The University Interscholastic League recently realigned the districts during the 2014-2015 school year. The biggest change that has caught schools off guard is the addition of the newest class, 6A. Class 6A consists of Plano West, Plano Senior, Plano East, Allen, McKinney Boyd, Lewisville, Flower Mound, Flower Mound Marcus and Hebron. It includes some of the largest and best programs in the Dallas/Fort Worth area.

“I think the return of Hebron, Flower Mound Marcus and Lewisville will only mean that our district is gaining more talent than we had previously,” senior Ryan Wolfson said.

This district will have a lot of competition the next two years. The teams that make the playoffs will surely be big contenders because they will have gone through competitive District games to help prepare them for the future.

“Doing well in the playoffs will mean we have to put in hard work and dedication,” junior Sam Shiff said.

There are many teams that have had an easy run to the playoffs in the past. Starting next year, though, it will be difficult for the teams used to making the playoffs as they will have a tougher schedule to face.

“With the districts changing next year, our gameplay will most likely be the biggest change for us making the playoffs,” junior Yoel Gebremichael said.

This change will present the biggest challenge for coaches and players as they will have to adapt their playing style to match those of new athletic opponents. Additionally, they will have to do new scouting and will have to make new plays to ensure they are ready to execute for a successful season.

“Going from a 16-19 team district will definitely be a tremendous challenge and we will be in one of the toughest districts in the state,” Football Head Coach and Athletic Director Mike Hughes said.

With three more teams being added especially the returning schools, it will give every team more opportunities to see good talent.

“I think that with the inclusion of the Lewisville schools, it will make everything tougher,” Wolfson said. “Not only will the competition be more difficult, but being in a larger district will make it more difficult to make the playoffs.”

The UIL had to make a tough decision on how to compose the new districts. Next year should reveal the teams who are the best of the best in their respective districts.

“The new district will make sure that if West makes the playoffs, they would have been tested in District,” Wolfson said. “Hopefully that leads to less pressure on the players when they reach that stage.”