No doubt the 2020 season was one of the most memorial, if not the most memorable season in the history of Texas high school football existence.
We all know why.
Thousands of players, parents, coaches and support staff made this season possible. Yes, there were cancellations, postponements and general concern that the season might not even finish.
Put me in that category of people that thought were would never see State. With a virus that became out of control, especially in Texas, I figured the possibility of completing the year as very slightly more than 0 percent. Maybe slightly greater than a 50 percent shot with the small schools but definitely didn't think it was possible with big schools.
I'll eat that crow. Everyone banded together and made it work. Kudos to those.
But this column isn't about that. In being around the sport for six full seasons coupled with some things that occurred this year, I have some ideas I think would make things better.
6. Reign in the DECs
If there was ever a time, 2020 was the year to lay the foundation for universal rulings. The way some districts handled the COVID situation against how a neighboring district handled it caused mass confusion.
And in one particular case, it created pettiness.
The latter point I have more of an issue with than the former, and that happens to deal with Denton Ryan.
To preface, I have no allegiance to Denton Ryan, but the way the Frisco members of the DEC handled a situation this year was just child-like.
And this is where the UIL should have stepped up to be the enforcer of standards for this unprecedented year. This was the year districts needed guidance and leadership from the UIL to make sure every team, school and district were all on the same page.
I applaud Denton Ryan for turning that behind-the-scenes situation into a springboard for completely destroying its Frisco district mates when it came time to play.
Moving forward, the UIL needs be a true governing body of the participant teams. Leaving certain things in the hands of those that have much more of a vested interest in the results causes problems. If you're going to be the body that awards teams a trophy at the end of the season and set realignment, take that governing a bit further and take on full oversight.
Matt Powell (VYPE)
