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50 States, 51 Systems

This is the complete, text-only list. There's also an animated map with this information.

Alabama

State titles awarded: 6
Classificiations (teams): 6A (64); 5A (64); 4A (64); 3A (64); 2A (64); 1A (54)
Total teams (approx.): 374 (pre-hurricane)
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.
Say what? After the first round, host teams are decided by criteria starting with which team traveled the most or farthest in previous rounds.
Say what else? Co-champions have been declared four times after tied title games.

Alaska

State titles awarded: 2
Classificiations (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.
Say what? Due to Alaska's terrain, many teams must fly for "road" games. It costs an estimated $20-25,000 for Juneau's team to fly to Anchorage. Booster clubs donate money to help cover expenses.
Say what else? North Pole won the large-school title last season.

Arizona

State titles awarded: 7
Classificiations (teams): Five — 5A (58); 4A (58); 3A (30); 2A (34); 1A-8 man (23). Starting this season, 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: This is the third season for the Power Index points and first for splitting 5A and 4A into two brackets apiece.
Say what? Arizona is one of a handful of states that have a division in which three tied teams play on the field for a tiebreaker. The winner of the first quarter will play the third team (and so on) to determine which teams make the playoffs.
Say what else? A state association official said the big schools felt having 16 teams make the playoffs (out of 58) was not enough. That led to the extra divisions.

Arkansas

State titles awarded: 4
Classificiations (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 will expand to six classes. The non-public multiplier changed this August.
Say what? Part of the reason the state association started (and upped) the multiplier was that non-public schools make up about 6 percent of the membership but were winning about 40 percent of the state championships.
Say what else? The higher-seeded teams get home-field advantage during every round except the title game.

California

State titles awarded: 0 — the state is divided into 10 sections and each award a variety of divisional titles.
Classificiations (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 are set for 2006 and '07, with a committee (sounds BCS-like) 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.
Say what? The Southern Section is the biggest with 436 teams cut up into 13 11-man divisions and two 8-man divisions. The Oakland District has six schools. This is the Wild West of high school football organization — every section for itself.
Say what else? One league is named the Mother Lode.

Colorado

State titles awarded: 7
Classificiations (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: Next season, 32 teams in 5A (66 percent) will make the playoffs.
Say what? With a mountain range in the state, travel can be tricky in December. However, the playoffs are bracketed statewide, not by regions. So you may have a team travel from one border to another.
Say what else? 5A teams will actually give up a regular season game (9 total) to double the playoff field. Travel is not a big issue in the top division because only one school is more than 60 miles outside Denver.

Connecticut

State titles awarded: 6
Classificiations (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.
Say what? Teams are basically organized by enrollment, but not completely. The football committee may move teams up or down based on their recent records.
Say what else? The last regular season game is on Thanksgiving. The state semifinals are on the following Tuesday or Wednesday and the final on the next Friday or Saturday. That means three games in 9 or 10 days.

Washington D.C.

District titles awarded: 1
Classificiations (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.
Say what? Prior to the 1954 Supreme Court decision in Bolling vs. Sharpe, the D.C. Public Schools were separated into Divisions 1-9 (white) and 10-13 (black).
Say what else? Paul Laurence Dunbar (named after Dayton's legendary poet) has won six of the past seven titles and has been in 9 of the past 13 championship games.

Delaware

State titles awarded: 2
Classificiations (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 last year.
Say what? In the first year of expanded playoffs, a fifth-seeded team won two games to advance to the Division I title game but lost.
Say what else? The highest seed always gets to play the lowest remaining seed (like the NFL playoffs). That means re-bracketing is possible in the semifinals.

Florida

State titles awarded: 8
Classificiations (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. This year, the four smaller school championships are played at Florida International. A week later, the big school games are at Dolphins Stadium in Miami. All are televised on tape-delay.
Most recent change: A couple years ago, the state association split up divisions 1A and 2B because of travel and size issues between urban and rural schools.
Say what? Any three-way tie affecting the playoffs is decided by a Monday night shootout. One team plays another for a half, then the winner plays a third team for a half. If the spots aren't decided that way, another half is played.
Say what else? A couple divisions had only 14 districts, so at-large teams were awarded. The state association redistricted so there were 16 in all four big classifications.

Georgia

State titles awarded: 5
Classificiations (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, in part because a politician in the state legislature was behind it.
Say what? All 10 semifinal games are held in the Georgia Dome and televised, making the title games somewhat lower-profile. Coaches voted against the title games being in the dome.
Say what else? Mini-game shootouts (5-minute halves) are used to break multiple-team regional ties not broken by head-to-head. The winner of the first half plays the third team. If one team wins both, that team advances. If not, the second winner plays the first loser and advances with a win. Got that?

Hawaii

State titles awarded: 2
Classificiations (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.
Say what? On the island of Kauai, the league consists of three teams. They play each other three times for a 6-game conference schedule. They also play a couple games against teams from other islands.
Say what else? A 26-year Prep Bowl (pitting a private school against the Oahu champion) ended in 1999 when the public schools voted 21-0 to abandon the game. They argued private schools were essentially "red-shirting" players for one year. The private schools won the last 15 Prep Bowls.

Idaho

State titles awarded: 6
Classificiations (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.
Say what? The championship game is called the Milk Bowl because it is sponsored by the state's dairy farmers association.
Say what else? A Kansas City playoff can determine some playoff teams. Like a hockey shootout, both teams get a possession from the 40-yard line. If tied after that, they go to the 30, 20 and 10.

Illinois

State titles awarded: 8
Classificiations (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 goes into effect this season.
Say what? Not included above are 36 Chicago schools that have a city playoff champion.
Say what else? Four quadrants by general location are created and seeded by the state association. They use total wins and playoff points as the first criteria. A state-wide television show unveils which quadrants are paired up for the state semifinals in each class.

Indiana

State titles awarded: 5
Classificiations (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.
Say what? The above is not a misprint. All teams make the playoffs every year.
Say what else? Because of the random nature of the draw and playoff host formula, you could have four losing teams in one half of an 8-team bracket and a 1-8 team could win and host two games.

Iowa

State titles awarded: 6
Classificiations (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.
Say what? Iowa's unique 4A formula involves giving teams 50 points for a win over a winning team, 45 over a losing team, 30 for a loss to a winning team and 25 for a loss to a losing team. The handbook still lists totals for ties, though no game can end in a tie.
Say what else? At the bottom of a tie-breaker system is the alphabet. No, it's not always the first team alphabetically listed that gets in. Sometimes it's the second, third, etc.

Kansas

State titles awarded: 7
Classificiations (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 this year will be played at five sites — Topeka, Russell, Emporia, Salina and Hays. They are not televised.
Most recent change: This is the fourth season for Kansas to take two district qualifiers instead of one.
Say what? There are 13-point and 21-point tie-breakers that determine the playoff participant if teams are tied for a playoff spot.
Say what else? A 4A school can start 0-6 and win a playoff spot by sweeping its last three (district games) to finish 3-6.

Kentucky

Commonwealth titles awarded: 4
Classificiations (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.
Say what? Some districts have eight teams while others have five. In any case, four teams make the playoffs.
Say what else? Kentucky gets a jump on high school football, starting a week before Ohio. Teams have 11 weeks to play 10 games.

Louisiana

State titles awarded: 5
Classificiations (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. Obviously, that will change this year. 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.
Say what? Teams have 6-minute quarter breaks in August and September due to the heat/humidity.
Say what else? Some private schools play in a league with teams from Mississippi.

Maine

State titles awarded: 3
Classificiations (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: This is the third year for the Crab Tree format.
Say what? Since you need to know, the Crab Tree formula is: your winning percentage plus your opponents' winning percentage plus 100 multiplied by 100. If that process creates a tie, then head-to-head is followed. If that doesn't apply, another formula called Heal Points (used in other sports) decides the order.
Say what else? Since Class A West has 16 teams and the East 11, 8 teams (50 percent) of the West advance compared to just 4 (36 percent) in the East.

Maryland

State titles awarded: 4
Classificiations (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.
Say what? Many coaches were for expansion but against the format in which teams play against regional foes the first two rounds instead of a state-wide bracket. The regional format cut down on travel.
Say what else? Some Maryland private schools play in a Catholic league with teams from D.C. and Virginia.

Massachusetts

State titles awarded: 0; Only Central-West and Eastern regional crowns are awarded.
Classificiations: 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.
Say what? Thanksgiving is sacred in Massachusetts. So is the tradition of rivals playing the last regular season game that day. To fit in playoffs in EMass, teams will play Tuesday night and a Saturday Superbowl (yep, one word) — 3 games in 10 days.
Say what else? Because the games are so close together, some playoff games are shortened to 10- or 11-minute quarters.

Michigan

State titles awarded: 8
Classificiations (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 finals will be 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).
Say what? A ticket for one day of the state finals (four title games) is $9, plus $6 for parking — a pretty good deal compared to the $500 or more you'd pay for Super Bowl XL (also at Ford Field).
Say what else? In six years of the current format, Utica Eisenhower has been Division I state runner-up four times (with no wins) — losing by a combined 28 points.

Minnesota

State titles awarded: 6
Classificiations (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.
Say what? The first championship game begins at 8 a.m. and the clock may strike midnight before the last game finishes.
Say what else? Some playoff games occur outside the state — North Dakota border towns Fargo (Fargodome) and Grand Forks (Alerus Center) each have domed stadiums.

Mississippi

State titles awarded: 5
Classificiations (teams): 5A (32); 4A (57); 3A (55); 2A (55); A (42)
Total teams (approx.): 241 (pre-hurricane)
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.
Say what? There has been times in multiple-team, tie-breaker scenarios that a coin flip has decided a playoff spot.
Say what else? Mississippi is celebrating its 100th year of high school football. In December 1905, Yazoo City defeated Winona 5-0 (a TD was worth 5 points).

Missouri

State titles awarded: 7
Classificiations (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.
Say what? The 1.35 multiplier held up in one court case brought by five Missouri students. Since that number came from a petition, the state association has no real answers for other states asking why that multiplier was chosen.
Say what else? A committee will study the first few years of the multiplier to see if the intended results have been met. One unintended change: A big basketball power was bumped down a division because private schools were moved up.

Montana

State titles awarded: 5
Classificiations (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: Four years ago, the playoffs were expanded to the current format.
Say what? There was a push last year to add a 9-man division within B.
Say what else? Montana started its first playoffs in 1921.

Nebraska

State titles awarded: 6
Classificiations (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 last season.
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.
Say what? In the past, some divisions played a Thursday-Wednesday-Monday-Saturday playoff schedule — four games in 17 days.
Say what else? Two years ago, there was a tie after the wild-card points system was used. A playoff spot was determined by coin flip.

Nevada

State titles awarded: 4
Classificiations (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: In the past five years, 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.
Say what? Three-fourths of the big schools are in or near Las Vegas.
Say what else? Because there are three big-school regions, one (rotating) region finalist loser used to make the state semifinals.

New Hampshire

State titles awarded: 5
Classificiations (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: Last year there was an expansion from four to five classes, mostly putting new programs in one group.
Say what? Despite the relatively low number of teams, 10 schools have added football in the past five years.
Say what else? A computer points system to rank all teams was eliminated. The only computations now are to break a tie.

New Jersey

State titles awarded: 0 (20 sectional champions)
Classificiations (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.
Say what? In 1918, one reason the state association was formed was to crown a state football champion. That never has been done and now the rules specifically forbid it.
Say what else? While the state recognizes 20 football teams as champions, high school basketball has separate state tournaments and then a tourney of champions to decide one overall winner.

New Mexico

State titles awarded: 6
Classificiations (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.
Say what? The playoff locations are determined by where the game was at the last time Team A played Team B. If it was 1953 when A hosted B, then B will host this time. In the first round, higher seeds host.
Say what else? If two teams hadn't previously met in the playoffs (after the first round), the home site is determined by coin flip.

New York

State titles awarded: 5
Classificiations (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.
Say what? If you don't make the playoffs, you still get a 10th game against another non-qualifier.
Say what else? The Long Island and New York City public schools have their own postseason tourneys.

North Carolina

State titles awarded: 8
Classificiations (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.
Say what? The regular season is 12 weeks long, in which you can play 11 games, as long as one is an endowment game. In such a game, the school and state association splits the money, which is used to increase an endowment fund. That money goes to help various school districts.
Say what else? In the event that more than 64 teams meet the placing criteria for the playoffs, ties are broken by draw.

North Dakota

State titles awarded: 4
Classificiations (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 this season. Most of the first-round games weren't close. Also, the ninth and 10th playoff teams in AA were eliminated.
Say what? Some school districts are so small that three or more schools combine to field one team, even in 9-man.
Say what else? In a five-team tie (it happens), point differential (up to a 17-point per game maximum) decides the top team.

Ohio

State titles awarded: 6
Classificiations (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.
Say what? Unlike most states, Ohio teams do not have to play anyone in their region, nor do they have to play any school that is their size (until the playoffs). Also unlike many states, the computer ranking does not take into consideration losses against good teams nor allow the top 32 teams state-wide into the playoffs. The ratings only are used to decide each region's participants.
Say what else? The difference between the smallest D-I schools (529 boys in the top three grades) and the biggest D-I schools (more than 1,100 boys) is greater than the difference between the largest D-IIs (528) and the tiniest D-VI teams.

Oklahoma

State titles awarded: 8
Classificiations (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.
Say what? In some tie-breakers, a marginal points system is used with a cap of 15 points for or against.
Say what else? The state has modified its number or type of classifications six times since awarding its first titles in 1944.

Oregon

State titles awarded: 4
Classificiations (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.
Say what? A yearly rotation determines what districts or leagues get two, three or four teams into the playoffs.
Say what else? In 1940, the state association awarded a victory to Bend, which had tied Salem 7-7 in one state semifinal. Bend then defeated Medford 20-7 for the championship.

Pennsylvania

State titles awarded: 4
Classificiations (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.
Say what? There was no full state championship tournament until 1988.
Say what else? A different team has won the big-school championship each of the past six seasons.

Rhode Island

State titles awarded: 4
Classificiations (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.
Say what? The divisions are not totally based on enrollment. About 60 percent of the classifications are determined by how many victories teams have in the past four years. Teams have the option of moving up in class.
Say what else? The last regular season game is played on Thanksgiving. The state semifinals are the following Tuesday and the final is the next weekend.

South Carolina

State titles awarded: 5
Classificiations (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.
Say what? In the past 21 years, 19 big-school champions have come from the upper (northern) state bracket.
Say what else? The 2A schools tried a split championship but abandoned it after two years.

South Dakota

State titles awarded: 6
Classificiations (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.
Say what? If a fifth-place team from one region has more wins than a fourth-place team from another, the former will replace the latter on the bracket.
Say what else? Some playoff games are played during the middle of the week.

Tennessee

State titles awarded: 5 plus three in Division II
Classificiations (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.
Say what? Teams have the option of moving up in classification.
Say what else? One of last tie-breakers is a 7:30 p.m. Monday 10-yard OT procedure. Also, teams that don't qualify for the playoffs can schedule an 11th game.

Texas

State titles awarded: 10
Classificiations (teams): 5A (244); 4A (220); 3A (183); 2A (208); 1A (151); 1A 6-man (109); 5A, 4A, 3A and 2A are split into Divisions I and II for the postseason.
Total teams (approx.): 1,115 (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 5A Division I, 4A D- I, 3A D-I, 2A D-I, 1A and 1A 6-man; 6 for 5A D-II, 4A D-II, 3A D-II and 2A D-II
Playoff teams in top division: 39 percent (96 of 244)
Playoff teams in all divisions: 40 percent (448 of 1,115)
To make playoffs: The top teams in each district make the playoffs after a round-robin schedule. The biggest-enrollment school plays in the Division I bracket while the others go to Division II, except for 1A and 1A 6-man.
Computer assistance: None
Non-public schools status: Not members; private and parochial schools play in separate associations.
Title games: Championship-neutral sites are agreed on by the participating schools. The big-school games are usually televised. Set championship sites have been discussed on and off for years, since it would be easier for TV.
Most recent change: Next season, the 5A playoffs will expand with four schools (two each in D-I and D-II) advancing instead of three total.
Say what? If you've seen Friday Night Lights, you know some playoff spots have been determined by coin flip. Each district has its own system.
Say what else? In 1A 11-man football, in District 21, you'll find Dallas I Am That I Am Academy, a charter school.

Utah

State titles awarded: 5
Classificiations (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.
Say what? The first champion listed for Utah was Salt Lake in 1898.
Say what else? Some regions can still have a shootout (short game to break a tie). Also, teams may play on weeknights during the playoffs.

Vermont

State titles awarded: 4
Classificiations (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.
Say what? The divisions aren't set exactly by enrollment. Some small schools play up because of their history of success.
Say what else? A handful of schools have added football in the past few years.

Virginia

State titles awarded: 6
Classificiations (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.
Say what? The current ratings formula is similar to Ohio's system, though teams in Virginia get a few points for losing to successful teams.
Say what else? Hampton has won 16 state titles.

Washington

State titles awarded: 6
Classificiations (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.
Say what? Teams can "opt up" to play in a higher classification.
Say what else? LaCrosse-Washtucna has won three straight 8-man titles, going 35-0 in those seasons. The team has won its title games by a combined 158-38.

West Virginia

State titles awarded: 3
Classificiations (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. Last year, the games were in Wheeling.
Most recent change: In 1990, the playoffs were expanded to 16 teams.
Say what? Despite the traveling issues associated with the mountains, the state seeds the teams 1-16 and plays out the bracket regardless of how far teams must go.
Say what else? In the regular season, teams can play a maximum of three overtimes. In the playoffs, the 3-OT rule is waived.

Wisconsin

State titles awarded: 7
Classificiations (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.
Say what? The championships coincide with the Thursday and Friday before deer-hunting season. All games are televised.
Say what else? A proposal to allow all schools into the playoffs was overwhelmingly rejected.

Wyoming

State titles awarded: 5
Classificiations (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.
Say what? The state association does all the football scheduling.
Say what else? In Wyoming's version of the power rating, you get 30 points for a win, 20 for a loss. You add those and divide by the number of games played. Then, you take your opponents' winning percentage (not counting games against you) times seven. Add those two numbers and you have your power rating. Got that?