I'm sure there was some small talk about a 4A or 5A move — especially since Giles played five games against Region 6-AAAAA opponents this season. They would have finished third in that region this season — and were a fourth down play away from a win versus Nolensville for a second-straight year.
My initial (and completely dumb) thoughts would be:
-Giles is extremely prideful and doesn't care about moving up even though it means Alcoa in the semifinals. We've seen schools duck and dodge (or even forfeit) Alcoa in the past, but Giles County isn't one to run for greener pastures. Look at their schedule. They'll play whoever, whenever. If that means their season most likely ends in the semifinals, then so be it.
-Giles will easily win its region every year (and get #1 seed) — which means home playoff games, which also means $$$. Attendance for games is solid, GCHS-wise, but almost every home game is a tiny gate for away fans. Lincoln County (season opener) was far and away the biggest gate of the year. Without the regular-season big gate money, the extra playoff games certainly help.
-Would have been wild to see what TSSAA did if Giles had requested to move to 4A two years ago, though. They would have been slated to be in Region 5-AAAA, which would have pushed that region up to NINE teams.