McDade ISD announces cancellation of varsity football season

McDade HS football team cancels football season

The McDade Independent School District says its varsity football season has been canceled.

MCDADE, Texas - McDade High School announced the cancellation of their varsity football team's season. 

Students and parents learned about the cancellation of the season on Wednesday. 

The decision was met with disappointment by many in McDade.

The backstory:

The 2024 season was McDade High School's first year playing football as an 11-man team. Now after just four games, their second year in 2-A has come to an abrupt halt.

Coach Jon Wells says the decision was not an easy one to make, but that it came down to the safety of the students. 

"We just don't have the numbers so that we can play the game because," said Wells. "It's all about safety, and we want to do what's best for the kids."

The McDade High School football team started the season off with 25 players, but injuries reduced the team by almost half, leaving just 13 players left. It was a number Wells said was not enough for safe game play.  

"We were watching the home games, said Rachel O'Mahoney, a McDade High School parent. "Our poor kids were just getting hurt left and right, and it was just really sad and heartbreaking to watch." 

O'Mahoney said the disappointment extends beyond the football team, to people like her son, who is the team's mascot, and other students, including cheerleaders and members of the band. 

Coach Wells says he wants the football program to be a success, and right now the school is trying to figure out the next steps as well as a game plan for the future. 

"Right now, we are in the process of trying to figure out what's the next step for us right now, but really, those kiddos really would still like to play," said Wells.

With the cancellation of the varsity season, there is no high school football in McDade this year. 

The junior high school football team is continuing with their season. 

McDade ISD's statement

"We regret to announce that our varsity football season has been canceled. This decision was not made lightly and comes after careful consideration of various factors impacting the team's ability to safely and effectively compete this year. We understand how disappointing this news is for our players, coaches, and supporters, and we appreciate everyone's dedication and hard work leading up to this point. Thank you for your continued support and understanding."