In the past, the only metric that ever really mattered in Utah high school sports was a team’s win-loss record in its region. Sure, preseason games, particularly against stronger teams, made a difference for preparation and allowed for live game action after weeks of practice sessions. In the end, however, it was region play that counted.
But with the introduction this school year of the Utah High School Activities Association’s new ranking system, everything matters. Every game. Every opponent. Every opponent’s opponent. And with the football playoffs set to begin Friday, with volleyball’s not far behind, the system — called ratings percentage index, or RPI — and its efficacy will be put to the test.