Proposal would add an eighth game to the high school football regular season

Pending approval by the New York State Public High School Athletic Association’s Executive Council, area high school football teams could be returning to playing an eight game regular season this fall for the first time in over a decade.

When the sectional playoffs added a quarterfinal round in 2008  the regular season was reduced from eight to seven games.

Now sections around the state, including Section VI, have a proposal before the State Executive Committee to reinstate that eighth regular season game. It would be played as a season opener during the weekend which has been used for scrimmages.

That is possible because the state now requires teams to have only 10 practices, instead of 15 as traditionally was the case, before a scrimmage or game could be played.

Individual schools would have the option to decide if they want to scrimmage or play a game on that weekend.

“I think it would be a great thing,” said Medina Athletic Director and varsity Football Coach Eric Valley. “We would definitely be interested in playing an eighth game. The rest of our schedule would remain the same as has been released.”

“It’s a great thing for our kids,” said Albion Athletic Director and varsity Football Coach Adam Krenning. “We need that eighth game as our season is so short. I know there is quite a bit of momentum for it. We’re excited and we would be very anxious to play an eighth game.”

The State Executive Council is scheduled to vote on the proposal on May 27.

“Hopefully it goes through,” said Section VI Football Chairman Ken Stoldt.