A MATH PROBLEM FOR THE OFF-SEASON

How do you get from 512 to 8?

I'm not much for math. I leave all the equations and numbers up to the mathematically minded people that I know. However, there was one question that I found interesting. How do you get from 512 to 8? First let me explain what I am talking about.

There are 512 member schools in the Florida High School Athletic Association that compete in football. Out of those 512 schools, only 16 will end their season competing for a state title. Only eight will come out on top.

If that was too confusing, let me try to simplify. There are eight classifications in the state, the 512 schools are divided among those by student body population. In class 5A, which Venice is in, there are 65 schools. Out of those 65 schools they are divided into 16 districts, and those 16 are divided into 4 regions. Ok, let me take a breath...Once all district games are played the winner and runner-up advance into the play-offs. So we go from 65 to 32. Out of the 32 we go to 16, then, 8, 4, 2, and finally 1.

Now, except for a few minor details, the equation is the same for the other 7 classifications in the State of Florida. Thus leaving your final answer of 8 across the state.

So how do you go from 512 to 8? We will have to wait a while for the final answer.

Oh by the way, Coach Peacock used to be a math teacher.