Columbia, SC, October 13, 2025
News Summary
As the high school football season nears its conclusion, playoff seeding discussions intensify among teams, coaches, and fans. With the MaxPreps RPI system influencing rankings, both Class 4A and 5A teams aim to secure favorable positions. The playoffs will kick off on October 24, featuring 24 teams in 5A and 16 in 4A, generating excitement for upcoming matchups.
Columbia, SC – Final Month of High School Football Season Approaches
As high school football teams gear up for the final month of the regular season, playoff seeding has become a hot topic among players, coaches, and fans. The playoff picture, particularly in Class 4A and Class 5A, is being shaped by the MaxPreps RPI system, which is in its second year of use this season.
The RPI (Ratings Percentage Index) calculations are vital for determining playoff standings. The criteria includes a 40% emphasis on a team’s winning percentage, 30% based on the opponents’ winning percentage, and 30% concerning opponents’ opponents’ winning percentage. This intricate formula aims to provide a fair and comprehensive ranking as teams head into the postseason.
For the playoffs, region champions will be seeded first in each class, followed by second-place finishers. However, teams cannot leapfrog within their own region during seeding, making the positioning crucial for various team match-ups. The playoff brackets in Class 5A Division I and Division II will feature a total of 24 teams each, with the top four seeds in both the upper and lower state receiving first-round byes.
In contrast, Class 4A playoffs will consist of 16 teams coming from both the upper and lower state. Notably, there will be no predetermined home and away teams for these brackets; instead, the highest remaining seed will host playoff games. This structure may lead to interesting match-ups, as RPI criteria can result in teams from the same region facing off in the initial playoff round.
Current Rankings Overview
The current upper state rankings display a competitive environment:
- Dutch Fork (5-1, RPI: 0.72529, Up 1 spot)
- Ridge View (5-2, RPI: 0.65989, Up 1 spot)
- Dorman (5-2, RPI: 0.64959, Down 2 spots)
- Rock Hill (5-3, RPI: 0.60990, Up 1 spot)
- Spartanburg (4-3, RPI: 0.58503, Up 2 spots)
In the lower state, the rankings are led by:
- Carolina Forest (6-1, RPI: 0.69659, Up 1 spot)
- Stratford (6-1, RPI: 0.68627, Up 1 spot)
- Summerville (6-1, RPI: 0.67609, Up 2 spots)
The upper state playoff rankings currently show:
- Northwestern (7-1, RPI: 0.74860)
- Indian Land (7-0, RPI: 0.71558, Up 1 spot)
- T.L. Hanna (6-1, RPI: 0.71184, Down 1 spot)
For the lower state, the top-ranked team is Irmo with an impressive record of 7-0 and an RPI of 0.79844. Meanwhile, Miami Northwestern in Florida is also regarded as a significant contender for state championships this season.
The playoffs in Indiana are set to kick off on October 24, culminating in the championship games scheduled for November 28-29.
Conclusion
With the high school football season nearing its end, the excitement surrounding playoff seeding increases. Teams are strategizing for their final games to improve their standings before the playoffs begin, creating a thrilling atmosphere for players and fans alike.
FAQs
What criteria is used for playoff seeding in high school football?
The MaxPreps RPI system is used for playoff seeding, calculated based on a team’s winning percentage (40%), opponents’ winning percentage (30%), and opponents’ opponents’ winning percentage (30%).
How many teams advance to the playoffs in Class 4A and 5A?
Class 5A playoffs will feature 24 teams in both Division I and II, while Class 4A playoffs will consist of 16 teams each from the upper and lower state.
When do the playoffs in Indiana start?
The playoffs in Indiana are scheduled to begin on October 24 and continue through the championship games on November 28-29.
Key Features of High School Football Playoff Seeding
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| RPI System | Used for determining playoff seeding based on team and opponent performance. |
| Seeding | Region champions seeded first, followed by second-place finishers without leapfrogging. |
| Playoff Teams | 24 teams in Class 5A and 16 teams in Class 4A from both upper and lower states. |
| Match-ups | No predetermined home/away; highest remaining seed hosts games, leading to potential regional match-ups in early rounds. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times: Top 25 High School Football Rankings Week 7
- Wikipedia: High School Football in the United States
- On3: Florida High School Football Top 25 Rankings
- Google Search: High School Football Playoffs
- Detroit Free Press: Michigan High School Football Rankings Week 7
- Encyclopedia Britannica: High School
- Chicago Sun-Times: Super 25 Football Rankings
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