Football practice started a week earlier this season. But that’s hardly the only change you’ll notice in the sport in 2018.
Here’s a quick rundown:
The early start, which happened when the football committee opted to move to the NFHS calendar, in effect makes Week 1 of the season Aug. 24. Zero Week does not exist anymore. All teams can begin playing on Aug. 24 — in fact, all Class 5A teams must begin play that week.
… That’s because the 5A playoffs have expanded to 24 teams. The top eight seeds will receive a first-round bye, with seeds Nos. 9-24 playing in the first round of the playoffs.
… As a result, the 5A teams do not have room for a bye week during the regular season. Therefore, they must begin play on Aug. 24 in order to play 10 games.
For the complete story, go to: https://chsaanow.com/2018-08-08/explaining-the-differences-in-football-schedule-this-season/
