As we head into state semifinals weekend in both Pennsylvania and New York, I’m writing this column about a football team that has been done for weeks — the Sayre Redskins.
It’s no secret that the Redskins have struggled in recent years. They went 0-10 this year and were 1-9 the previous two seasons. Over that span, the Redskins were outscored 1,291 to 272.
Four years ago, they ended up playing a JV only schedule due to concerns from some parents and coaches over lack of numbers and player safety.
While it’s been a tough stretch for the program, I will say the kids who were putting on that Sayre jersey each week played their hearts out and never gave up. Unfortunately, they were just outmatched in the Northern Tier League — where they play not only their fellow small school members, but bigger schools like Athens, Towanda and Troy.
So what am I getting at?
I think it’s time to think outside of the box and come up with a plan to not only rebuild the Sayre football program in the long term but make the Redskins more competitive right away.
The answer in my mind is 8-man football.
While there is no 8-man football in Pennsylvania, Sayre is in the fortunate situation where they border a state with the sport.
Section IV in New York has seven schools that play 8-man football, and they all have to go to other parts of the state to fill their schedules.
Sayre would not be the first small school in Pennsylvania that is struggling in 11-man football to go this route — they would be the second.
Kennedy Catholic in Western Pennsylvania played 8-man football in an Ohio league this season.
I spoked with the Athletic Director from Kennedy Catholic and he explained what it took for them to play football in another state.
Here’s what he said:
- Since PIAA does not sanction 8-man football, they had to compete as a “club” team.
- The program had to be funded by the football booster club.
- Since they are not under the liability protection of the PIAA, the booster club purchased liability insurance for the members of the club.
While it would take some legwork and the financials would be the biggest hurdle, I have no doubt the Sayre community would step up if it’s the right thing for the student-athletes and the program.
So why is it the right thing?
First of all, one of the biggest tools to get kids to come out and play a sport is the promise of winning games. Right now, that’s just not happening in Sayre.
If Sayre could go to 8-man football and win a few games, it would give the youth and junior high players — and maybe even some high school athletes who decided not to play — a reason to take the field next year.
The old saying goes, success breeds success — and it almost always gets more kids to want to play for that program.
Second, this does not have to be a permanent solution for the Sayre football program. This could be the start of a revival of Redskins football.
Look at two programs in New York. Spencer-Van Etten/Candor dropped down to 8-man for several years until they built their program back up and returned to 11-man football — where they are a successful varsity team most years.
The other school is Trumansburg, which went to 8-man for a while and won a Section IV title a year ago. The Blue Raiders returned to 11-man football this season and made the Class D sectional final against Tioga.
The one clear downside with going to 8-man for the Redskins is they would not be eligible for the postseason. But, in the program’s current rebuilding state, the District 4 playoffs are probably not in the picture for 2026.
I think a move to 8-man football — whether it turns out to be temporary or long-term — is the correct move for Sayre. It would give the Redskins a chance to compete against schools their size week in and week out.
While some may see it as a drastic move, I believe 8-man football is a path back to Sayre players, coaches and fans once again enjoying those fall Friday nights at the Lockhart Street Bowl.
