(8-26-26) Sherrard High School will cancel the remainder of its 2026 varsity football season after Friday night’s home game against Orion.
School leaders and coaches said they made the call because they didn’t have enough varsity-ready players. Forcing the same group to play offense, defense, and special teams every week would put athletes at a much higher risk for injuries and burnout.
The Tigers’ roster listed 30 players, with just 13 juniors and seniors. Sherrard lost its season opener to Newman 47-0 on Saturday while missing numerous players who were unable to travel due to mononucleosis. The team did not expect those players to return for several weeks, including multiple players who had been listed as starters along the offensive and defensive lines earlier in the week.
Principal Alex Johnson
“This is a tremendously difficult decision because we know how hard our players and coaches have worked. We also understand that Friday night is not just about a game, but a community.”
Head Coach Zach Weigel said in a statement-
“This is an incredibly tough decision but one that we know is the right one to make at this time for our players and program. We are heavily focused on building the Sherrard Football program up from the top down and know that this tough decision will help us develop our team. While we are heartbroken for the five seniors we have, we are confident that this decision will benefit our program for years to come.”
The junior varsity team will continue its season as scheduled.
The Tigers’ final varsity game of the season kicks off at 7 p.m. Friday at home against Orion.
Sherrard’s remaining varsity schedule:
Aug. 28 – vs Orion
Sept. 4 – @ Rockridge
Sept. 11 – vs Kewanee
Sept. 18 – @ Princeton
Sept. 25 – vs Hall
Oct. 2 – @ Monmouth-Roseville
Oct. 9 – vs Mendota
Oct. 16 – vs Mercer County
Stateline Sports Network 