Thanks to new MSHAA District classifications, next year’s high school football playoffs will have added excitement.

Under the old system, District playoffs featured a four-team round robin in which two teams advanced to State from each District. Now, Class 6, where Lafayette resides, will be divided into four eight-team Districts whose champions will be decided by a single-elimination tournament.

As a result, the regular season will be reduced from ten weeks to nine and District playoffs will begin following the ninth week. Teams will be seeded in their Districts based on a regular season point system. The winner of each District championship, which will be played during Week 12, advances to the State semifinals.

“Every game is still important, but it puts more importance on every game because you want a high seed to be playing well when the playoffs start,” head football coach Boyd Manne said.

Lafayette will play in Class 6, District 1 which includes Eureka, Lafayette, Lindbergh, Marquette, Mehlville, Northwest (Cedar Hill), Oakville and Parkway South.

“I like it more because it gets us ready for the playoffs and keeps us sharp. Districts will mean more now,” John Voit said.