Clinton, Illinois High School Cancels The Rest Of It’s Football Season

Is something happening with high school football in Illinois?

Fall means Friday night lights at many high schools but another Illinois school has pulled the plug.

Just a few weeks ago, Eisenhower High School announced they're not fielding a varsity football team, one week before kickoff.

Last Month: Illinois High School Suddenly Cancels Varsity Football Season

This latest situation is in Clinton, Illinois. The Clinton Maroons were off to a 0-3 start on the season. One reason they cited for pulling varsity was the same reason Eisenhower gave:

Low participation.

And like Eisenhower, Clinton's junior varsity will still play.

The Maroons have lost 17 consecutive games dating back to 2024. They went 0-9 last year, but in 2023, they did pull off a solid 6-4 record.

The varsity season cancellation doesn't mean the seniors won't get to play. Now, Clinton Athletic Director Matt Koeppel is calling schools to find ones that will allow their seniors to play in JV games. Maroon Coach Ron Bass said in a statement, in part:

...All parties in the decision feel for our seniors and are going to do their best to make sure you can keep playing football.

The Maroons aren't the only ones to throw in the towel on the rest of the season. Hoopeston High School, also in central Illinois, is canceling the rest of their season also due to injuries and a small roster.

It's not any better across the river in Iowa. 8 high school football teams in the state canceled their varsity football season before it began.