Is 8 enough?

This year, the Maine Principals’ Association went back to the 50/50 rule, meaning the top half of teams in each class are guaranteed to make the playoffs. The MPA extended this to eight teams per class, except for Western A, which got nine because there are 17 teams in that class.

This poses the question: Are eight teams enough?

On one hand, none of the 1-8 matchups involving local teams are especially compelling. Skowhegan defeated Brewer twice, by scores of 7-0 and 5-0, and the Indians are expected to win easily again. Gardiner defeated Maine Central Institute, 5-0, and I would expect another Gardiner victory on Saturday, as long as the Tigers come to play.

But there are also some capable teams which did not make the playoffs. Lawrence played well twice against Skowhegan, losing 3-0 and 2-0. It may not sound like much, but it’s closer than most teams have played the Indians this season. Lawrence also could have defeated No. 4 Cony, losing that game 2-1 but outshooting the Rams 8-1 in the first half.

The heart-breaker award goes to Fryeburg, which needed an improbable win over undefeated York in the season finale to have any chance for the postseason. Fryeburg won, 3-2 — and finished ninth, less than one point behind the No. 8 seed, and missed the playoffs.

While some, most or all of these 1-8 games aren’t going to be great games, I still think it’s a good reward for those teams and an impetus for them to try to improve in the offseason. (Additionally, Lawrence could learn more from barely missing out on the playoffs than by losing in the quarterfinals.) MCI, after improving to make the top eight, deserves that chance to compete in the postseason. So does Hall-Dale, the No. 8 seed in Eastern C. The Bulldogs lost by one goal to top-notch teams like Winthrop and Livermore Falls, and have the potential to be a tough first-round draw for Dexter.