Poplar Makes Move To Six-Man Football

The Montana High School Association has given approval for Poplar to move to eightman football. Harlem is also making the switch from Class B to Class C football.

“I’m really excited,” Poplar Football Coach Joe Hammer said. “We haven’t had the numbers to be competitive in 11-man.”

The Indians started this football season with a turnout in the mid 20s and the interest decreased during COVID related postponements.

During recent years, Poplar switched back and forth from a varsity and JV schedule. Poplar fared well in the JV contests.

“Hopefully, this is a good middle ground for us,” Hammer said. “Maybe it will keep the kids’ interest up.”

Another positive is a reduction of travel against Class C opponents. Poplar’s closest Class B conference football game was against Baker.

“Hopefully this helps us build a football program in Poplar,” Hammer said.

The coach noted that he grew up in Scobey so he is used to the eight-man game.

“I have it figured out probably a lot more than 11-man,” Hammer said.

Another change in the state is that West Yellowstone will drop from eight-man to sixman football. Lame Deer, Lodge Grass, Plains, St. Labre and Thompson Falls will remain in eight-man. Box Elder and Centerville will stay in six-man.

Also during the MHSA meeting, the addition of Class C divisional golf tournaments was approved. Because more Class C schools are adding golf, Class C administrators felt that too many golfers have been qualifying for state tournaments.

Each of the two Class C divisions will send its top five teams and top 25 individual placers to the state meet. The maximum number of state participants for each team will be four.

Starting in 2021-2022, Class C golf will consist of a 24team West and a 22-team East division.