Joliet sent a cadre of J-Hawk football supporters to the Montana High School Association Regular Monthly Executive Board meeting, held in Helena, Monday, November 25. They attended the meeting to advocate for reclassification of the football program from 11 man back to 8 man. Their efforts were ultimately unsuccessful, with MHSA advising Joliet that it would remain in 11 man football.
Beginning in the 2023 season, MHSA moved Joliet from 8 man to 11 man football. This meant some significant expenses, including moving goal posts, increasing the length of the field from 80 yards to 100 yards, and purchasing additional jerseys. The monetary expense was not the only obstacle the J-Hawks faced, they also had to learn new offensive and defensive schematics.
Despite that, many felt that Joliet was finding its footing in the new classification much earlier than anticipated. J-Hawks finished third in the division and made Joliet history by securing a spot in the playoffs for the first time in 11 man football. With just two years of experience under their belts, and only four graduating seniors, Joliet looks poised to continue growing and finding success.
However, citing safety concerns, Joliet administration and head coach, George Warburton, strongly felt it was in Joliet's best interest to return to 8 man football. Superintendent Begger informed the community, at the November Coffee with the Superintendent session, that he was fielding many concerns from parents of middle schoolers who felt it was not safe for their athletes to play 11 man and that was the driving factor behind the appeal.
Joliet currently has 128 students enrolled in the high school and is the smallest in the eastern conference. Shepherd is the largest at 244, with Huntley Project close behind at 226. The closest in size to Joliet is Baker, with 130 high school enrollments. Red Lodge and Roundup both have over 170 high school enrollments.
According to the MHSA press release, Joliet can choose to participate fully in the higher classification or opt to participate in the lower classification, but not be post-season eligible.
Request for comments from Coach Warburton have not been responded to at the time of publication.
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