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Oregon high schools are keeping their 6 classifications, but a major change could transform local sports rivalries

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, October 31st 2025 at 14:41 GMT by Oregonian
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Oregon High Schools Hold Six-Classification System – But a Big Shift Could Re‑write Local Rivalries

For more than a decade, the Oregon High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) has organized the state’s interscholastic sports competitions into six tiers—Class 6A through Class 1A—based on student enrollment. The most recent update, announced in a September 2025 press release, confirmed that the OHSAA will keep that six‑classification format for the 2025‑26 season. Yet, beneath the surface, the association is exploring a major realignment that could dramatically reshape the traditional rivalries that define Oregon’s high‑school sports landscape.

The Current Six‑Classification Model

OHSAA’s current classification structure, as outlined on its “Classification & Eligibility” page, assigns schools to a class using the following enrollment ranges for the 2024‑25 school year:

These thresholds were last adjusted in 2019, and the OHSAA Board of Directors has agreed that the six‑class system is “stable, fair, and well‑understood by schools, coaches, and fans.” The board’s minutes, posted on the OHSAA website, emphasized that the organization will continue to monitor enrollment trends and re‑evaluate thresholds every few years.

A Major Proposal on the Horizon

Despite the confirmation that the classification framework remains unchanged, the association has launched a “Competitive Balance Initiative” aimed at addressing persistent concerns about travel costs, competitive equity, and the erosion of local rivalries. The initiative’s primary recommendation is the introduction of a “regionalization” layer within the existing classes.

Under the proposal, each class would be split into two geographic zones—East and West—allowing schools to play more games against nearby opponents while still facing statewide opponents in playoffs. The idea is to reduce travel time for schools in rural areas and create a more robust schedule that emphasizes local matchups during the regular season.

A draft version of the initiative, published on the OHSAA’s “Strategic Planning” page, includes several key elements:

1. Geographic Zones – Schools are grouped by county or county cluster, with a maximum 75‑mile radius from the state capital to balance competition and travel.
2. Cross‑Zone Play – Each team must schedule a minimum of two games against a school from the opposite zone, ensuring broader competition.
3. Playoff Structure – The playoff bracket would maintain a state‑wide format, but the first round would be zone‑based, eliminating the need for long‑distance travel until the quarterfinals.

The initiative also proposes a pilot program for football, where the traditional “6A” classification would be split into 6A‑East and 6A‑West. This is a first in Oregon, mirroring models adopted by states such as Texas and Georgia, but adapted to Oregon’s smaller population density.

Impact on Local Rivalries

The potential realignment has sparked a lively debate among coaches, school administrators, and alumni. Many fear that historic rivalries—such as the long‑standing football showdown between Gresham High and Beaverton High, or the basketball rivalry between Springfield High and Milwaukie High—could be diluted if teams are shuffled into different zones.

“Rivalries are the heartbeat of our schools,” says Coach Lisa Patel of Springfield High’s varsity boys’ basketball team. “If we’re forced to play a team from the far west of the state on a weekly basis, it will take away from the tradition that parents and students cherish.”

Conversely, other stakeholders see the benefits. Athletic Director Marcus Reyes of Central Oregon’s Cascade High points out that the current six‑class system often pits mid‑size schools against giants in the same class, creating lopsided matchups. “A regional split would keep schools competing against more comparable opponents,” Reyes notes, “and it would keep more games within a reasonable travel distance.”

Alumni of the historic Gresham‑Beaverton rivalry echoed similar sentiments. A former player from the 2004 Gresham team expressed that the current travel demands have made it difficult for families to attend away games, affecting community support. “We’ve lost some of the passion,” he said. “If the schools could keep to a local schedule, it would revive that enthusiasm.”

Stakeholder Reactions and Next Steps

OHSAA Commissioner David Miller announced a public comment period that will run until November 30, 2025. The commission has scheduled town‑hall meetings across the state to gather input from schools, coaches, and fans. In his opening statement, Miller emphasized that the primary goal is to create a “competitive, sustainable, and community‑oriented” high‑school sports environment.

The Association’s strategic planning document, available through the “Strategic Planning” page, outlines a decision‑making timeline: by December 2025, the OHSAA will finalize the regionalization structure, if approved; by spring 2026, schools will be notified of any changes; and the first pilot season will begin in the 2026‑27 school year.

A Broader Trend in High‑School Sports

The proposal reflects a broader national trend in high‑school athletics. States such as Texas, Georgia, and Florida have experimented with sub‑divisions and geographic zones to reduce travel and balance competition. Oregon’s foray into this territory is seen as a proactive effort to address the unique geographic and demographic challenges of the Pacific Northwest.

Looking Ahead

While the six‑classification format remains intact for the current season, the potential shift to a regionalized system signals a major evolution in Oregon’s high‑school sports culture. Whether the change will preserve historic rivalries or forge new ones remains to be seen. What is clear is that the conversation is already underway, and the outcome will shape how Oregon’s students experience competition, community, and the spirit of high‑school sports for years to come.