~~Do Polls & Ranking Really Matter~~

[raideroldtimer]

[quote name="SASQUASH22" post="842323" timestamp="1284037857"]
Absolutely Not ! That's why you play the game and remember to never under-estimate your opponent.

Let's see how many # 1 - 10 State Ranked Teams are still playing in December.
[/quote]
I suspect, after watching them Saturday, Euless Trinity will still be in it.  :)

[HI_#20_Mom]

[quote name="raideroldtimer" post="842447" timestamp="1284053518"]
[quote author=SASQUASH22 link=topic=72674.msg842323#msg842323 date=1284037857]
Absolutely Not ! That's why you play the game and remember to never under-estimate your opponent.

Let's see how many # 1 - 10 State Ranked Teams are still playing in December.
[/quote]
I suspect, after watching them Saturday, Euless Trinity will still be in it.  :)
[/quote]

;) :)

[whsalum]

In the grand scheme of things the final rankings are the ones that count but anything that helps motivate the kids is definitely worth the ink.

[Guest LR1969]

Guess my post didn't go through the first time. Will try again. Only if those rankings are then fed into a computer to create a "mythical" championship game...like the BCS! Beyond that...it's all just "speculation" and fun. I think we all enjoy them though whether we agree or not. I find the polls usually matter most to those fans who have a team in them. Let that team drop from the rankings and that's when they tend to put less faith in them.

[jimmyw]

I do think that polls are good for the kids, communities, and coaching staffs, unless you get to be #1 with the target on your back.
What an awesome problem. If your team is ranked in any poll the higher the ranking,the stronger the swagger with the boys and community. It can generate spirited practices and games with more meaning. It tends to get pride in the communities week after week. I don't care how everything ends up this year,there will only be 12 state UIL champions. If you win district,get in the play-offs or beat a team ranked higher than yourself, your memories of years past will always be there. anyhow,yes polls are a big reason for me to check on my team and some of our neighbors.

[ChampionEagles]

Sometimes they can be detrimental. The kids get to reading, and worse, believing them and sometimes that can work against you. Newton has been ranked by polls very high numerous times and really only a few times were justified. The only thing that matters is if you can take home the trophy after all is said and done. Polls mean nothing.

[Shackum]

[quote name="HI_#20_Mom" post="842418" timestamp="1284050504"]
[quote author=GUNHO link=topic=72674.msg842408#msg842408 date=1284049545]
Yes they matter.We as fans want to see our teams name in the polls so we can puff up our chest. ;D.Besides it lets us know who to be scared of. ;D

Polls do one thing though...They put a target on your back.
[/quote]

Agreed.
I think they also play their part in moral boosters and motivation to do better.
They can help get the scouts out and like Yeller stated, they are not perfect, but they can be used for fun, especially for the small teams that are not going to be playing in the 5A state championship anytime soon!

[/quote]

Ms. R. You know he would have had that 5A state ring if he had stayed!  ;)

[kicker]

Polls have had their way with WOS over the years. I believe in 1987, we were supposed to have a rebuilding year, and werent ranked. We won State. In 1997, we were #2 and got beat by Lamarque. In 98, we were ranked 1 and 2, and lost first round to Silsbee. in 2000, i dont think we were ranked and went to the State Champ game. in 2003? we were #1 and lost to Jasper first game of season and then one and done in the playoffs. We do better, not being ranked.