DeSales steps down to play in SE 8-man

DeSales High School of Walla Walla, one of the long time campaigners in the state A division and then in the 2B division, has dropped down to 1B football for this season and will play in the SE eight-man league.

The Irish gridders at one time were one of the tough teams in the former SE-A league and an annual foe of the Colfax Bulldogs who played in the same league.

For years, DeSales has been one of four schools in the state who decided to play above their respective WIAA division according to enrollment.

The WIAA 2016-2020 classifications chart lists the Irish with a 72-student enrollment figure which would put them in 1B class which allows a maximum enrollment up to 82.9 students. DeSales has continued to play in the 2B classification.

This year’s eight-man edition of the Irish team has been booked at Colton Sept. 13 and is scheduled to play at St. John Nov. 1.

They will play Tekoa/Rosalia Oct. 18 in a non-league game at Walla Walla. The Timberwolves, a 2B team in the NE division, opt to play eight-man for football in a non-league mode because they can’t be in the 1B playoff chart.

A Walla Walla Union Bulletin report by Jim Buchan noted DeSales decided to drop down to eight-man ball because of fewer players. The Irish finished last year with 20 players, which cuts it pretty thin for an 11-man football program, Buchan pointed out.

Fewer players has become a concern for most small schools in the state. Colfax now has 29 players out for the campaign in the 2B league. The count will make it difficult to operate a jayvee schedule during the season.

Coach Mike Morgan this week noted Colfax intends to enter a jayvee team along with the varsity in the Ritzville football jamboree Friday.

Garfield/Palouse, another entrant in the SE eight-man league, closed down their football program this year because of a lack of players. Football players in the district have the option of going to Pullman to play with the ‘hounds in the 2B division.