Region 1 2A consists of Gatlinburg Pitman, Happy Valley, Cumberland Gap, and all the Greene County schools. Where do Elizabethton and the other schools you mentioned factor into this, and how would they not be against the other area schools?
As for a step back, look at all the rivalries being ended with the move. No more East and West games that people look foward to all year. Sure, we will make new rivalries, but chances are they wont compare. 2a is also a much smaller stage than 4a. The atmosphere is completely different, at least imo. I've been to a few, and it just doesnt compare. And for the playoff situation, surely if McCurry is all he is cracked up to be(which he is imo) he would have them to the Boro sooner than later. Idk though, maybe I'm just looking at this from the perspective of a former player, cuz I know I wouldnt want to be moving down