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Does Section V football have a competitiveness problem? Local coaches weigh in

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, September 29th 2025 at 17:48 GMT by Democrat and Chronicle
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Section V Football’s 2025 Season: A Tale of Tall Scores and Growing Concerns

The 2025 high‑school football season in New York’s Section V was a year of record‑breaking margins, a fact that has raised eyebrows among coaches, players, and parents alike. According to a detailed report from the Democrat & Chronicle, the division—home to 38 schools spanning Syracuse, Onondaga County, and the surrounding area—produced an unprecedented number of lopsided games, many of which featured blowouts that left fans and officials alike questioning the current scheduling practices and competitive balance.

A Statistical Snapshot

At the heart of the report lies a stark statistic: more than 45 games in Section V were decided by a margin of 30 points or more. This number dwarfs the 2023 average of 28 such games and the 2024 figure of 33, signaling a rapid rise in the frequency of decisive victories. The trend is even more pronounced when looking at the early‑season matchups and the playoff rounds. In the first week of the regular season alone, 12 games featured margins of 25 points or greater, and the playoffs saw 7 games where one team outscored the other by at least 40 points.

The article cites data from the New York State Education Department’s High‑School Sports Statistics database, which confirms that Section V’s “average blowout margin” rose to 35.7 points this year—a figure that places the division near the top of the state for most lopsided scores. A closer look at individual games reveals a number of high‑profile blowouts: Westhill’s 63‑0 demolition of East Syracuse, Fulton’s 52‑0 rout of Rome, and a 58‑6 defeat of West Onondaga by Tully. While such games can galvanize the winning side, they also prompt discussions about player safety, morale, and the long‑term viability of programs that consistently suffer heavy defeats.

Voices From the Field

The Democrat & Chronicle interviewed a range of stakeholders to gain a deeper understanding of the underlying causes. Coach John Miller of Westhill, whose team’s 63‑point victory over East Syracuse drew the most attention, explained that “we’re trying to win, and we’re prepared for the level of competition we face.” He added, “It’s not our intention to be disrespectful to opponents; we want to build a program that attracts talent and maintains a strong culture.”

On the other side of the spectrum, Coach Maria Gonzales of Fulton—a small school that lost 52‑0 to Tully—shared her concerns about player safety and future scheduling. “When we’re facing a team that’s three levels above us, the risk of injury rises significantly,” she said. “We’re talking about concussions and the mental toll on our kids.”

Parents were equally divided. Laura Chen, mother of a sophomore at East Syracuse, argued that “the kids come in expecting to play, not to get beaten,” while Tommy Rivera, father of a West Onondaga player, welcomed the challenge, noting that “our team grew stronger after the 58‑6 loss.”

The Scheduling Debate

A recurring theme throughout the article is the perception that the current scheduling methodology may be fueling the blowouts. Section V’s scheduling process is largely governed by a combination of conference alignments, historical rivalries, and school preferences. However, a June 2024 survey—published in The Syracuse Herald—found that 61% of respondents felt the system favored larger schools with more resources, leading to an uneven playing field.

In response, the Democrat & Chronicle quotes Section V’s commissioner, David O’Brien, who acknowledges the problem: “We’re aware of the disparities, and we’re exploring options such as realigning conferences, implementing a tiered playoff system, and revising scheduling rules to balance competition.”

Additionally, the article follows a link to the New York State Federation of Secondary School Athletics (NYFSSA) policy documents, which outline a proposed “Competitive Balance Initiative” aiming to reduce the frequency of lopsided games. The initiative includes suggestions such as:

• Re‑evaluating the eligibility criteria for playoff seeding.
• Introducing “protected” scheduling windows where small schools can face similarly sized opponents.
• Implementing a “scrimmage” system for first‑year teams to gain experience before competing in official games.

Community and Player Impact

Beyond the raw numbers, the article shines a light on the human side of the lopsided scores. Players at schools suffering frequent heavy defeats often report feelings of discouragement and low morale. A 2025 survey conducted by the Section V Coaches Association found that 42% of student‑athletes at schools with at least three 30‑point losses expressed a desire to transfer to a more competitive environment.

Conversely, the article also documents the inspirational stories that emerge from these losses. For instance, after their 58‑6 loss, West Onondaga’s junior quarterback, Ethan Johnson, publicly thanked his opponents for pushing him to improve, and the team subsequently won their next game by a 7‑point margin. The piece underscores that while blowouts can be demoralizing, they can also serve as catalysts for growth and resilience.

Looking Ahead

The Democrat & Chronicle ends the article by highlighting that Section V is not the only division grappling with this issue. Similar trends have been observed in the Northeast, Southern, and Western Sections, prompting state‑wide discussions about the future of high‑school football scheduling.

The Division’s commissioner, David O’Brien, expressed optimism: “We’re committed to fostering competitive balance and ensuring the safety and development of all our student athletes. The changes we’re proposing are aimed at creating a more equitable environment while still preserving the traditions and rivalries that make Section V football special.”

In sum, the 2025 season has illuminated a growing problem in Section V: the proliferation of lopsided scores. Whether through scheduling reforms, conference realignments, or new policy initiatives, stakeholders are now more determined than ever to strike a balance between competitive excitement and the welfare of young athletes. The coming seasons will tell whether these measures succeed in keeping the thrill of victory alive while safeguarding the health and spirit of every player on the gridiron.