Longview moving back to 6A

We haven't played Longview in football in several years, but as far as the other sports go, I think everyone in the district would agree that Longview aligns to 6A better than 5A.  They have over 2000 students in a district that is mostly made up of schools with 1400-1500.  It's without a doubt a huge advantage for them.  Sports that they rarely made the playoffs in 6A, they are winning district in for 5A.   They should be playing schools with 2000 or more, not beating up on schools with significantly smaller than them.

I think financially the district would prefer to be in 5A because:

1. Less travel costs. LISD probably saves a TON of money playing in a district with Pine Tree, Hallsville, and Marshall, MP, etc.... compared to a district with Mesquite, Rockwall, and other Metroplex schools.

2. I'm also sure ticket sales are better for basketball, baseball, etc when they are playing local schools Vs. the small handful of of parents that may come from the metroplex for games. Particularly for Tuesday night games.

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NO.....I DO NOT think Longview fudges their numbers. I think they report their numbers in a way that's 100% allowed by the UIL. And yes...it does allow them to exclude some of their specialty campuses that would likely put them into the 6A level. But they aren't cheating to do it. It's completely allowable by the UIL and I'm guessing there are plenty of schools that do. Until that "loophole" is closed, then it's really NOT a loophole IMHO.

I don't think any school district is willing to jeopardize their athletic program's eligibility status by breaking alignment rules.

No one wants to punish students for a decision that would ultimately be made by administrators....right or wrong.

NO district is willing to risk that.

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AND LASTLY....and my personal opinion....

Yes.... I selfishly would like to see Longview go back up to 6A. They are on the bubble...they are only 30-40 away if I recall correctly.

They are in a district with Marshall, Pine Tree, Hallsville, MP, and WH....all of whom have about 1,500 students. Meanwhile they are in the 2,100 neighborhood. I don't think anyone can argue that's a competitive advantage for them.

Enrollment and competitive advantage is the SOLE REASON ALIGNMENT exists.

Unfortunately for most of us in 15-5A..... LHS is a bubble 6A team instead of being "one of the pack" in 5A. Same with Lufkin. Same with Tyler.

If Longview moves up next year, I'll be happy about it. Not going to lie and say it wouldn't. I think it levels the playing field in the district not having Longview, Tyler, and Lufkin playing with "the little guys".

BUT if they stay in 5A..... there's no reason to bellyache about it. Suck it up and go beat them or shut up about it. They don't get to pick their classification.

If you want to complain to someone about it....complain to UIL, not Lobo fans.

I would put an asterisk and change it to "We are simply superior to everyone in EAST TEXAS"* (5A/6A).

It's more research than I care to delve into.....but I would imagine Longview's record Vs. EAST TEXAS 5A/6A for the last 15-20 years is EYE-POPPING.

They have completely dominated Tyler Legacy and Marshall for the last 20 years. Each has 1...maybe 2 wins.

They never lost to Hallsville, Texas High, Mount Pleasant, Sulphur Springs, Whitehouse, Jacksonville, Pine Tree in either of their stents in the district

They mostly dominated Tyler other than a couple of sucker-punches by the Lions here and there.

Lufkin dominated Longview early on in the late 90's into the 2000's....but the Lobos have all but erased that distant memory.

Like I said.... I bet the overall record Vs. ETX is astoundingly good.

Good for Lobo fans.....unfortunate for the rest of us.

Maybe. but but he didn't limit it to ETX

I think he meant all of 5A,  I think he is predicting a state title!!!