•In the early days (1900s-1950s) Maryland high school football State Champions were often declared by the Baltimore Sun newspaper staff based on record vs. Maryland schools, strength of schedule and number of games played. In 1920 Hagerstown HS was declared Maryland Champions by the Baltimore Sun due to being undefeated vs. Maryland schools.

•In 1974 the MPSSAA adopted a playoff system divided into four classifications (AA, A, B, C) to determine a state champion. In 1988, the MPSSAA changed the classifications to (4A, 3A, 2A, 1A). In 2021, the MPSSAA went to an open playoff format, allowing every school (if they choose) to participate in the playoffs.