Just heard, though not confirmed, that Ponca only has 14 players suiting up for their game tonight against BRLD. They started the year with 25 and suited up 20 last week against Norfolk Catholic. They have struggled with numbers the past few seasons and their win loss records reflect it. Once a proud program is now greatly putting kids safety at risk. Future games on the schedule include undefeateds Hartington Cedar Catholic and Fremont Bergan. Sadly enrollment wise Ponca should be able to field much better numbers but particpation is very low.
Three thoughts.
1. Although the 8 man eligibilty cutoff numbers have increased in past years it still needs to go higher. Were always putting a bandaid on it and being reactionary. Put it plenty high, along the 120 line, which is where most other states are at. Schools can always opt up to 11 man. Get rid of 4 classes of 11 man and go to 3.
2. Strongly consider 9 man. Most of D1 and C2 should be in one 9 man class.
3. This is on the Ponca board, administration, and coaching staff. Shame on you. You debated it at lengths last year and made the wrong decision to not opt down. Most likely they are gonna end up forfeiting at least part of their remaining schedule. The writing was on the wall. You were too blind and prideful to make a logical decision.
4. Shame on the head coach. Not a fan of bashing coaches on this site but he's deserving of it. You can blame the kids and say this generation is weak but its well known that the coach is not well liked and he does little to grow a program. Blame the kids if you want but maybe you need to look in the mirror and be honest with yourself that your a big reason why the participation is low.
Three thoughts.
1. Although the 8 man eligibilty cutoff numbers have increased in past years it still needs to go higher. Were always putting a bandaid on it and being reactionary. Put it plenty high, along the 120 line, which is where most other states are at. Schools can always opt up to 11 man. Get rid of 4 classes of 11 man and go to 3.
2. Strongly consider 9 man. Most of D1 and C2 should be in one 9 man class.
3. This is on the Ponca board, administration, and coaching staff. Shame on you. You debated it at lengths last year and made the wrong decision to not opt down. Most likely they are gonna end up forfeiting at least part of their remaining schedule. The writing was on the wall. You were too blind and prideful to make a logical decision.
4. Shame on the head coach. Not a fan of bashing coaches on this site but he's deserving of it. You can blame the kids and say this generation is weak but its well known that the coach is not well liked and he does little to grow a program. Blame the kids if you want but maybe you need to look in the mirror and be honest with yourself that your a big reason why the participation is low.