Booker High School announced that it will not field a varsity football team for the 2026 autumn season, opting instead to run a junior varsity program as a developmental pathway. The decision was framed as a move to preserve the program’s long‑term viability while addressing concerns about player safety and competitive balance.
A Strategic Shift
Principal Jamal Crook explained that after careful consideration of student‑athlete needs, the school chose a JV‑only schedule to keep the football culture alive without the pressures of a full varsity slate. The FHSAA will oversee the administrative transition, ensuring that eligibility rules are applied correctly as the program moves forward.
The off‑season saw the dismissal of head coach Carlos Woods in late July, a move that followed an earlier, partial cancellation of the first three games and set the stage for Lance Hoeltke’s appointment as the new head coach. Woods’ departure was linked to a criminal investigation, adding a layer of complexity to the school’s personnel changes.
Community Reaction
Alumni expressed deep disappointment, describing the cancellation as “extremely disappointing” and recalling how the football program had been a cornerstone of community identity and pride. Many voiced concerns that the decision could erode tradition and diminish opportunities for younger players.
Under FHSAA bylaws, the school’s varsity athletes remain free to transfer to other public or approved private schools and continue their competition, though Booker will forfeit any postseason eligibility for the canceled varsity schedule. Opponents now must decide whether to accept an automatic forfeit win or find a replacement adversary, while the association may impose penalties such as fines or postseason bans if the cancellation is tied to rule violations.