Realignment

Patton wanted East Burke & Draughn to go with them to the Smac but EB & draughn liked where they were put at. I think that is why Patton wouldn't play EB this year in football, they were still mad about that. JMO.

 

It will depend on whether the NCHSAA gives the NWC 1 or 2 automatic berths for the 4A schools. If it's only 1 berth then it won't be a breeze for them to get in. Whether it's 1 or 2 automatic berths, the 4A team that finishes highest in the standings will go into the playoffs as a "conference #1" regardless of whether or not they actually won the championship. So, in theory, you could have a 4A team from the conference getting into the playoffs with a losing record - as long as they are ahead of the other two 4A schools.

If the conference receives 2 automatic 4A berths than yeah, two-thirds of the 4A schools will get in, no matter what their records are. The playoffs being so watered down, however, there is always a chance for the remaining team to still get in as an "at-large" team.