I do understand numbers but it does prolong a season that is physically, mentally and emotionally demanding when you move from football to basketball season. Schools are still going to try to prepare for the season and the skills. It is really hard to get kids motivated in a season that offically could start August 1 and end at the end of February. I know from experience kids are more easily motivated for a season that is only 4 months instead of 7 or 8 months. Realize that most schools are working in the summer just to condition and get ready for camp, but the full out season is shorter than it use to be.
I know from experience that it's not shorter. I know that there are kids who are tired and don't perform as well because of having to cheer for football games. I know there have been more injuries and more times when entire divisions have had drops. All things that didn't happen before they moved the season in 2004.
You seem to think that it's a good thing that there are more demands on skills, less time to refine them, less time to recover from injury, and it's perfectly acceptable for athletes to have a long bus ride for football, cheer, then have another long bus ride that morning. That makes my head hurt.
You don't grasp the very simple and factual concept that basketball cheering is less stressful. You don't grasp the concept that moving the season back would not be extending it. And that by starting it after football, it'd provide something that the athletes need, A CHANCE TO REST.
I've seen the change. And besides being sick of the wear and tear on athletes, the second most sickening thing is anyone who'd actually defend it.