce-Athens Academy game canceled
COVID-19 has robbed us of another good game this week, as Commerce (1-1) will not be able to host Private No. 10 Athens Academy (1-1). Instead, the Spartans will travel to Augusta to take on Augusta Christian, which competes in the South Carolina Independent Schools Association.
The game will still be a solid test for Athens Academy. Augusta Christian (1-0), a state playoff team last season in the SCISA, knocked off defending GHSA Region 4A champion Richmond Academy last week, 20-18.
Commerce and Athens Academy have met 28 times since they first faced each other in 1985. The series is tied 14-14, though the Spartans have won the last three games and four out of the last five, including a 24-7 victory last season.
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