What if the LHSAA had an 8-man Football Division?

by: Hunter Bower // GeauxPreps.com Contributor

For decades, high school football has been a cornerstone of community pride across Louisiana. Yet, in recent years, smaller schools—especially those in Class 1A—have faced mounting challenges in fielding competitive teams due to declining student populations and participation. Programs such as Plain Dealing, where the Lions are lucky to dress out 15 players on game days, are feeling the strain.

So, what if the LHSAA had moved forward with an 8-man football division? Could it have provided a lifeline for struggling programs, revived community interest, and leveled the playing field?

In 2014, under the leadership of former executive director Kenny Henderson, the LHSAA proposed just that—an 8-man football league for schools in Class B, Class C, and Class 1A, capped at a student enrollment of fewer than 235. The initial response was promising with several schools from around the state showing interest, recognizing the potential benefits for their struggling football programs. But despite the enthusiasm, the plan ultimately fizzled out.

Why did the idea fail to take off? There were two key factors:

1. Concerns over basketball interference: Schools were apprehensive about how an 8-man football league could interfere with their basketball seasons. For many of these rural Louisiana schools, especially in Class B and C, basketball isn’t just a sport—it’s a cultural tradition. With limited student bodies, athletes often play multiple sports, and football encroaching on basketball practice and game time could disrupt their success on the hardwood.

2. Financial hurdles: Starting a new football program came with financial challenges. In 2014, it was estimated that schools would need to spend around $1,000 per player to start an 8-man football program. For small schools with tight budgets, this upfront cost was a major roadblock to committing to the idea.

But what if a middle ground could have been found? For instance, allowing administrators and coaches to develop schedules that complement both football and basketball seasons could have alleviated those concerns. Some states with 8-man football have managed to structure their seasons in ways that minimize overlap. Louisiana could have adopted a similar strategy, keeping the basketball tradition intact while giving smaller schools a shot at fielding a competitive 8-man football team.

Additionally, a non-sanctioned trial period, lasting two years, would give schools like Plain Dealing time to experiment with 8-man football, adjust their rosters, and gauge interest from their communities—all while respecting the existing basketball culture. This way, coaches and administrators wouldn’t feel the pressure to commit fully without first seeing how both sports could coexist.

At its core, 8-man football is a variation of the traditional game, played on a smaller field—usually 40 yards wide compared to 53 yards for 11-man football. Some states shorten the length of the field to 80 yards instead of 100, though others keep the traditional 100-yard field. The rules remain largely the same, with a few adjustments: penalties are typically 10 yards instead of 15, and point-after-touchdown rules may differ slightly. By reducing the number of players on the field, smaller schools can field competitive teams without overextending their limited resources or risking excessive injuries.

Nationwide, the popularity of 8-man football is on the rise. The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) reported that 26,420 students participated in 8-man football during the 2023–2024 school year, up from 23,812 the previous year. This growth reflects the viability of the format for schools with smaller enrollments, and Louisiana could have tapped into that momentum.

One challenge would be ensuring fairness in competition, especially when it comes to school size. Without population-based participation limits, schools with enrollments as small as 60 students could be forced to compete against others with nearly 300, recreating the same imbalance that exists in 11-man football. Establishing clear guidelines would be essential for maintaining competitive equity.

The potential involvement of Louisiana’s private schools, particularly those in the MAIS (Mississippi Association of Independent Schools), could also play a significant role in the league’s success. Including these schools would provide the critical mass needed to sustain an 8-man league, especially in North Louisiana, where many small public schools are already struggling to field 11-man teams.

Of course, there would be hurdles. Travel, scheduling, and playoff logistics would need to be addressed. However, with the right structure in place—mirroring what Arkansas has done—these challenges could be managed. For those schools that still couldn’t afford to field an 8-man team, there could be opportunities to explore even more unconventional formats, such as 6-man football, which has seen success in Texas.

Had the LHSAA pushed harder and supported the idea with a comprehensive plan, Louisiana might have already seen the benefits of 8-man football. Smaller schools could be competing again with renewed community support, and Friday nights would be filled with the sounds of whistles and cheers under the lights. The question now is, could it still happen?

Could the LHSAA introduce 8-man football today with a structured, patient approach, and give small schools the chance to compete again?