Redside football takes on six-man challenge

Many philosophies went into switching things up for football, ranging from player safety to a sharp drop in participation numbers and competitive balance.

“I think this new 6-man football division will benefit teams like ours that have small turnouts,” South Wasco County athletic director Jim Hull said. “Now, when we only have 10 kids out, we can practice both sides of the ball at the same time. That is something we have not been able to do in many years. The switch for us was also important because over the last eight or nine years, our turnout has been quite small. This allows us to be competitive with teams much like us.”

By having more athletes available through the 6-man game, SWC head coach Mike Waine said there is going to be players battling for playing time.

“We do not have enough players to make it competitive within the team for a starting spot,” Waine said. “Now, we may have a little friendly competition for a spot on the starting roster.”

This initial pilot program covers 2018 and 2019 and will not award a state championship.

After the two-year run, the OSAA will get some feedback and gather information as to whether to keep this format long-term.

The 6-man switch for SWC also means learning a different style of football, with teams playing on a field measured at 100-by-40 yards, compared to 100-by-53-1/3.

Added to that, every offensive player is an eligible receiver, and the quarterback or anyone else taking a snap, will not be allowed to cross the line of scrimmage, and teams must gain 15 yards for a first down.

Coach Waine said he is torn about leaving the 8-man league, but is looking forward to the future under a 6-man format.

Both Waine and assistant coach Michael Carter understand that there are adjustments to be made before the season.

Waine said he is looking forward to the challenge, as certain offensive and defensive packages that worked in the past may not work in the 6-man game.

“It is going to be a trial-by-error thing for us,” Waine said. “We will see what works and then add in new things as we go along. It will very interesting to see how this all plays out, but I think I am happy that the boys have a chance to play football.”

He has Garrett Olson, Zane Malefyt, Tanner davis, Eli Malefyt, Nick Brunson, Brock Lafaver, Timo Hisatake, Bobby Kately, Dalton Burgner and Tyler Smith on the roster, ready to make plays.

Davis will be the quarterback, and Olson, Kately and Eli Malefyt are running backs.

Brunson, Burgner and Lafaver will see some action at end for passing plays.

“I think this is going to be fun,” Olson said. “There is a lot of uncertainty with this, but we are all learning together. It will be fast and fun. I think there are going to be a lot of teams getting close to 100 points a game.”

SWC is now part of a 12-team Special District 5 division, joining Burnt River, Dayville, Echo, Harper Charter, Huntington, Joseph, Mitchell, Monument, Prairie City, Spray and Wheeler. Alsea, Gilchrist, Jewell, McKenzie, Powers and Triangle Lake make up the six-man Special District 4.

Any athlete who sets foot on a field or court wants to compete, so this change gives athletes from smaller schools that chance. In their previous three seasons, the Redsides posted a 4-18 record, until going 3-3 last year, while playing an independent schedule.

“I have talked to those graduates from that 2016 class, and they laugh and joke about the 60-point losses, but they always tell me how awesome it felt to win that one game (46-6 over Monument-Dayville.) By moving to the 6-man league, we hope to be able to make football fun again.”