Centennial High School Varsity Football Team to Disband; Focus on Rebuilding

August 18th, 2017

After careful consideration and extensive discussions with coaches, players, parents and school administration, Centennial High School leadership has recommended that the Howard County Public School System disband the Centennial High School varsity football team for the 2017–2018 season. The lack of sufficient players and concern for student safety made this a necessary decision.

Centennial High School will continue to have a football program, and will use the upcoming season as a rebuilding year for the varsity team. The current juniors on the varsity team will be allowed to participate at the junior varsity level. This practice has been implemented in other sports and in other counties throughout the state. Staff will look at leadership opportunities so current seniors can be actively involved in the Centennial football program or other extracurricular activities.

As part of the varsity team rebuilding effort, and to strengthen school spirit and support the junior varsity football team, home junior varsity football games will be played at 7 p.m. with marching band and cheerleader performances. In addition, varsity soccer games will move from Thursdays to Fridays at 5 p.m. School leadership will also work with Centennial athletics staff and student leaders to ensure a successful Homecoming Week.

HCPSS leadership is working with high school principals to minimize the impact of this decision on all high schools.