HS football: Teams go in semi-circles to get into semis

Parity is a relative term in Maine high school football.

Each of the last two years, 14 of the 24 semifinal teams in the state played in the semis the previous year. That number is a bit skewed because Eastern Class C only played two rounds of playoffs until last year, and Western Class C had the same format until this year (Western B remains the only holdout). In the last three years, Western Class C has had the most schools reach the semifinals with eight. Class B West has had the fewest with six.

Though repeat contenders are in the majority, dynasties are hard to find. In the conferences that have played three rounds in the post-season since 2005, Western A, Eastern A and Eastern B, Bonny Eagle is the only school to reach the semifinals each year.

 From Rambler to Ramblin' Wreck

Former Winthrop quarterback Jordan Conant will suit up for the first time for Georgia Tech when the Yellow Jackets host Wake Forest this Saturday. Conant tried out as a walk-on freshman this year and made the squad as a QB on the Ramblin' Wreck's scout team.

The game can be seen on either ABC or ESPN2. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. Conant is listed as No. 12 on the roster.