High schools cancel varsity football citing lack of interest

SHARE High schools cancel varsity football citing lack of interest
harvey_friday_night_lights_71051387_e1534440467883.jpg

The National Federation of State High School Associations says high school football enrollment dropped 4.5 percent nationwide from 2006 to 2016. | Matt Rourke/Associated Press

MANASSAS, Va. — Three high schools in Virginia are canceling varsity football programs, citing a lack of interest.

Media outlets report that Charles City is canceling its entire program and other schools are canceling varsity schedules.

Park View High School in Sterling canceled its varsity schedule after only 18 players reported for tryouts. Manassas Park High School Principal Pamela Kalso told parents Tuesday that they’ll play a junior varsity schedule after practices routinely drew only 15 players.

The Virginia High School League recommends against playing varsity football with fewer than 25 students.

The declines come amid concerns about injuries, rising equipment and participation costs and demographic shifts. The National Federation of State High School Associations says high school football enrollment dropped 4.5 percent nationwide from 2006 to 2016.

The Latest
Despite getting into foul trouble, which limited him to just six minutes in the second half, Shannon finished with 29 points, five rebounds and two assists.
Cowboy hats, bell-bottoms and boots were on full display Thursday night as fans lined up for the first of his three sold-out shows.
The incident occurred about 3:40 p.m. near Minooka. The horse was successfully placed back into the trailer, and the highway reopened about 40 minutes later. No injuries were reported.
The Hawks conceded the game’s only two goals within the first seven minutes and were shut out for the 12th time this season in a 2-0 defeat Thursday.