Interstate 8-man football

[maxstabs13]

With diminishing rural areas in our state and ones around us could we see 8-man football joining with the likes of Nebraska, Minnesota, Illinois, Missouri, and Wisconsin to fill game schedules or do you think Iowa will be able to have plenty of 8-man teams within reasonable distances of each other. Traveling will become an issue with the consolidation and it would be more beneficial to some teams currently to play out of state games. Kee High playing Minnesota and Wisconsin would be very logical.

 

[Voicefromthestands]

If it ever gets that there are not enough in-state schools to schedule, 8-man football would more then likely end. You will more likely see fewer school districts in the State of Iowa. With larger enrollments. Allowing for 11-man. At least that appears to be the trend.

Take a look at Nishnabotna in Southwest Iowa. They are going to vote on consolidation. But one of the concerns with their Dept. of Education site visit was the projected district enrollment. They were concerned that it would not be large enough to substain continued operation of the projected district. Plus there has been some over spending by both districts.

Consolidation will determine how long 8-man last. And with the IHSAA determining football schedules. It does not look likely that there would be any crossing the boarders to play out of state.

 

[StayLow6]

Declining enrollments increase 8 man participation.

 

[Voicefromthestands]

Declining enrollments increases consolidations.

examples = Armstrong/Ringstead
Corning/Villisca
Clarinda/South Page
Etc
Whole grade sharing and athletic sharing were designed to eliminate smaller districts. And create larger Districts. Everyone says they'll keep their identity. But just take a look at the changing face of Iowa School Districts.

I would rather have the smaller districts myself. But that just isn't a reality right now. The trend is to larger and more expensive district.

 

[paxregis]

Eastern Iowa doesn't really have any options for interstate play. No teams in IL, just a handful spread around WI. MN & the Dakotas play 9-man. I doubt NE would cross the river for games. The few teams in MO are mainly in the NW corner and there was some crossover in the early days of 8-man.
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