Dove Creek High School announced on July 28, 2026, that it would not field a varsity football team for the upcoming season, citing a combination of dwindling participation and player safety concerns.
The decision follows a 4-5 record in the 2025 campaign, a season marked by injuries that limited the squad to just 15 student-athletes by season’s end.
Five seniors from that roster have since graduated, leaving the program with scant varsity experience and raising questions about its long-term viability.
A tradition of excellence
Despite the recent setback, Dove Creek boasts a storied football heritage, having captured a perfect 13-0 state championship in 2022 and maintaining six consecutive playoff appearances over the past decade.
The school enjoyed seven straight seasons with five or more wins, a testament to the community’s commitment to the sport.
Safety in an 8-man landscape
In the 8-man classification, players often take every snap, making injury risk a constant concern; the administration concluded that the current roster could not guarantee safe competition at the varsity level.
School officials emphasized that student welfare outweighed competitive aspirations, especially given the limited depth chart.
Exploring alternatives
While the varsity program will be on hold, Dove Creek is considering a junior varsity schedule contingent on sufficient interest and the availability of regional opponents.
Under CHSAA rules, athletes may compete for other schools in the area, giving them the option to continue their football development elsewhere.
Brennan Banks, a senior quarterback, and Jason Fury, a defensive standout, are among those who will evaluate their next steps as the school finalizes its approach.