8-man football could preserve the sport at some Maine high schools, says coach

Houlton High School emerged as a viable entity in Maine's high school football ranks after starting out playing the eight-man game. Continued concerns about roster numbers and player experience and safety at Maine high schools may lead the Maine Principals' Association and state coaches to consider eight-player football to help keep the game viable in Maine. (Joseph Cyr | BDN)

The thought of introducing an eight-player alternative to Maine high school football is nothing new.

The Maine Principals’ Association surveyed its membership in 2011 about providing the option for smaller schools amid a general uptick in programs adding the sport — only to see respondents resoundingly oppose any deviation from the 11-player norm.

But times have changed.

“Seven years ago football was growing by leaps and bounds in our state, and what’s happening now is that schools are having a difficult time maintaining their programs because of low numbers,” said Susan Robbins, athletic administrator at Yarmouth High School and a member of the MPA Football Committee.

The MPA already has taken several steps since 2011 to promote a more competitive football environment.

The County is pleased to feature content from our sister company, Bangor Daily News. To read the rest of “8-man football could preserve the sport at some Maine high schools, says coach,” an article by contributing Bangor Daily News staff writer Ernie Clark, please follow this link to the BDN online.