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The bi-annual realignment of schools by the University Interscholastic League is announced on Friday.

For coaches and fans, it can be compared to Christmas. There could be much joy, like an excited youngster on Christmas morning if Santa Claus made a good delivery.

It can also feel like being stuck with a lump of coal.

The UIL has a tough job every two years in reclassifying as well as aligning the numerous schools across Texas.

And if anyone tells you they know what is going to happen, it's simply untrue. The UIL staff does a better job than the White House staff at suppressing leaks.

But it is always fun speculating what may happen.

The big news is it appears Longview may be dropping down to Class 4A. It just seems incomprehensible that Lobo Nation will be residing anywhere but the top classification. Longview turned in a 2,005 enrollment, which appears it may be below the 5A line. The 5A line was 1,985 the last time there was realignment and, on average, the line usually goes up about 50 students each year.

It is likely both Tyler schools - Robert E. Lee (2,600) and John Tyler (2,100) will stay in 5A.

Thus, the East Texas 5A district continues to shrink as the population base in Texas grows along Interstate 35 as well as the Metroplex and Houston.

The once stout 5A league that included the Tyler schools, as well as Longview, Pine Tree, Texas High, Lufkin, Nacogdoches, and Marshall, is virtually non-existent. Lufkin went South and the East Texas corridor of Tyler and Longview went West.

Now, what will happen?

First, the Tyler schools may continue to be grouped with the Mesquite trio of Horn, North Mesquite and Mesquite. Could the UIL keep a five-team district? It would be hard to schedule six non-district games.

There are three other scenarios that involve the Tyler and Mesquite schools. Duncanville and DeSoto could join the fivesome. There was some thought that Rockwall might rejoin the league, but it appears the Yellowjackets will go to 4A since Rockwall Heath opened and has taken some of its enrollment. Of course, it's possible Wiley could join.

Then there's the notion that the Richardson schools of Berkner, Lake Highlands and Richardson would form a league with Tyler and Mesquite.

And finally, how about a league of Tyler, Mesquite and Dallas? It appears Dallas Carter, Dallas Molina and Dallas Bryan Adams may move to 4A. That would leave Skyline, W.T. White and Sunset as the only DISD schools in 5A. Could those three align themselves with JT, Lee, Horn, Mesquite and North Mesquite?

Now to 4A - there are already two 4A districts in East Texas. So how will Longview work into the mix?

Of course, rivals Longview and Pine Tree will be in family play again together. Could those two join Hallsville, Marshall, Texas High, Mount Pleasant, Sulphur Springs and Paris? But what about North Lamar?

That would drop Lindale to the district with Whitehouse, Nacogdoches, Jacksonville, Henderson and Kilgore.

But then again, it's like trying to figure out who will be nominated for president. At least, fans will not have to wait for the conventions to find out the results.

Tune in Friday.