Kansas schools are stepping into the 8-man football arena in a big way. In this first of a two-part series, we look at how this condensed version of the sport is taking center stage, with a numbers-focused follow-up on the way in October.
8-man football, a race to the end

Key Takeaways:
- This article is part one of a two-part series on 8-man football in Kansas
- The second installment will focus on the numbers side of 8-man football
- Christopher Adams wrote this piece for The Emporia Gazette
- The original publication date was September 13, 2025
- 8-man football is drawing interest within the state and beyond
An Introduction to 8-Man Football in Kansas
Editor’s note: This is part one of a two-part series about 8-man football in Kansas. Part two will focus on the numbers aspect of 8-man and run in October. While the full details are behind a paywall, the essence of this story centers on how Kansas communities are exploring, embracing, and competing in this variation of the traditional gridiron game.
Anticipating Part Two
Readers can look forward to the next installment, scheduled for October, which promises to dive into the statistics behind 8-man football. The upcoming piece will analyze the numbers that shape this distinctive version of America’s popular sport, adding a fresh dimension to the conversation started here.