Dear Southeast Families, Alumni, and Supporters:

We want to be transparent about the decision of USD #247 to transition Southeast High School from 11-man to 8-man football for the 2026-2027 school year, if our current enrollment numbers hold through September 20th.  This decision reflects our current enrollment, our league landscape, and our commitment to safe, competitive, and sustainable football for our students.

What Changed at KSHSAA

KSHSAA classifies football every two years using official enrollment counts for grades 9–11 taken in odd-numbered years.

• Previous rule: Schools with 100 or fewer students in grades 9–11 could play 8-man.
• New rule (2024): Schools with 110 or fewer students in grades 9–11 may play 8-man.

Our Enrollment

• Current 9–11 enrollment: 103
• Projected for 2027 cycle: 97
• Projected for 2029 cycle: 98

These figures place Southeast within the 8-man eligibility range now and for the foreseeable future.

Decision-Making Timeline

• State declaration due: September 15
• District submits official enrollments: Around September 22
• New classifications posted: Usually by September 25

The state needs a timely decision to set regional assignments for 1A and place schools in 8-Man Division I and II.

Competition and Scheduling

Our league (Three Rivers League) includes 8-man, 11-man, and 6-man programs.

• 11-man in TRL: Jayhawk-Linn, Central Heights, Northeast, and Union Town
• 8-man in TRL: Crest, Erie, Marmaton Valley, Oswego, Pleasanton, St. Paul, Yates Center
• 6-man in TRL: Chetopa, Altoona, Southern Coffey County

Moving to 8-man aligns us with the majority of our league, stabilizes regular-season scheduling, and keeps most matchups closer to home. For districts and playoffs, we’d likely see familiar opponents such as Oswego, Erie, Pleasanton, and possibly Yates Center. Some trips of 1½–2 hours (e.g., Dexter or Sedan) are possible, but overall travel remains manageable.

If we stayed 11-man, we would be obligated to play the league’s 11-man teams first, then search for comparable programs within a two-hour radius. 

Player Development and Participation

• Roster reality: We currently have 25 players, our strongest number in years, allowing for some JV quarters. In most of the past five seasons, we began closer to 20.
• Pipeline uncertainty: We have solid sophomore and freshman groups and as many as 12 current 8th graders, but future participation can fluctuate.
• Development focus: 8-man football keeps more athletes on the field, reduces strain on small rosters, and supports safety and engagement.
• College opportunities: While 11-man is the college and professional standard, motivated athletes can still earn looks from junior college and college programs through film, camps, and outreach. We will actively support any student pursuing football beyond high school.

Facilities and Financial Considerations

• 11-man status quo: No major costs; our field has been set for 11-man since the early 1960s.
• 8-man conversion: Field becomes 80 yards between end zones and 40 yards wide. This moves the sidelines farther from the track, which can improve player safety.
• Estimated cost: Based on a recent local project moving goalposts and installing sleeves for flexibility, approximately $10,000. We would plan a similar approach to keep future options open.

Our Decision and What It Means

USD 247 will transition to 8-man football with the upcoming classification cycle.

• Why:
  • Competition: Better-aligned league schedule and consistent, competitive matchups.
  • Participation: Sustainable roster demands that keep more students healthy, engaged, and developing.
  • Logistics: Predictable scheduling and travel in a changing regional landscape.

This choice is about stability, student experience, and long-term program health. We honor our traditions—and we’re committed to building new ones our community can be proud of.

Thank you for supporting our student-athletes and coaches. We look forward to seeing you under the Friday night lights—loud, proud, and Lancer strong!