50171
by Keith Brake
Football fans love to see their teams rated in the polls.
Originally conjured to generate more interest in the sport, polls have evolved . . .into something that generates a lot of discussion, even argument.
At the high school level, polls also shine a statewide beacon on the schools it ranks. And there’s nothing wrong with that.
Montezuma’s high school football team has gained frequent mention in the polls in recent seasons.
Right now, the Braves range from number one . . .to number 9, depending on which poll you pay attention to.
Last week, the Braves appeared as number one in Class 8 according to The Des Moines Register.
That’s not likely to change this week, after the now 7-0 team beat Twin Cedars, 87-0.
Montezuma has been number one in the Radio Iowa poll most of the season.
Montezuma last week was number two in the Associated Press Poll.
The Braves were number two in the Cedar Rapids Gazette’s Class 8 state poll.
Then, there’s another poll, the BCMoore Power Rankings, which had the Braves at number 14 as of last week.
Say what?
Well, it did go back up to ninth over the weekend. That 87-0 win over Twin Cedars probably was the reason.
Ninth seems low.
But 14th?
The Braves been dropping slowly most of the season in this ranking.
What’s up with that?
BCMoore takes a number of factors into consideration: Like points scored, points allowed and quality of schedule. They put all that stuff into a computer, which spits out rankings.
Impartially.
Well, as far as the computer is concerned.
Don’t blame the computer. It doesn’t need salvation, because it hasn’t sinned.
Someone has a formula for “quality of schedule” and that’s what has been tripping up the Braves, not opponents on the field.
The district Montezuma plays in doesn’t score very high in the computer ratings.
The Braves, BCMoore said last week, have the 65th best Class 8 schedule. Out of 71.
Montezuma ranked fifth in the state in scoring, and 16th best in points allowed. Those are facts. Both probably got better after 87-0.
Friday, Montezuma will be playing at Baxter, another unbeaten team, with the district title at stake.
Last week, Baxter was first in Class 8 in offense at 65.5 points a game. They didn’t hurt that average much by scoring 60 this past week against Collins-Maxwell.
But . . the Bolts were 16th in the rankings, two spots below the Braves.
The Baxter strength of schedule? Number 70. . . out of 71.
Both teams have to play against the game, trying to perfect their own skills, which isn’t possible, but it’s an admirable goal that generates improvement.
My gut feeling?
Class 8 looks like a wide open field this fall. And don’t forget what Montezuma did in boys basketball last season. The polls said they wouldn’t win.
But did they ever!
Two good teams will come together over a football Friday night in Baxter.
I think you will enjoy being there.