LEGISLATOR SAYS “TOO MANY TEAMS IN UIL PLAYOFFS”

A West Texas lawmaker says too many high school football teams reach the playoffs and has introduced a bill that would reduce the number of playoff teams.

Republican Sen. Charles Perry of Lubbock says the University Interscholastic League's playoff system has become "watered down" and allows up to 74 percent of teams to make the playoffs.

This past football playoffs, Houston Scarborough advanced to the playoffs without winning a single game in 2014.

The bill he filed Thursday looks to reduce the number of schools that advance from each district from four to two.

Perry tells the Fort Worth Star-Telegram that his bill is meant to keep away noncompetitive teams. But he says it's also a cost-saver because some rural districts spend $8,000 to travel to a single playoff game.