Tuesday, November 13, 2012 11:59 am

By MURPHY FAIR

“The more things change, the more they stay the same.”

 The well-known and constantly referred to quote, attributed to a French journalist by the name of Jean-Baptist Alphonse Karr, has been around for more than 150 years.

 Although political in nature, it has been used to describe countless events and situations over the last century and a half. Since last week’s national election, the quote has been used in record proportions.

 President Barack Obama has been chosen to lead our country for another four-year term, the Democratic Party still controls the United States Senate and the Republican Party remains in charge of the House of Representatives. It took nearly $6 BILLION to keep things the way they were in Washington.

 And after round two of the T.S.S.A.A. state playoffs, the quote appears to be quite relevant on the high school gridiron as well. Maryville is still an odds-on favorite to win another 6A title. After a slow start, Greeneville has continued to post impressive numbers over the last few weeks. And most feel the Alcoa vs. C.A.K. game this week will again determine who will win another 3A crown.

Another famous quote (“hope springs eternal”), however, has fans hoping for change where high school football champions are concerned in the Volunteer State.

In 6A, those who follow the Siegel Stars or the Whitehaven Tigers have the highest hopes of dethroning the Rebels.

In 5A, the tide has already turned. Defending state champion Henry County bowed out of the post season in opening round play two weeks ago in Memphis, falling to Hamilton by a 22-20 margin.

In 4A, many midstate followers of the game think Giles County (2009 winner) has a chance to displace Greeneville as the two-time defending champion. I personally think the 4A champ will be Covington.

In 3A, 2011 winner C.A.K. and 12-time titlist Alcoa meet again this week in quarterfinal round play. It’s the fourth time in four years that these district foes have met in the post season. In three previous meetings, the winner has gone on to win a state title. Will it happen again? It’s very likely, unless someone like C.P.A. or Cheatham County can score an upset?

In 2A, Friendship Christian makes its final run against public schools this year. The Commanders will compete in Division II next year. And in 1A, local hopes hinge on Gordonsville scoring its first state title since 1984. The Tigers cleared a key hurdle last week by beating their old nemesis South Pittsburg. Other obstacles are still out there. \Will things stay the same where state football titles are concerned this year? My guess is we’ll see a lot more changes than we did on Election Day.

(Murphy Fair has published Tennessee High School Football for 25 years. His syndicated radio show, Murphy’s Matchups, can be heard Monday evenings at 8 o’clock on WGNS, AM-1450 & FM 100.5. His website, murphyfair.com, gives high school football fans further insight into the prep football scene).