A New Format for Fall Football
Five high school football programs in New York’s Capital Region will field eight‑player teams this fall, a move driven by dwindling participation rates and heightened safety considerations. The affected squads—Hudson Falls/Fort Edward, Broadalbin‑Perth, Lake George/Warrensburg/Bolton, Stillwater/Spa Catholic and Rensselaer/Loudonville Christian—will each run reduced‑size rosters for the upcoming season.
Because the eight‑man model falls outside the traditional eleven‑player structure, the schools have been declared ineligible for the state postseason tournament, a penalty that underscores the league’s emphasis on maintaining competitive standards while addressing health concerns.
Cambridge‑Salem, which earlier announced the suspension of its varsity football program, will continue only at the junior varsity level, reflecting the broader trend of programs scaling back in the face of roster shortages.
Sean Colfer, the Section 2 Football Coordinator, has been tasked with overseeing the transition and ensuring that the affected teams comply with the new regulations, a responsibility he says is aimed at preserving the integrity of the sport while accommodating emerging challenges.
The shift reflects a national conversation about the future of high school football, where declining enrollment in certain districts and growing awareness of concussion risks are prompting administrators to reconsider traditional formats.