Thoughts on Playoff 1st Round Byes

drop_tables

All-Conference
Aug 14, 2004
4,780
1,827
113
I've heard multiple people say it. Every year, it seems like the HS Football season goes by faster and faster..
So, what do you think of the top seeds getting Byes in the first round?
Personally, I hate it. It gives fans 1 less week to enjoy watching their team on an already seemingly short season.
If one of the idea's of going 8 classes was to give more schools a chance to make the playoffs, then just fully flesh out the first round.
 

portcity FB

Senior
Nov 8, 2004
5,302
940
62
I do not like the bye week. In 8A you have the 5-12 seeds playing this week to have the right to play the top 4 seeds. They will usually come into that game as a big underdog and probably a bit more banged up and worn down, and on the road. The reward for being a high seed is home field advantage and playing lower seeds. That should be enough.
 
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80prepster

Sophomore
Sep 26, 2025
165
155
43
I do not like the bye week. In 8A you have the 5-12 seeds playing this week to have the right to play the top 4 seeds. They will usually come into that game as a big underdog and probably a bit more banged up and worn down, and on the road. The reward for being a high seed is home field advantage and playing lower seeds. That should be enough.
As a 2A school fan, I do not like byes! It breaks up momentum and the rhythm of the season. Schools with 1-3 wins at best should not be in the state playoffs, as winning should be a requisite for participation not a guarantee.
 

portcity FB

Senior
Nov 8, 2004
5,302
940
62
This weeks bye may really hurt Millbrook. They win by forfeit last week now they have a bye and they will play either Laney or PC next week. I have seen both of those teams and that game will be over by halftime. Millbrook may be entering their third round game against Rolesville with their starters playing maybe 2 quarters over the past 3 weeks. They may be a bit rusty. Now, if Millbrook is banged up then the time off may help them.
 

BallKnower1995

Freshman
Jul 11, 2025
80
57
18
This weeks bye may really hurt Millbrook. They win by forfeit last week now they have a bye and they will play either Laney or PC next week. I have seen both of those teams and that game will be over by halftime. Millbrook may be entering their third round game against Rolesville with their starters playing maybe 2 quarters over the past 3 weeks. They may be a bit rusty. Now, if Millbrook is banged up then the time off may help them.
Their defense will show up and be ready to play regardless
 
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