The 8-man division was created for the 2019 season in response to declining enrollment and participation in football at many Maine high schools. It gives an opportunity for a smaller roster size to field competitive varsity and junior varsity teams and also compete for a state championship each fall.
I went into this opportunity having not seen an 8-man game before. It is still football... blocking and tackling are still very much part of the game. However, it is also more wide open especially in the secondary where many 1-on-1 opportunities are to be had.
Most important of all it was a blast to watch and call as public address announcer. In the 2019 final, Mt Ararat raced out to an early lead, but Old Orchard Beach came roaring back at the end of the first half in an exciting back and forth game. Mt. Ararat eventually pulled away in the second half to be crowned the first ever 8-Man Football Champions in the state of Maine.
Hats off to the Maine Principals association for creating this division and supporting this event as a true state championship contest. It was great to spotlight these teams for playing this brand of football that was very exciting to watch. There were ten 8-man teams in 2019, and rumor has it that the number of teams could expand significantly next fall.
Congrats to both Mt. Ararat and Old Orchard Beach on their outstanding seasons!
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