At least 15 schools to have 8-man football next fall

(Edit. note: The following article is from the blog of MHSAA Director, Jack Roberts, posted on 12-15-09)

Fifteen schools have indicated preliminary intentions to conduct eight-player varsity football programs in the fall of 2010. Class D schools have until April 1 to provide official notification that they wish to play in an eight-player division. If 20 to 39 Class D schools provide such notice, the MHSAA will add a four-week playoff for 16 teams. If 40 or more schools confirm their intentions to sponsor varsity eight-player football, there will be a five-week playoff for 32 teams.

The 15 schools that have so far declared their intentions are: Alanson-Littlefield High School, Ann Arbor-Central Academy, Burr Oak High School, Brimley High School, Carsonville-Port Sanilac High School, Canton-Plymouth Christian Academy, Eben Junction-Superior Central High School, Engadine High School, Ewen-Trout Creek High School, Flint-Michigan School for the Deaf, Owendale- Gagetown High School, Posen High School, Tekonsha High School, Traverse City Christian High School and Wyoming— Tri-unity Christian High School.

On Dec. 4, the MHSAA Representative Council approved a proposal from the Upper Peninsula Athletic Committee to assist schools with blended eight- and 11-player schedules.

All 11-player games will count toward tournament points, even against opponents which have opted for the eightplayer tournament.

All eight-player games will count toward tournament points, even against opponents which have opted for the 11- player tournament.

An eight-player game will not count toward the 11-player tournament, and vice versa.

In any event, the MHSAA will host a scheduling exchange for eight-player teams at the MHSAA office early in 2010.

For more details as they become available, see the Football page of MHSAA.com.