ELLINWOOD -- The Ellinwood Eagles knew their time in 8-man football would be temporary. After four years in 8-man football, Ellinwood’s enrollment of 116 in junior, sophomore and ninth-classes will force the Eagles to play 11-man football for post-season in 2018 and 2019.
Ellinwood (1-3) has a record of 13-18 in four years of 8-man football.
In fact, Ellinwood will move up to the 48-team Class 2A football division rather than the 31-team Class 1A division. Hoisington, Lyons, Sterling and Ellsworth are the only 2A schools within 60 miles for Ellinwood.
Ellinwood is over the 99-student enrollment allowed to compete in 8-man football for post-season. Ellinwood and Pleasanton were the only Kansas high schools which moved to 11-man football.
Central Prairie League members Central Plains, Kinsley, Macksville, Ness City, St. John and Victoria will compete in 8-man Division 1. Otis-Bison will compete in 8-man Division 2.
The newly-revised football classifications show Hoisington dropping to 2A football. Central Kansas League members Nickerson, Pratt, Smoky Valley, Halstead, Haven, Hesston and Larned will compete in the newly-revised 48-team 3A football. CKL member Hillsboro (106 students) will compete in 1A football.
Central Prairie League schools Macksville, Central Plains and St. John will compete in 8-man division 1. Otis-Bison and Stafford will compete in 8-man division 2. Pawnee Heights will play 6-man football.
2018-2019 FOOTBALL CLASSIFICATIONS
CLASS 5A—Great Bend (680)
CLASS 3A—Larned (205)
CLASS 2A—Hoisington (163), Ellinwood (116)
EIGHT-MAN 1—Macksville (81), Central Plains (67), St. John (65)
EIGHT-MAN 2—Stafford (46), Otis-Bison (43)
SIX-MAN—Rozel-Pawnee Heights
