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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.

Another year. Another semi. Never gets old practicing on Thanksgiving. Stay humble. Stay hungry. Keep swinging.

There was talks about a running clock this week. Looks like Springfield heard about that and figured they'd return the favor?

Going for playoff win #100

PC wins it in overtime. It was a tale of two halves. PC played about as bad as you could play the first half. Marshall County got conservative in the second half, like they always do in big games. Playing not to lose will get you beat every time. PC had a strong 4th quarter scoring 3 times to tie it up. MC got the ball down to the PC 1 with 0:08 left in regulation. They took a delay of game penalty and decided to kick the field goal to seal it. PC had a good push and was able to get a hand on the ball and the ball fell short of the goal posts. Congratulations PC! Good luck in Memphis next Friday!

Nope just a great game between two really good teams! Proud of the Mustangs and congrats to Milan.

Glad my donations are a good write off 👍🏼

You nailed it

That wasn't fairy tail that was an #### whooping!!!

Springfield going to put the running clock on Beech?

A ton!

I can’t wait to see the T tomorrow!!!

Greeneville has Carson Quillen. Greeneville wins.

Kids aren't all on weight yet but you can see who's jumped multiple classes. A few duals have taken place. Anything surprised at anything yet?

Just hoping for a good clean injury free game. Both of these teams are deserving of being in this spot tonight. Good luck to both sides and go Jackets.

So, you are going with the upset over McKenzie, it could happen...but, having played both...Richland will have to play close to perfect as you can all the way around along with some kind of help getting a turnover or two and capitalizing...mistakes will cost them and it will be hard to overcome that against McKenzie, but you already know that bro...we will see in a few hours though!!

You better get back to class, Gary. Tell Davey he better wear his 1995 letterman jacket tonight, it’s gonna get cold.

Ill take Maryville by 14. The recruits will play better than the first time these teams met, but I still like the Rebels at home.

I’m not an expert on the subject matter by no means, but if a high school player participates in an independent game before the season ends, then said player is declared ineligible for the remainder of the season provided he was listed on the active roster reported by OZ in the TSSAA portal. If Oz requested his name to be removed from the active roster by written permission of the principal then no violation occurred I believe but don’t quote me on that. lol. I don’t think Oz has to forfeit that game. I think the punishment is on the participating player. I’m not real sure on this also, but the player may be declared ineligible for the academic school year which could impact his eligibility status in basketball, baseball, etc if he plays those sports. One can go to the TSSAA website and look under the by laws and find independent game participation. I’m afraid this situation will turn out bad for the player, which is unfortunate as he probably had no idea. The coaches of the independent game are at fault here as well. This rule should always be covered before the season starts with the players by the AD or head coach.

Gate would be huge but I think anyone with half a brain knows they won’t beat them. The price twins were the best Campbell co ever had and couldn’t do it.

Me personally would love for the Nashville squads to represent the big private school championship game. But that would be me thinking with my heart and not my brain. All that said, I do expect both these games to be really tight. I wish we had a NFL Redzone type of chanel that flipped back and fourth with all these great D2 games in all 3 divisions. Great night of football ahead of us tonight.

ba ensworth would feel like the good old days of d2 aaa…. the world would feel right again… bowers leaves ensworth back in it….. ba gets somebody that actually knows football ba back in it…. tired of chattanooga boarding teams…. can’t say anything else about chattanooga teams or @Boogerwill cry for days

Looks like Huntingdon has won 4 out of the last 6 meetings since 2020...

Take care my friend and get some good rest.. I know a Pirate W would help a lot!!!

We go on air at 6:30. You can also call 1-641-741-2608 to listen on the phone. Or, https://zeno.fm/radio/whdm-am/

Hoping for a great hard hitting and injury free game. Much respect for both programs and fans. Two powerhouse programs playing for a shot at the title. Loser will be out but both teams have had great seasons. Too bad only one can advance. Safe travels to and from game tonight for all involved. Would like to see this one but Pearl and Marshall playing 10 minutes from my home so I have to see that one.

You forgot your traditional hahahahahahaha

Being a Mr. Football candidate or not being one means absolutely nothing when it comes to winning a football game. The whole Mr. Football nomination and selecting a winner is a complete joke

If it's being announced this quickly, hard to believe it's anyone other than Blade or Rector

Tough place to win, especially in November. Enjoy the game and safe travels. Should be a great game with the winner penciled in for Chatt. Go Rebs.

OS needs to be punished when TSSAA says an infraction occurred ........I haven't seen this, have you?.......it's to late for Rockwood to play......at most TSSAA disqualifies OS and Coalfield moves on......but then what if...as in your case.....there was no violation?.......what happens then?.....until TSSAA says something official they have to keep playing the games

Quillen will be spillin all over the turf. Gonna be a good night for the Herd!! Hook em 🤘🏻

Instant classic Barn. Goodur one.

TSSAA should come out with a statement on this, today, not whenever.

Ride em cow...Dawgs! 😂 Two really good football teams! Good luck to both. Should be a good one. Think this one will be closer this time around.

Mav Buddy, we are all hypothetical except for the actual final result.

Take care of yourself ST. I will be there in your place...

AI not very bright. Mavs by fiddy! Hook Em 🤘🏻

This has got to be a Gary Terry burner account

Crisp Fall night with cool temps across the great state, going to be an awesome night of football. Safe travels!

Best RB in nation statistically not in reality is a big diffrence

Milan 34-14

What don't you call Coach Pemberton tough talking guy. See how far you get there instead of talking on a website.

Hoping you get well soon ST. Your boys will miss you tomorrow night but I know you will be there in spirit

Get well Southtowner!

Why would they want any of the coordinators off of a disaster like this year. Didn't we just have an election two weeks ago where the second in charge lost because they left the gate open.

Get well soon, ST.

2008, 2012, and 2016 were some of DeKalb’s best teams ever. Of course there was always one team blocking them from winning the district for years.

2003 Macon County