Two Chapel Hill area schools have had to cancel varsity football because they don’t have enough students who want to play. Cedar Ridge High School announced that they will not field a varsity team in June and this past Monday Chapel Hill High School cancelled their 2018 season just days before it was scheduled to start.
Like Cedar Ridge, Chapel Hill didn’t have enough upperclassmen interested in playing.
“Our upperclassmen participation is concerning in our efforts to field a varsity football program. While we are disappointed that we need to take this step, we believe that safety is paramount and our most important responsibility.”
Chapel Hill High School has the population to support a varisity program (Freshmen – 353, Sophomores – 444, Juniors – 395, Seniors – 375), but only 35 players came out to participate, including only 5 seniors.
“As a former football coach, this decision was a hard one for us to make,” said Chapel Hill High Athletic Director Tim Bennett. “However, it is the right decision for our kids and program at this time.”
Chapel Hill and Cedar Ridge will both play a full junior varsity season with hopes that they will be able to resume their varsity programs next year.