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Milan High School’s Shameless Reclassification Scheme In 2020, the Milan High School football team suffered yet another defeat at the hands of Alcoa in the 3A state championship. For most schools, this would have been a motivating challenge – an opportunity to rise to the occasion. But Milan’s administration decided to take a different path. Rather than face the possibility of another rematch with the state powerhouse, they sought a way to avoid Alcoa altogether. Their solution? A reclassification that would take them out of 3A and into 4A football, effectively dodging one of the most formidable teams in Tennessee high school football. But that move didn’t go quite as planned. The Milan High School Academy: A Deceptive Scheme In 2021, in response to a disappointing season in 4A, Milan’s administration implemented a new strategy: they launched the so-called “Milan High School Academy.” The academy was presented as a cutting-edge educational initiative, promising unique opportunities for students. But in reality, the “academy” was nothing more than a clever ruse to manipulate enrollment numbers and gain an unfair advantage in the TSSAA classification process. Despite its lofty name, the Milan High School Academy was essentially a designation for underperforming students who did not participate in athletics. It wasn’t a separate building, nor did it come with additional resources or programs. Academy students attended the same classes as their peers, earned the same diplomas, and received no additional support beyond what was available to all Milan students. The only real distinction? Academy students were barred from participating in sports. So what was the purpose of the “academy”? The answer is simple: it was an attempt to artificially lower the enrollment numbers at Milan High School, thereby allowing the school to qualify for a lower athletic classification. By designating certain students as part of the “academy” and excluding them from athletics, Milan could reduce its reported enrollment figures and secure a spot in 2A, rather than 3A, which was the school’s rightful classification. The Unprecedented and Unethical Decision of the Board of Control In March 2024, the TSSAA Board of Control was alerted to Milan’s questionable tactics. However, rather than addressing the issue, the Board took an unprecedented step that further exacerbated the situation. In an unexpected move, the Board voted to use May enrollment figures—rather than the traditional August numbers—when determining classifications for the upcoming cycle. This decision, made in August 2024, was not included in the official agenda, and the affected schools were given no opportunity to voice their concerns before the vote. In fact, the vote was passed with a 12-0 margin, despite the face that four board members who represented private schools had no stake in the decision, as their schools’ enrollment numbers were still going to be submitted in August. The result of this vote? Milan, whose enrollment figures were artificially deflated by the creation of the Academy, remained in 2A football, despite its historical placement in 3A. This move was a direct result of Milan’s manipulation of enrollment numbers, and it allowed the school to avoid tougher competition in the coming years, including the powerhouse team, Alcoa, which has since reclassified to 4A. The Consequences of Milan’s Strategic Move Under the TSSAA’s 6-classification system, Milan had been competing in 3A football since its inception. But by creating the Milan High School Academy and using the altered May enrollment data, Milan successfully managed to secure a place in 2A football for the next four years. This was a strategic move designed to avoid competition from larger, more competitive programs and to secure easier opportunities for championship titles. But Milan’s reclassification has not only benefited the school—it has also displaced other schools that were forced to compete in a classification that no longer reflects the true competitive landscape. Schools in rural West Tennessee, for example, were left to face a Milan team that no longer belonged in 2A, further distorting the competitive balance in the region. The decision to reclassify Milan based on artificially reduced enrollment numbers has created an unfair advantage that undermines the integrity of the TSSAA classification system. For the next four years, Milan’s success will be built on this fraudulent foundation, and any victories won will be tainted by the knowledge that the school manipulated the system to achieve them. Milan’s Manipulation of Districts and Regions The fallout from Milan’s reclassification extends beyond football. Milan’s new classification has also affected the districts and regions they compete in for other sports. Historically, Milan was part of District 14 in Class 2A, where they competed against schools like Gibson County in sports like baseball, basketball, and softball. However, Milan’s strategic reclassification moved them into District 12, a far more favorable grouping for their athletic programs. This move has allowed Milan to avoid tough competition in a number of sports, particularly baseball and basketball, where District 14 was known for its strength. By shifting into a less competitive district, Milan has given itself a clear advantage—one that other schools in the region now have to contend with, all because of a cynical manipulation of the system. A Corrupt Process? While the TSSAA is not inherently corrupt, Milan’s actions—along with the TSSAA Board’s approval of those actions—raise serious questions about the fairness and integrity of the entire classification process. Milan’s administration has exploited the system for its own benefit, creating an environment where the spirit of competition has been overshadowed by self-serving tactics. Coaches and players at Milan High School today may have no direct involvement in this scheme, but they will inevitably feel the repercussions of the backlash from other schools and communities who see their actions as a betrayal of the competitive spirit that high school sports should embody. As for Milan’s administration, which has attempted to justify the creation of the academy, their claims fall short of convincing. The principal, who did not start the Academy but now defends it, has made several dubious statements in an attempt to justify Milan’s reclassification: 1. “Tennessee’s Innovative Schools Model allowed us to create a separate Academy that meets on our campus to better serve those students.” In reality, the “Academy” was not just a new program, it was a rebranding effort designed to reduce enrollment numbers. It was not just a school-within-a-school but also an exclusionary measure. 2. “Students in the Academy have WBL placements that match their elective focus and support the field of study.” This is a common practice in nearly every school in Tennessee, as Work-Based Learning (WBL) programs have been around since 1984 and are available to all students, not just those in the so-called “Academy.” 3. “Our numbers have not rebounded post-COVID.” Milan’s enrollment numbers which had been artificially reduced by the creation of the Academy, suddenly “rebounded” in August of 2024, showing a total of 610 students. However when the reclassification vote was made based on May’s numbers, the school reported 523 students—just five below the cutoff for 2A classification. Conclusion: A Fraudulent Victory Milan High School’s manipulation of the TSSAA reclassification process has exposed a systemic flaw in the way classifications are determined. While the administration may have won a short-term victory by reclassifying to 2A, the consequences for other schools, and for the integrity of high school sports in Tennessee, will be felt for years to come. Milan’s fraudulent move undermines the very principles of fairness and competition that are supposed to be governed by the TSSAA. Milan may have secured a favorable classification, but it has lost something far more valuable: the respect of the entire state. It’s important to note that the TSSAA’s hands are tied. The Executive Director and his staff are at the mercy of the Board of Control. The Board of Control has been corrupted by a member from Milan High School. Moreover, of the 12 votes cast to use May’s numbers, 4 Board members saw their school play in a lower classification. The other 8 members’ schools were not affected. To the Board of Control: At most, you should do the right thing and start this entire classification process over. At minimum, issue an apology to Halls High School who will be playing 2A because of Milan, Forrest High School who will be playing 3A because of Milan, Milan’s district opponents, their families and communities who will be driving 90 minutes for district basketball, baseball, and softball games. Or, Board of Control, continue to be corrupted by one of your members and negatively impact thousands of athletes, their families, and communities. None of you will ever have to wear the negative fallout of all of this. TSSAA Executive Director Mark Reeves, a good man whom you all hired, will unfortunately be the face of this corruption.

Because it doesn't make the kind of money required for those organizations to get involved. Middle quit bidding on the BCB for a reason Besides, who wants to see 2,000 people at stadium that can seat 75-100k? That just looks sad

So someone help me understand the numbers behind this.. Milan reported enrollment is 501, correct? I don't see a reported enrollment for Milan Academy anywhere, but a Google search leads me to the number 26. So if you count those students in with Milan, it boosts the number up to 527. Maybe this is where the math is failing for me, but Waverly and Harpeth both opted to voluntarily move from 2A to 3A. Which means to even the classifications, the cut off from 2A to 3A moved to Cannon Co at 528 in 2A to Forrest at 533 in 3A. Milan would still be below the biggest school in 2A COUNTING the Academy enrollment. Now maybe it's just because I'm using logic, but someone help me understand who is this really screwing? If we were talking hundreds of students, I could see the fuss. But I think, while there be SOME merit to the motives, the reach of this "scandal" is way over blown. And the other piece of it is what does Milan have to show for all this "cheating" anyways? It hasn't resulted in any trophies. Maybe I'm wrong and they win 4 of the next 5 or something and lowering their enrollment by 26 kids starts a Milan 2A dynasty... All I know is they'll have to go through Huntingdon each year to do it.

Location is a big reason for low attendance. It is hard for fans in the west to travel to Chatt. It would be hard for fans in the east to travel to Memphis. I think the championships should be centrally located in Nashville or Murfreesboro. Then I believe crowds increase.

This is not a good look for Rankin. He has spent his entire career beating up on teams who were outclassed by his teams at Smith County, Riverdale, and Alcoa. Now that the shoe is on the other foot, he has an issue with it.

Eli Stephenson is a great coach, but even better person. Not sure what you have against him personally. When at Forrest, seemed like he had great success too! HE was with Shoulders at RBS, and it was only fitting that he was back with him when they brought a state title home to Macon!

Wanna start off by apologizing to Kyler Creasy. I had major doubts on him being able to lead Oakland to a state championship, he showed significant improvement and was the calm leader Oakland needed him to be, well done young sir. The improvement the OL made over the course of the season was something to behold. There were times in the season It was a major struggle. With 4 starters returning and several young backups, the future looks bright at the position. Was really happy to see TT Hill make some big plays for Oakland tonight. It wasn't quite the season he had envisioned, but I'm glad he gets to end his HS career as a champion. Chase Bandy wasn't called upon alot over the course of the season, but when he was, he delivered. One of the guys nobody really talked about but was a huge part of this team Not much you can say about Daune Morris and Craig Tutt that hasn't been said except I'm glad we have Tutt for another year, what a combo. Shoutout to Quentin Norfolk who came back at less than 100 percent so he could help out the OL, even though that wasn't his primary position. Defense had some low points in the playoffs, but in the biggest games of the year they were at their best. Great effort all around and heckuva job by DC David Watson. Front 7 answered the call tonight not allowing hardly anything on the ground and the secondary made Houston work for every completion Every state championship means alot but this one will be just a little bit sweeter, getting revenge on Houston and the obstacles that had to be overcome to get there. Proud to be a Patriot!

SC earned this win going the hard route beating 3 of the last 4 state champs well deserved congrats Bears

It is impossible for a school with the enrollment of Alcoa to field an offensive line that big and talented 15 or so years in a row without cheating. The odds are better at winning Powerball than for that to happen.

The irony of SP blowing their chances in the second half due to bad coaching and MASE making the key adjustments needed to put it out of reach.

Since I rarely comment and with this being the State Championship week let me also add that this season has been one of the most remarkable turn arounds for our program that I have ever seen a team go through in the span of 1 season. After the Oliver Springs game I honestly wasn’t sure if we could beat out Sale Creek for 3rd place and thought we were a 6-4 at best team and a 1st/2nd round exit. It has been very impressive to watch such a young bunch of kids keep coming back to work every single day and continue to grind and take steps to keep getting better. No matter the outcome Friday this team and staff has had a remarkable season and have set the stage for this team to go on an absolute tear the next few seasons with opportunity to collect more hardware than the 2007 through 2013 run.

Home semifinal games are the best for high school playoff football, in my opinion.

Time for your crow. How do you like it cooked?

Money for the goalpost will not be an issue in Macon County.

fun fact: my family donated all the land for lafayette’s city park and what ultimately became “Pat Parker Field” my grand father, who just turned 100 was personal childhood friends with Pat Parker and still has letters he (Pat Parker) wrote to him and sent from okinawa. Pat turned down full ride offers from notre dame and other power house programs of the 1940’s, and chose to serve his country.

The issue isn’t about Alcoa or Rankin. Apparently, many on here are still in upset about the success he had at Alcoa. Step off that for a second and recognize that this is a completely different scenario than actual region games or playoff game for schools in the same class or a smaller school scheduling a larger school to play by choice. The TSSAA is forcing all the 2A schools listed above to play larger schools. If Riverside or UC had been scheduled, by TSSAA, to play Collierville and Ensworth, folks would have stroked out. Lots of schools schedule up in size and historically, Boyd has as well. Often times they’ve had to do so to fill the schedule. If the larger Div II schools can’t fill the schedule then maybe the snowflakes are the larger public schools that will play down in public or Div II schools but not against the best private schools in the state.

Whatever happens in pro and college football filters down to the lower levels. With transferring being quick and easy in college football, it's filtered down to high school football in this day and time. While I understand what you are saying about Bearden, this is the "season" for every school to start the reload. It's become very easy and trendy to do so in high school, too. And before the normal holier than thou bunch start pointing fingers, it starts with the parents who are more than willing to move their kids. Helicopter parents are the biggest issue, not coaches. And while some coaches may play the game better than others, there's not a coach that I know of that would turn down a talented player who wanted to transfer into his program. If he tells you otherwise, he's not being truthful with you.

I usually steer clear of message boards when it comes to discussing my rankings, but I’ll make an exception this time. About six weeks before spending roughly 9 hours of my time compiling these rankings, I posted here asking for suggestions on who should be ranked. Out of 163 total Single A and Double A schools, I received just six—yes, S-I-X—emails. To make it worse, three of those emails were from the same person about the same team. None of the emails mentioned any of the wrestlers now being brought up in response to the rankings. Now, can we all just take a breath? Rankings aren’t set in stone. Have you ever looked at any ranking system? Do college football rankings stay the same every week? No, they change constantly. For perspective, FloWrestling (four weeks into their season, and compiled by people who get paid) already shows 118 ranked wrestlers losing to unranked or lower-ranked opponents. The point is: relax. I’m not out here intentionally slighting your favorite wrestler, their favorite wrestler, or anyone else you might be upset about. If you think there’s an error or just want to vent, feel free to email me or tell me in person when you see me. [email protected]

There’s a reason that Milan went to 4a was unsuccessful and couldn’t win a championship in 3a also 😂 now they are trying 2a. If I remember right Peabody won 3 in a row not long ago it definitely wasn’t the 90’s. They beat Milan what 6-7 years in a row. Dont act like the butt dawgs are world beaters. Milans enrollment this cycle like the one you guys are playing in not the next if the academy was included you guys would be in 3a right now and sitting at home

You got personal...and you know it. I am trying to restore the original post now. It had some merit. But, if you start getting personal it will have to go, too.

From what I have learned from the results of last night incidents is the whole Beech team won’t play next week

RIP Keith Ricker (BVD). Great guy that loved his Vols, Greene Devils, and his daughter more than anything . You will be missed my friend!

Nobody is talking about him leaving outside of you

It's pretty sad ST. Bobby Sharp left Lewis Co. and ends up on Milan's staff and along comes 'ol pizz with his hate and discontent dragging along behind him like a toddler with a saggy diaper. Whatever gut punch poor old Bob hit him with all those years ago must have really ruined his life for him to still be following him around crying.🥲

Other than Milan

This thread has been all over the place on unrelated side bars. This game was about 2 teams that fought hard to get to the Championship game. No matter which one had the hardest path there, no matter which other teams should have been there, it was Macon and Melrose that made it there. 2 teams that want to make a positive difference in their communities and give the kids a chance to realize their dreams. That’s powerful and life changing for each of these areas that face their own set of challenges and opportunities. So miss me with the nonsense and hats off to both teams for the effort.

Stop whining. Every school "recruits" in some form. And don't get on here and say "My school doesn't recruit" unless you're a cellar dweller. Any team that's winning is drawing kids from other programs that lack coaching, support and exposure. Alcoa is playing exactly where they need to be playing, with the public schools. They could've stayed in AAA and won 10 more in a row but they chose to challenge the program and move up. We've played them in a home and home. Played them tight one year and got blown out the second meeting. Y'all need to stop whining and take Rory McIlroy's advice to the PGA guys that were whining about the best players winning all the money in the elevated events.......he said two words: "PLAY BETTER"

Props to Westview for stepping up today with a young team. No phony academies, no shell games with students, or smoke and mirrors. Just a coaching staff, a team, an administration, and a community looking for fair play and that level playing field you talked about. Ironically, they reported 558 students on the 2022 enrollment report, Milan reported 533 without their 26 Academy kids (559). Much respect to the Chargers in 2024!

Give Oakland a call, since your coach is the best in the history of the sport and all that

The cooperative arrangements are nothing new, and a distraction from the real issue. What is the real issue? Are high schools creating "academies" to intentionally lower their classifications in football? A cooperative is between two separate schools in which one of the schools does not offer the sport that the other school offers. Creating an academy within a school to lower a classification is not the same as cooperatives.

They have a coop agreement approved by TSSAA. The 240 students at Early College High CAN play sports at JCM and the 240 students are not counted in JCM’s enrollment. But that is the case with all schools that have another school that coops with them. Very common in TSSAA. I won’t complain about it because it allowed within the rules and dozens of schools across the state do it. Even though the added numbers would put JCM up a class I am totally fine with it and again those 240 kids CAN play sports. The difference is that the 19 kids in Milan Academy CANNOT play sports. But Milan Academy was also approved by TSSAA and totally within the rules. Wait til the people in 2A find out about Pearl Cohn’s coop agreement. The whining would have been epic if they would have stayed in 2A. They coop with a 900 kids school and the combined enrollment would be 1400+ and they could have played 2A football and all students are allowed to play. But again all within the rules. I have said this numerous times… I see why the academy stuff looks fishy. Me personally I wish TSSAA would just tells us to count the kids and be done with it. But there is so much that goes on with enrollment figures and have been going on for a long time with schools from all across the state and is totally within TSSAA rules. People complaining about a few kids in an academy look foolish cause there is so much bigger stuff going on and has been for a long time.

Breaking News: Life ain't fair Alcoa is playing in the class they were assigned to. No sandbagging, cheating or skirting the rules. They have the same chance to win the state title as everyone else. They play a schedule that is much stronger than one of a typical 3A team. They challenge themselves to get better Your team isn't due a trophy just because they are good. There are tons of good teams that dont

This must be Greg Scott.

Once again, Milan has advanced and this thread is about the game. Save the other stuff for somewhere else at some other time.

If Milan wins does the academy students get a ring?

Macon County has a generational type of team and this small community deserves a championship and I for one hope they get it. For years I coached and my boys played in small county schools and it is extremely difficult for that kind of program to win a state championship because of the inherent disadvantages these type of schools have vs the schools with the same number of students that are located closer to a metropolitan area. However what I have noticed is every so often when the stars align, when you get these type of kids with good coaches they ARE really good! It doesn’t happen every year or every other year but it does happen! And this is one of those years for Macon County. This year the legacy kids, who’s mom and dad went to MC, who’s Grandma and Grandpa walked the halls of Macon County are MORE than good they are great! You can’t help but root for this team and this community. And yeah next year will probably go back to the status quo but in 2024 let’s give the boys of fall from Macon County their due diligence and I for one am rooting for them to win it all!

What a lot of these posters don’t understand is that the Milan “Admin” they keep talking about had nothing to do with the academy numbers and TSSAA. When Milan first got the grant and the academy came into existence Milan contacted TSSAA and asked what to do. They told us and that was that. At no point did the BOC become involved. People saying he had influence are just trying to stir the pot. And I want to go on record again by saying I. And see how this looks fishy. I have said that from the beginning. But when people are presented with facts and then take them and twist them to fit their agenda I have a problem with that. Watch… their about to twist this.

Exactly. He was totally fine with it when he was the big dog but doesn’t like being on the other end of it

And then go sit by the entrance at the cow palace during state duals with a home made sign saying here I am, just looking for attention.

As the father of a senior at Melrose I must admit the twins came in and changed things for the better. Caring strong black man the kids can respect and look up to for guidance and coaching!

I told Derek this morning that he and his coaches did a great job of keeping their team focused when it looked a couple of times during the season like things were really headed south. Sevier County is big, and they are skilled, but Oak Ridge is playing at home, and one has to wonder if they can conger up the magic for the third week in a row. Obviously, Sevier County is the favorite, but you just never know, especially when you go on the road.

No one supports their football team like South Pitt in class A and it’s not even close. Love them or hate them they are the standard that all Class A schools are striving for. Friday nights during football season is truly the main event in South Pittsburg. They show up for one reason………….to WIN!

Man what a time of year to be playing football. Home field games on Black Friday, to me, are better than State Championship games for the atmosphere. Most people are off, your team is having a great season, packed house with people visiting in from out of town for the holiday coming to watch a great football game. Nothing better in my book. Jackets, let’s go get another one.

Oakland has played the tougher schedule and it isn’t even close.

This game is the perfect excuse for me to drive to Oak Ridge for some Big Ed's pizza

No, you had it right the first time, he's an idiot

Rumor?? lol. It’s been confirmed by both coaching staffs and the officials from the game. To not have a dog in the race you sure do defend cheating a lot

And for the second year in a row, Matt can't control his players at the end of a playoff loss. That is embarrassing, and it needs to stop.

7,350 days since Macon County beat Upperman. Best team won tonight. Congratulations to the young men from Lafayette.

After that long trip to HV, I’m sure Polk just hopes Referees shows up so the don’t have to travel again Saturday!