Westminster Schools of Augusta announced Dec. 17 that its football team will move to an 11-player team.
For the past eight years, Westminster has played an 8-man field, winning two state championships and two state runners-up while amassing a record of 63-17.
In the past few years, other schools have moved from 8-player to 11-player teams, dwindling the pool of available opponents.
“Two years ago, GIAA 8-man football had 19 teams. Looking to next year, there would have been only 10 teams remaining, with Westminster being the only 3A team, one 2A team, and the remaining eight teams being very small 1A schools. Combined with GIAA losing so many 8-man football teams, and many of the remaining 1A schools not interested in traveling to play a 3A team (Westminster), there is significant concern we may not be able to have a schedule of 8-man teams to play us for the 2026-27 season,” according to an email from Shawn M. Brower, Head of School.
Westminster will move to being a GIAA 4A school – a region that has never had a school playing 8-man football.
“Therefore, 8-man football, designed for small schools, was quickly becoming a non-option for Westminster,” the email said.
GIAA will work with Westminster for a smooth transition, he wrote.
“We will, for the next two years, be in a region with teams of similar size and ability. During this time, we will have the flexibility to fill out the remainder of our schedule as we best see fit during this transition. Ultimately, this gradual progression from 8-man to 11-man, versus being thrown directly into a 3A 11-man football schedule, is the best for our student athletes and the school,” Brower wrote.
The coaching staff has expressed excitement with the change, and the school recently hired a full-time certified trainer for the 2026-2027 school year.
“We cannot wait for Friday night lights and are eager to take the field this coming season.” he wrote.
Augusta Good News is an award-winning member of the Georgia Press Association, receiving a second place General Excellence in 2025. Sign up for our free weekly newsletter here..
