Two great posts indeed and something we probably all scratch our heads at sometimes. I'm sure there is a system to it, there has to be some kind of formula. Perhaps as closely guarded a secret as McDonalds special sauce !
As a coach, I find that rankings can be more of a distraction at times. It certainly keeps you in everyone's target sights and more difficult to fly under the radar so to speak. However, I see their benefit and players certainly enjoy the recognition. The competitive nature of sport in general will always necessitate the need for rankings. Here's a cautionary tale trying to read too much into them. While soccerfan21 is correct that Socastee deservedly beat Clover 2-0, this was a preseason consolation game where both coaches agreed to experiment and run in players who deservedly needed playing time. Is that a true reflection of those programs? We also were the only team to beat Nation Ford (and both times) in our region with our last meeting being the region decider. Yet they remain 5th and we 8th. You also brought up a great point about Wade Hampton whom we face in the 1st round. Not in the rankings but have very recently beaten the #11 Mauldin and #12 Dorman teams in region play while losing to #1 in region JL Mann (#4 state) in OT ??
No doubt looking forward to the match but talk about playing a team running hot !
That's the beauty of the game though. We don't play it on paper. An obvious statement to make but also goes to show that many teams are capable of upsetting the "so called" rankings and winning on any given day.
To the point made that region III might not have a good reputation ; I would have to add that while region III was not particularly impressive playoff wise last year, it has a strong tradition with Nation Ford in Upper State final in 2013 and NW being a dominant state force before that for years. Every school in region III has either brand new 1st year or recently added new Head coaches (myself in 2nd year for example) except coach Wren at Northwestern. All in region III certainly hope to do ourselves justice this year in the playoffs and while rankings might make for an interesting read, I think we can all toss them in the trashcan come Tuesday. One and done !
With that said, the top 4 in AAAA have certainly shown consistency and quality throughout the season. If I was to put any confidence in the current ranking system, those 4 seem to be fairly placed.
My reply to some of your points soccerfan21 was in agreement over the rankings formula and just adding some caveats to the points specifically mentioning our program. No offence at all taken or given, just giving a perspective to your obviously valid observations.
Good luck to all teams in all regions. As someone on this forum used to say a while back.....
'Tis the most wonderful time.....of the year !!
