(KLZA)--The Falls City Board of Education tabled action concerning the high school football team playing 8-Man vs. 11-Man football for the next two-year cycle starting with the 2026 season when they met Monday evening. Talk concering moving to 8-Man football has been an ongoing discussion since the middle of the 2025 season.

Falls City had 27 players to begin the season this Fall, but several nights had 20 or fewer suited up for games due to injuries. Monday night football Head Coach Jack Bangert noted that due to low participation the school cannot field a junior varsity squad which slows development of players. JV players were only able to play three-quarters of football this past season after working out, lifting weights and practicing.

Bangert also said with the low numbers the team is likely to be overmatched in the 11-Man game, increasing the chance of injuries and as the lopsided losses pile up, it could discourage students from participating.

By going to Eight-Man, the feeling is the team could be competitive, field a junior varsity team and build toward a return to 11-Man football following the next two-year scheduling cycle.

When asked about the low participation numbers, Bangert noted that it is not just football that has low numbers, but in other sports as well.
When asked about the downside of switching to 8-Man football Bangert said obviously there would be no chance of playing in the post season for two years. However, the coach said the upside would having more opportunities for kids to play so they could be rewarded for practicing and working hard in the weight room if the can have a J-V schedule.

Athletic Director Gale Dunkhas said low participation is not just an issue at Falls City High, it is a statewide issue. Dunkhas said his recommendation would be to go to Eight-Man football for two years and give the kids a good experience and an opportunity to play in games. He said regardless, it's likely to be a rough couple of seasons to stay at the 11-Man level.

A decision must be reached and the Nebraska School Activities Association notified by November 30 if a change is made. If Falls City goes to 8-Man football the team would not be eligible for playoffs during the two-year cycle due to enrollment numbers.