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Brocton considers 8-man football

Superintendent Jason Delcamp

BROCTON — It’s first and 10 for Brocton Central School in an attempt to have an eight-man football team.

The idea was discussed at a recent school board meeting.

“Frewsburg was instrumental in bringing this to the forefront, because they’re struggling with enough students to participate in football; Pine Valley has brought this up in the past,” said Superintendent Jason Delcamp.

An eight-man football game differs from the typical 11-man game not only in the number of players, but also the field width.  Eight-player teams play with a field width of 40 yards — 13 1/3 yards narrower than the 53 1/3-yard 11-man field.

There are no playoffs for eight-man football teams. Brocton officials would like to consider the idea, if they can get enough surrounding schools interested.

“This would be unique to Section 6 and Western New York. This would be more of our issue on this end of the state. The section is teetering with it,” said Delcamp.

Also in the world of sports, Westfield and Chautauqua Lake want to add cross-country teams in the fall. Delcamp said there had been some interest in the past from Brocton students.

“There would be not be any additional expense for us because we’re already transporting to Westfield, and the cross-country team would be based out of Westfield,” Delcamp said.

The district has also sent out an online survey for students to take regarding swimming intramurals. From grades six to 12, 110 students have taken the survey so far.

“We are going to take that data to kind of get an idea, what are the interests of the kids so that we can start intramurals and start building programs,” said Delcamp.

Delcamp also reported that with the end of the Fredonia-Westfield-Brocton combined football team’s season, the district has concluded that with the discussions between athletic directors and superintendents, “It appears as though our recommendation will be that we continue on with that, with possibly looking at some staffing changes, and those types of things.”

Comments can be sent to adedie@observertoday.com

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