vandyfan13

Yeah, there would have to be a enrollment cap. I'm guessing the IL model would be the best to follow. They started with a cap of 400 and have slowly scaled it back, I think it's 300 now. TN could start lower because they don't have fall boys' soccer to contend with like IL, but you get the idea. I can't imagine TN ever getting more than 25-35 teams max (I think there's 12-14 currently), but it could be a godsend and save football for those schools, or even spark some teams to start their own (USN?).

Nor am I. I fully believe it's the future of small football programs nationally as quickly as it's growing. It's already played in TN by the TSIAA and FL, GA, SC, NC, VA, PA, NY, NJ, ME, OH, MI, AL, MS, AR, MO, IL, WI, MN, NE, SD (9m), KS, OK, CO, AZ, CA, OR, ID, and MT all either have it as a state sanctioned sport or have a separate league like TN. And before anyone starts throwing out cliches: no it's not an abomination or arena ball and yes kids still get recruited.

Word on Twitter (@8ManExtreme) is that Grace Chattanooga and Zion are switching to 8 man. With Ezell making the move a couple of years ago too, and there being several more schools across the state who would benefit dramatically from it (Pickett, RBS, Hancock, LV, etc. come to mind), how long before TSSAA sees the light and adds it as an emerging sport at the least? It's exploding across the country as participation drops and small schools continue to shrink. IL, OH, ME, FL and GA have all started it in the last 3-4 years, and it's always been a big part of high school football out here in the plains (I'm in MO.) I've heard it's been discussed a bit there, but I don't know how seriously. Thoughts?

Word on Twitter (@8ManExtreme) is that Grace Chattanooga and Zion are switching to 8 man. With Ezell making the move a couple of years ago too, and there being several more schools across the state who would benefit dramatically from it, how long before TSSAA sees the light and adds it as an emerging sport at the least? It's exploding across the country as participation drops and small schools continue to shrink. IL, OH, ME, FL and GA have all started it in the last 3-4 years, and it's always been a big part of high school football out here in the plains (I'm in MO.) I've heard it's been discussed a bit there, but I don't know how seriously. Thoughts?

Thanks. I haven't seen it posted as of yet though.

They were usually slow with past hires, but this is taking a long time even for them.....

Yes. I'm guessing they're working behind the scenes to fill it, because I have never seen it posted on TSSAA or the school website.

Not in Tennessee, but the Michigan virtual one is going on currently with an outstanding lineup. Still time to register and you'll have access to every speaker's video for I think up to a year after. mhsfca.com

Good to know, thanks.

Cumberland Gap now. Anyone know anything about it? I think I might be interested.

It's not there or on their website yet. From reading about their DC hire this summer, I wouldn't be shocked if they don't just promote him. Guess we'll see.

Their posting said you still had to be CofC, so I'm guessing same as ever.

Anybody know much about this school/program? I know 2020 was their first season but this next hire will be their third head coach already.

Yeah, can't imagine why..... I definitely avoided it.

Turn them away?

I interviewed there around '11 I think, then had another scheduled when it reopened a year or two later but a buddy of mine suggested I withdraw because it was a dumpster fire, so I did. Haven't heard much about the place since, just see it open regularly.

I see Whitwell has been posted again, seems to almost be an annual event. I've been coaching high school for 10 years and it's been open five or six times in that span.

Add MTCS to the list.

Not good.

So far according to various posts on here or TSSAA listings: Summertown, Smith County, Tyner, Humboldt, Portland, Sevier County, Knox Grace

That's kind of what little I'd gathered too, on both ends....

Anybody know much about Summertown? I've never heard much since they're so new.

Summertown is posted. I know nothing about it since it's such a new program.

Excellent question. I do think there needs to be some restructuring. Personally, I think it would benefit several very small schools if TSSAA would either work with or absorb the MTAC 8 man league. There are several teams out there with dangerously low numbers who would benefit greatly from 8 man. It is growing nationally with the overall decrease in participation. Just a thought

TSSAA needs to look hard at adding an 8 man division, or the Oakdale, RBS, Pickett Co. etc of the world need to look at joining the MTAC and playing 8 man. As many of you have already said, this a problem that's going to continue to grow.