ELYRIA CHRISTIAN LAUNCHES A 6-MAN FOOTBALL PROGRAM

writingwithwilldur
23 hours ago
3 min read

By Staff

In a move designed to give male athletes a meaningful, competitive fall activity that fits both Elyria Christian’s size and its long-term vision, the Eagles are officially launching their first season of 6-Man football.

For several years, Elyria has fielded a boys’ soccer team with varying levels of participation. At times, interest was strong; in recent seasons, however, numbers have dwindled, leaving students with only one season of competition and limited opportunities to grow. That challenge prompted school leadership to rethink what fall athletics could look like.

“We wanted to provide something valuable for our students and be more intentional with our community involvement,” explained the one who has helped guide the transition, head coach Zach Goodrich. “We believe there will be excitement for our community and growth for our school due to adding football.”

Elyria will enter the 2026 season in what coach Goodrich calls a ‘learning phase’. With a mix of boys who have football experience and others who are brand new to the sport, the coaching staff is focusing on fundamentals.

Explaining the approach and focus on the new program, coach Goodrich said, “We will take the approach we have had for many of our programs. We will focus on technique, developing good habits, and being disciplined as our core tenets of the program.”

According to coaches, early practices have already shown encouraging signs. Players are learning quickly, supporting one another, and beginning to understand the unique pace and spacing of 6-man football, a fast, wide-open version of the game that suits small schools well.

One of the most promising aspects of Elyria’s move to football is the pipeline forming behind the high school roster.

“There are many boys in third-to-eighth grade that are playing youth football,” pointed out coach Goodrich. “The school hopes to launch a junior high program within the next year or two, creating continuity and long-term development.”

Coaches noted that the current high school boys will help the school get there and lead the charge.

While the roster is still developing, Goodrich highlighted three players expected to anchor key roles in the inaugural season: Parker Hughes, a defensive lineman/center; Kaleb Cass, a defensive and offensive lineman; and Mason Gardner at quarterback.

While each brings a different level of experience, all three will be central to the Eagles' first season on the gridiron.

Elyria will not scrimmage this year but will compete in official games, and Goodrich expressed his gratitude for the community’s support and for those helping tell Elyria’s story.

As Elyria Christian steps into the world of 6-man football, the excitement is less about wins and losses and more about building something meaningful – a foundation for future athletes, a new tradition for the school, and a chance for students to learn how to compete with a purpose.

2026 ELYRIA CHRISTIAN FOOTBALL

Friday, Sept. 4 – at Peabody/Burns

Friday, Sept. 11 – at Chetopa

Thursday, Sept 17 – hosting Peabody/Burns

Friday, Sept. 25 – hosting Moscow

Thursday, Oct. 1 – hosting Southern-Coffee County

Friday, Oct. 9 – at Altoona/Midway

Friday, Oct. 16 – hosting Marais des Cygnes Valley (Senior Night)

Thursday, Oct. 22 – at Lost Springs/Centre

Thursday, Oct. 29 – Bracket Play

Friday, Nov. 6 – State Regionals

Friday, Nov. 13 – State Sectionals