I was surprised by how well they did compared to how difficult finals were. Trinity, Sachse, Keller, and other good bands made me think that they would get around 7th but I'm glad to see they did well.
I believe it is similar to all region where there is a rotation of judges. At least that's how it was when I was in school. My percussion director would always talk about how our judge was his judge in high school and stuff.
I don't think high school kids typically say thank you to the band parents and for the amount of work they put in makes me disappointed. I just want to tell them all thanks for their service to the sport we love.