One Nebraska high school has decided to not field a varsity 11-player football team this coming fall. Instead, Oakland-Craig Public Schools will play a handful of junior varsity games at the 8-player level.
According to a press release, only 14 students attended the first official day of practice for the program. District officials were hoping to have at least 18 students attend to form a safe 11-man varsity team.
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“After months of monitoring player interest and turnout, the district has made the decision to forgo a varsity 11-man football season and instead pursue a junior varsity schedule in the 8-man format,” the release states.
Enrollment at the school for male students is currently at 46 between grades 9-11, down from the seven-year average of 52.
“While this difference may seem small, only 30 percent of male students are participating in football this fall, which is well below the seven-year average of 67 percent,” the release stated. “Unfortunately, this reflects a significant decline in both participation and engagement in football here at Oakland-Craig. As a result, we have made the difficult decision not to compete at the varsity level this fall.”
The district plans to remain an 8-player program moving forward at the high school level. Junior high football will by with Lyons-Decatur Northeast and still compete in 11-player in 2025 before potentially changing to 8-player starting in 2026.
“Looking ahead, the district remains optimistic,” the release stated. “With encouraging particpation from younger students, we view this as a transitional year that will ultimately help strengthen the football program.”
