Broadalbin-Perth transitions to 8-man football, re-energizing program

The Broadalbin-Perth varsity football team is launching a new era this fall as the district transitions from NYSPHSAA Class C 11-man football to an 8-man football format.

The strategic decision addresses the shift in participation numbers following the graduation of 17 seniors last spring. Without a junior varsity team this year, the move allows student-athletes in grades 9-12 to play safely and competitively at the varsity level.

The 8-man game, which was officially recognized by the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) in 2017, features fast-paced, high-scoring action. Played on a field that is 40 yards wide, 13 and 1/3 yards narrower than a traditional 53 and 1/3-yard field, the gameplay removes two linemen and one skill position player per side while retaining standard tackling, blocking, and scoring rules.

"This is a way to re-energize our program,” Athletic Director Shauna-Rae Haley said. “It gives the players we have right now a great opportunity to showcase their skills while creating a structure that fits the current makeup of our program. This classification provides our underclassmen with an opportunity to continue developing and contributing on the field while benefiting from the leadership and experience of our upperclassmen. We can’t wait to see where it takes us and what it will mean for the future of Broadalbin-Perth football."

B-P joins a growing list of regional schools that have already made the switch, including Catskill, Cairo-Durham, Corinth, Taconic Hills, Hadley-Luzerne, and Hoosic Valley. The Patriots will compete against a new slate of 8-man opponents this fall, including Hudson Falls, Stillwater, Lake George, and Rensselaer, along with a crossover matchup against Taconic Hills.

For varsity head coach Rick Wallace, doing what’s best for the student-athletes remains his guiding principle.

"The kids should be proud to be a part of the first 8-man team at B-P. They get to build it and start the blueprint for everybody who comes after them," Wallace said. "I'm super excited for this opportunity. I think this is what’s best for our program and our kids that we have right now." 

The tactical adjustment also plays directly into the roster's strengths. Junior Camden McClarren noted that the 8-man format fits the team's athletic profile perfectly.

"I think 8-on-8 is going to be great for us," McClarren said. "Historically, we've always struggled with bigger linemen, and a lot of our talent has been in skill players. This gives us the chance to use more skill players."

Senior Jack Tucci agreed, pointing out that the extra space opens up the offense. "It'll make it more fun in the run game and pass game," Tucci said. "Our program isn't huge, but we're making the most of it."

The shifting landscape of high school athletics across New York state reveals a stark reality: traditional contact sports are experiencing a steady decline. According to a NYSSBA analysis published in its “OnBoard” magazine, overall participation in traditional 11-man football fell over the past decade. Faced with declining overall enrollment and growing concerns around contact sports, districts statewide are actively pivoting toward modified formats to keep student-athletes engaged without sacrificing gridiron traditions. Small and mid-sized rural districts in particular have fueled a rapid surge in 8-man football, allowing programs facing thin rosters to stay competitive without forfeiting seasons. Even in states that have traditionally been seen as football powerhouses, including Oklahoma, Texas, and Nebraska, 8-man football and other variants have been staples of rural high schools for decades.

Addressing the Board of Education during its June meeting, Superintendent of Schools Stephen Tomlinson pointed to the NYSSBA data to highlight how local athletic offerings must adapt to broader regional trends.

"When we look at the data presented by NYSSBA, it's clear that student interests and safety priorities are shifting, but our core mission to keep kids connected to school through athletics remains unchanged," Tomlinson said. "The rise of 8-man football and the incredible growth of non-contact sports, such as girls flag football, across New York show us that we don't have to choose between tradition and participation. By adapting our programs to fit our current student population, we ensure that every student who wants to put on a jersey and represent our district still gets that opportunity."

The Patriots open the 2026 regular season against Rensselaer at 7 p.m., Friday, Sept. 4, at Patriot Field.