Inside prep circles, there's an annual debate on which big-school league is stronger, the Fox River Classic Conference, which includes Sheboygan's North and South, Manitowoc and Green Bay-area schools, or the Fox Valley Association, which includes Appleton-area, Oshkosh and Fond du Lac schools.

In recent years, the FVA has proven superior in football. This year? Well, results don't lie.

In the opening round of the football playoffs, there were three inter-conference matchups, and the FVA dominated. Fond du Lac beat FRCC champ Bay Port, Menasha hammered Ashwaubenon and Kimberly blasted De Pere.

In the opening round, the FVA went a stellar 5-1, the FRCC 3-4. Green Bay Southwest beat West Bend West then was routed by Kimberly; and Notre Dame, which drops to Division 3 (and also lost in the second round); and only Pulaski, which edged Menasha in the second round, has carried the FRCC flag well.

At least in football, there is no argument. For 2009, the FVA was this region's king.