I'm all for having only one qualifying tournament. Just have it be a Saturday / Sunday tournament, just as the State tournament is. You want them to get ready for State, what better way?
I know it won't save that much money, but it's a great way to prepare for the way it will be in high school (for small schools) and their qualifying tournament but that's another dead horse debate.
If you really wanted too, just have it be Saturday in a split session / or regular tournament your choice. You will probably have a few 32 man brackets but they will even themselves out pretty quickly.
On the bad day note, that's life. Everyone has a bad day but not everyone gets a second chance. There is always next year.
