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The MIAA football subcommittee in Massachusetts has voted to reinstate the Super 8 playoff format. This decision comes as part of ongoing discussions about future playoff structures.

The Bishops hold the MIAA Final Four trophy high. The Archbishop Williams High football team defeated Hanover, 28-26, in the MIAA Division 5 quarterfinals on Friday, Nov. 14, 2025.
The Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) football subcommittee gathered once again on Thursday to discuss the playoff formats moving forward and voting on return of popular Super 8.
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After the association had voted and approved the format for baseball the day before, the Super 8 is nearly back for Massachusetts high school football as the subcommittee voted 13-4 to bring back the old playoff to the MIAA, per the Boston Heraldâs Brendan Connelly. The proposal still have to be passed by the TMC, but all signs point to the Super 8 more so likely than not have going through.
The Super 8 proposal returning to the Massachusetts high school football ranks as the private vs. public discussion ramps up around the state certainly tones down the conversation for the moment.
Among the key points of the Super 8 postseason previously was that of a slightly condensed league format and introducing a much more streamlined 9-week regular season. The Super 8 playoff format used for both Division 1 and Division 2, would be determined strictly through state MIAA power rankings with no opt-outs permitted if passed.
Implementing this approach ensures that the top 8 Massachusetts high school football teams in each division, as ranked by overall power metrics (factoring in strength of schedule, point differentials, and other advanced stats), automatically qualify regardless of just a teamâs record per se. Another proposed wrinkle is the playoffs being reduced from 16 teams down to just 8 per division.
Each division will be comprised with a minimum of 30 teams and the schedule would flow with Weeks 1 through 9 constitute the full regular season. Week 10 kicks off the playoffs with Round 1, with likely quarterfinal matchups among the Super 8. Week 11 features the Final 4 semifinals, and culminating with the MIAA state championships.
With the proposal tentatively passing via the subcommittee, the Super 8 wouldnât go into motion until the fall of 2027.
For Massachusetts high school football fans looking to keep up with scores around the Bay State, staying updated on the action is now easier than ever with the Rivals High School Scoreboard. This comprehensive resource provides real-time updates and final scores from across the state, ensuring you never miss a moment of the Friday night frenzy. From nail-biting finishes to dominant performances, the Rivals High School Scoreboard is your one-stop destination for tracking all the Massachusetts high school football excitement across the state.
The Super 8 playoff format is a competitive system that allows the top eight high school football teams in Massachusetts to compete for a championship.
The MIAA subcommittee voted to reinstate the Super 8 on Thursday, prior to the quarterfinals held on November 14, 2025.
The Super 8 format was previously discontinued due to concerns over fairness and competitiveness among high school teams.

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