News Summary Seven high schools in Iowa have either canceled or paused their football seasons due to low player participation and safety concerns. Schools like Lone Tree and Dunkerton canceled their seasons before any games were played, while others such as Remsen-St. Mary’s and Highland paused theirs amid dwindling rosters. Des Moines Hoover High School will also not field a team for the upcoming season, opting to support its players by allowing them to join another program. These changes reflect broader trends impacting high school sports across the state. Des Moines, Iowa — The football seasons for seven high schools in Iowa have been either canceled or paused due to low participation and safety concerns. The programs affected include Lone Tree, Rockford, Dunkerton, Siouxland Christian, Remsen-St. Mary’s, Highland (Riverside), and Mormon Trail. This decision marks a significant shift for student-athletes and the communities involved. Lone Tree, Rockford, and Dunkerton all decided to cancel their seasons before any games could be played. Siouxland Christian scheduled only one game before shutting down its program, ending the season after a significant defeat. At halftime, Siouxland was trailing 60-0, prompting the school to reconsider its football program for the health and safety of its players. With just 16 players on the roster, Siouxland Christian determined that canceling the season was the most responsible action. Remsen-St. Mary’s, the reigning eight-player champion from 2024, has paused its season, along with Highland and Mormon Trail. Officials from these programs are assessing player numbers to explore the possibility of resuming games later this fall. Remsen-St. Mary’s started the season with only 17 players, including three upperclassmen, following the graduation of ten seniors. The team faced injuries early in the season and had to forfeit two games after losing its initial matchups. Their coach noted a dwindling number of available players, with only 11 ready for the last game played. Highland’s football team has also been adversely affected by low participation, leading to the resignation of coach Cory Quail as an advocate for the cancellation. Highland’s roster dwindled to just 13 healthy players, forcing them to reconsider the viability of the season. These decisions were made proactively to ensure players’ safety and well-being. In addition to the local high schools, Des Moines Hoover High School announced that it will not field a football team for the upcoming 2025 season due to similar low participation. In a move to support its students, Hoover will allow its players to join the football program at Des Moines Roosevelt. This decision came on the heels of Hoover’s football team struggling recently, recording an 0-9 season in both of the last two years with a marked average margin of loss. These challenges reflect broader trends in high school sports across Iowa, where changing student interests and safety concerns surrounding sports participation have led to a reassessment of existing programs. The decisions made by these schools for the current season are indicative of the issues facing high school sports, particularly in football, where physical demands increase the need for adequate player safety. As schools navigate these changing dynamics, many are evaluating future seasons and planning regarding participant safety and interest levels. Given the high stakes involved, the decisions made now may have long-lasting effects on student-athletes, school spirit, and community engagement. Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic HERE Resources Significant Job Cuts Hit Los Angeles Entertainment Industry High-Speed Chase Through Los Angeles Ends in Arrest High-Speed Chase Leads to Arrest of Murder Suspect in LA USC Trojans Secure First Big Ten Victory Against Purdue USC Trojans Defeat Purdue Boilermakers Amid Weather Delays Norfolk School Board Delays Vote on School Consolidation Plan Aptos High School Cancels Classes Due to Power Outage Eagles Set for Showdown Against Rams in Week 3 Clash Burns & McDonnell Launches Construction Academy in Pearland Tragic Shooting at Evergreen High School Additional Resources KCRG: Iowa High School Football Programs Canceled or Paused KCCI: Seven Iowa High Schools Cancel or Pause Varsity Season WHO13: Hoover High School Explores New Opportunities Wikipedia: High School Football in the United States Google Search: Iowa High School Football Participation Levels
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