Section VI looks at adding 8 man football

Section VI officials took the first step today towards possibly adding 8 man football in 2019 as representatives from over two dozen school districts attended an informational meeting.

Represtentatives from both Section III (Syracuse area) and Section V (Rochester area), which both fielded  8 man football leagues this season, attended the meeting and gave presentations on how the 8 man game has developed in their sections.

Section III had two six team 8 man divisions this season and Section V had four 8 man teams including Holley and Oakfield-Alabama/Elba.  In all there were 29 schools playing 8 man football across the state this season.

Switching to the 8 man game has helped smaller (Class C and D) sized districts, who are struggling with low numbers of participants, keep playing football.

“Our numbers at the varsity football level are low so we are looking at our options for the future,” said Roy-Hart Athletic Director John Grzymala who attended the session. “Either going to modified in grades 7-9 and varsity in 10-12 or going to 8 man are possible options and we’re exploring all of our options.”

Grzymala, noted that the issue of 8 man will now be discussed at the Section VI Executive Council meeting in November.