Cloud Bulldogs were left reeling after being excluded from the playoffs despite what they considered a solid regular season performance. We are really, really disappointed," head coach Michael Short told FOX 35. The Bulldogs finished the season with a 5-5 record and a 2-1 district mark, securing second place in their district. Sixteen district champions in each class receive automatic playoff berths, with an additional 16 at-large teams selected based on power rankings. The Bulldogs’ exclusion has sparked calls for clearer guidelines on how playoff teams are determined, leaving players, coaches, and fans questioning the criteria behind the decision.