Carson City-Crystal board approves switch to 11‑man football for fall 2026

The Carson City-Crystal Area Schools Board voted unanimously Jan. 12 to change the district’s high‑school football program from 8‑man to 11‑man for the 2026 season.

Athletic Director Farnham told the board a district survey of families and students in grades 7–12 favored a move to 11‑man. He said the proposed 11‑man schedule would reduce total team travel for the 2026 season to about 200 minutes compared with about 340 minutes under an 8‑man schedule, and that playing 11‑man would allow more students to participate in all phases of the game. Farnham noted the coaching staff has experience with 11‑man football and argued the change would improve opportunities for student athletes seeking to play after high school.

Board members also discussed roster size and sustainability. Farnham reported the program finished last season with 20 players, would lose six seniors, and currently projects 11 eighth‑graders who could play as freshmen; he said those counts do not include potential transfers. Trustees emphasized scheduling and game‑day considerations: under the 11‑man proposal the district expects a five‑home‑game schedule and to retain traditional Friday‑night games, while some 8‑man opponents are moving to Thursday and Saturday slots.

The motion to adopt 11‑man football was moved by Trustee M. Staff and supported by Trustee R. Lankford. A roll‑call vote recorded seven yes votes (S. Springsteen, G. Mcalvey, M. Barker, S. Fleisher, R. Lankford, M. Staff, M. Jensen); the motion carried 7‑0. The board instructed athletics staff to proceed with scheduling under the approved plan.

The board’s approval followed presentations and discussion at the Jan. 12 meeting; no public comments were recorded on the subject.