A fresh format for the 2026 season
As the summer heat fades, high schools across Section V are gearing up for a season that promises a different kind of competition. For the first time in years, the league‑based schedule replaces the old classification‑only model, reshaping how teams meet on the gridiron.
Coaches, players and officials have voiced enthusiastic support for the change. The new format not only simplifies travel logistics but also revives long‑standing rivalries that once defined the Livingston County and Genesee Region leagues. Independent programs, which had been adrift in recent years, are now back under the Section V umbrella and will be eligible for sectional play.
The restructuring brings six distinct classifications into play for 2026: Class AA, A1, A2, B, C and D. Notably, the section will not feature an 8‑man football division this year, focusing instead on the traditional 11‑player format across all tiers.
Section V officials have released a detailed lineup that maps each school to its respective class, giving fans a clear picture of the competitive landscape. The schedule also highlights the return of 2025 independent teams, a move that has bolstered Class B and Class C with fresh talent and renewed energy.
Last season’s performances provide a useful gauge of what to expect. Teams that dominated their respective classes last year are poised to defend titles, while underdogs hope the new league alignment will open pathways to surprise upsets in the playoffs.
Beyond the field, the shift reflects a broader effort to make high school football more community‑centric. By clustering schools within familiar geographic leagues, the section aims to strengthen local fan bases, increase attendance and foster a sense of tradition that had been diluted under the previous system.
Looking ahead
With preseason practices already underway, the excitement is palpable. Players are hitting the weight room, coaches are fine‑tuning strategies, and towns are marking their calendars for Friday night lights that promise both competitive balance and nostalgic rivalry.