Speak Up: Eleven Downstate teams in DIAA football tourney

The largest fields ever for the DIAA football state tournaments — 31 teams — were unveiled this afternoon. Those 31 squads, including 11 Downstate programs, are spread out over three classes for the first time. There were 45 football programs in the state this fall. Smyrna earned the No. 1 seed in Class 3A, according to the tourney points system, while Laurel is the top seed in Class 1A. Woodbridge is seeded second in Class 2A.

• I just do not understand how an 0-10 team and a 1-9 team should be in any football playoff game. Seems to me there would be a better playoff system. — Charles Darling

Response to commentary: Delegation urged to stand for what’s right with voting rights legislation

“A relic of Jim Crow is again being used to kill voting and civil rights legislation and threatening American democracy. At this moment, three Delawareans are in key positions to advocate for democracy. Delaware, the Small Wonder, has been a leader in preserving American democracy when our country most needed it.”

• There is nothing they are doing that I appreciate. Trying to push an agenda through, which only hurts the American people, is disgusting. It seems filibusters only bother you when it’s used by Republicans. When will Democrats start putting Americans before illegals and other nations? — Alex Fowler

Riders fall 2-0 to Salesianum in Division I soccer final

Caesar Rodney High found the edge of the goalpost twice but not the back of the net.

The bounces weren’t there for the Riders in the DIAA boys’ soccer Division I state championship Saturday night. Salesianum School earned a 2-0 victory over top-seeded Caesar Rodney in the finals, hosted by Dover High. It was the 16th title in the last 18 seasons for the Sals.

• Once the nonpublic schools were allowed into the state tournament, it became bogus because they draw students from anywhere in Delaware, as well as out of state. A total unfair advantage. There should be one tournament for public schools and one for nonpublic schools. If then, a game between those winners should be held, great. Until then, the current system is not fair. Unequitable. — Righttolife