Springfield Public Schools cancelled Central’s junior varsity football season less than six weeks after dropping the varsity season.
In an email to parents, SPS Athletic Director Josh Scott writes that the cancellation comes after the junior varsity roster of 24 eligible players dropped to eight.
“Our absolute top priority is the safety and well-being of our students. Due to injuries sustained by some players and others who are ineligible to play due to their current academic standing, we do not have any other option,” Scott said.
“While we had previously hoped to move forward with a JV season, fielding a team with such a drastically reduced roster is not possible,” Scott said. “It would place our remaining players at an unacceptable risk of injury due to lack of rest and limited substitutions.”
We understand this news is disappointing, especially for the players who have remained committed to the program. The decision to step away from competition this year was made with the sole focus of protecting our athletes.”
Along with the cancellation, SPS Chief Communications Officer Stephen D. Hall confirmed that all Central programs will become independent for the 2026-27 school year. The Bulldogs currently play in the Central Ozark Conference for all sports except for football.
