Some West Virginia Schools Struggle to Field Football Team
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Posted: 9:47 AM Nov 4, 2009
Some West Virginia Schools Struggle to Field Football Team
Changing the way football is played in West Virginia is being seen as a way to help the state's smaller high schools keep the game alive.
Reporter: Anna Baxter
Email Address: anna.baxter@wsaz.com
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CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) -- Changing the way football is played in West Virginia is being seen as a way to help the state's smaller high schools keep the game alive.

The state chapter of the National Football Foundation has approached the West Virginia Secondary Schools Activities Commission about creating eight-player football teams for schools with enrollments below 150 students.

Hannan High School coach Dave Barr says the switch would help schools like his, which has less than 150 students in grades nine through 12.

The Mason County school only has 12 players for its 11-player team. So far this season, the team's record is 0-9.

Commission Executive Director Gary Ray says he hasn't looked at the group's proposal, but creating eight-player teams would have to be studied.

Latest Comments

Posted by: Pele on Nov 4, 2009 at 11:58 AM

There are a couple options, the dreaded consolodation. Or maybe encourage a strong soccer team, even co-ed. Leave the expensive sport of football to the bigger schools to knock about.
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Posted by: Tera on Nov 4, 2009 at 11:30 AM

I really wish the school board of WV would check into Van High School's football program. It was a well know fact that they did not have enough players to play, mainly due to some of the seniors failing. All of a sudden when they thought they we not going to have a team these senior boys all of a sudden passed their classes. Typical Boone Co. politics and the corrupt sports programs in our state.
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Posted by: MICHELLE on Nov 4, 2009 at 11:18 AM

I agree that something needs to be done,my son is a sophmore at Hannan and plays football, and its really discouraging for the boys to get out there and play their hearts out to never be able to win a game, when they only have 12 players going up against teams like Wahama that have around 40 players its no comparison. These teams has 2 and 3 strings that get to rest, and I know my sons plays every minute of the game, and is wore out.. I think that the teams should have to match up, and be able to only play the amount of players that the smallest team has. so its far for everybody...
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