Area coaches offer views on 16 team playoff field & state of high school football

The state of high school football in Ohio & the 16 team playoff field continue to be a topic of discussion.
This season is the third year the 16 team playoff field is being used is the sport has popular as it once was.
21 Sports posed those questions to several area coaches.
"I think numbers are getting lower and I think its society and kids don't want to come out this time of year," said LaBrae coach Jon Elliot.
Crestview coach Dominic Perry compared his team to the trend, " We're on the upswing here but overall I don't know, it might be going down a little bit."
Perry added its dedication, especially at this time of the year.
"I don't think the kids want to put the time in and parents don't push them as much," continue Perry. "It's a constant battle and it's a full time job."
Elliot added its a trend that's hitting all schools including Division I programs.
The 16 team playoff has been controversial since its inception three years ago.
So is it working?
"It provides a great opportunity for our youth to get to that second level, "stated Lakeview coach Derrick Bush.
"But, I also believe your not setting up yourself for success when you have two's against 15's and one's against 16's."
Bush says high school football in the state is great but he doesn't agree with the 16 teams being in the playoffs.
Mineral Ridge coach Brian Shaner experienced playoff success last year as the tenth seed with a pair of wins but doesn't know if lower seeded teams can do it on a regular basis.
The coach added he was happy with the setup because "we got extra football and our team showed we can play at the level with not being in the top eight."