A Season Without Varsity
Graham High School in North Carolina announced that it will not field a varsity football team during the 2026 season. Athletic director Kenroy Wallace explained that the decision came after a thorough review of roster numbers and player safety.
The Red Devils finished the 2025 campaign with a winless record in the Mid‑Carolina 4A/5A/6A Conference, one of only two four‑class schools in the league alongside Hugh M. Cummings High School. Over the past three seasons the program has managed just two victories, underscoring the challenges faced by the team.
Wallace emphasized that the limited roster — just 18 players, most of them underclassmen — presented an unacceptable safety risk when matched against larger, more experienced opponents. The physical disparity heightened the likelihood of injuries, prompting the administration to prioritize player health.
Rather than canceling football altogether, Graham will restart its junior‑varsity program, which has been inactive since 2019. The revived JV squad is intended to provide a structured environment for younger athletes to develop skills and maintain continuity within the school's football culture.
The school will hold an informational meeting on August 24 for interested JV players and their families. The gathering will cover schedule details, practice times, and other logistical considerations as the program rebuilds for the upcoming season.