LSD dropping football for year
By ROBIN FAMBROUGH
Advocate sportswriter
Published: Aug 21, 2008 - Page: 6C - UPDATED: 12:05 a.m.

Louisiana School for the Deaf has decided to suspend its football program for one season, citing small numbers and a lack of experience.

The War Eagles, who play eight-man football in a league for deaf schools, play in the Louisiana High School Athletic Association’s Class C for all other sports.

Last fall, LSD went 2-5 overall and finished the season with 12 players. LSD Athletic Director Doug Clement said the decision to drop the program for a year was made after 11 players signed up to play football last spring.

“What it came down to was not enough numbers and not enough experience among the players we had,” Clement said. “As it was, we had a lot of guys who were playing both ways and never left the field.

“Even though we play eight-man football, 11 players is just not enough to make it work.”

LSD’s decision to drop football for one year comes just three years after the school enjoyed its greatest success, winning the Deaf Schools National Championship with a 7-0 record.

The War Eagles have a 45-17 record since 1999, the year they began playing eight-man football.

Opponents were informed of LSD’s decision late last spring, allowing time to adjust schedules as needed, said Clement.

Despite the move, Clement said the school is determined to bring back football next season.

“We are committed to bring back football next year. Our plan is to work with the kids we have to get them ready to play next year. Hopefully, along the way we’ll find other kids who also want to play.”