In recent years, Kansas 2A football has had numerous changes in its postseason rules. KSHSAA’s goal with these rule changes is always to enhance the competitive balance and provide a more exciting playoff experience for teams and fans. The most significant change this year is the new playoff system. In the years before, only the top teams from each district would advance to the postseason. But, the new rules allow a larger number of teams to compete, giving more schools the opportunity to compete for the state championship.

Another major change is the reseeding process after the first rounds of the playoffs. This reseeding is designed to ensure that the highest-seeded teams face the lowest-seeded teams in the next rounds. This helps maintain fairness and keeps the competition intense throughout the playoffs. This adjustment is intended to reward teams for their record and performance during the regular season.

According to Coach Rice, when asked about the new rules affecting GP, he states, “It is going to bring more variety to the teams we play.” When asked about how it will affect the players, he says, “They are going to be excited that we aren’t playing someone we already played. And when asked about his preparation, he said, “It will just be another week for us, we have a systematic approach to preparing for each team we play.”  

In addition, KSHSAA has implemented a way to reduce travel burdens on teams. By adjusting the playoff brackets to consider the distance between teams, the association hopes to minimize long-distance travel for early-round games. These changes reflect a commitment to improving the overall experience for players, coaches, and fans, ensuring that Kansas 2A football remains competitive and enjoyable.