DANVILLE — While most football teams in the state will start next weekend, Schlarman Academy will take a little longer to start.
Because of a late start, the return of the Hilltoppers will be held up until the middle of September.
“We are having a season, but it will be a limited season this year,” Schlarman athletics director Erin Forsyth said. “We are playing in the 8-man league and we were able to get some games because a team had to drop out because of low participation. We were able to pick up some of those games and we are working tp pick up some more games. The plan is to rebuild and get back to a full varsity schedule next year and we will be on 8-man again.
To get everything on track this season on the sidelines, Schlarman looked toward the past, getting Bob Lehmann to return as interim coach. He was coach when the Hilltoppers started 8-man football and was at the helm in their last varsity football season in 2023.
“Bob coached in the past for us and will be the interim head coach while we are looking for a head coach to fill in next season,” Forsyth said. “He’s very knowledgeable since he coached it for years and that will be a help in the transition, including younger players that are coming aboard that hasn’t played 8-man football.”
The chance to play has brought a major chance for players, including the seniors.
“They are excited, we have a good mix of grades playing with some freshmen and some juniors and seniors and they are excited, especially our seniors,” Forsyth said. “I am excited for them to have football in their senior year after not having it for the last two years. For them to live this out one more year was important to them and for us too. We are glad that they end their careers playing.”
Forsyth said that the later start could give them enough time to get ready, even against teams who would have played for at least 4-5 weeks.
“We have a few weeks off, which is probably better for us because it gives us a cushion to get ready especially after not playing in the last few years,” Forsyth said. “It gives us time to hone our game until we get to where we want to be.”
Forsyth said the season could start on Sept. 19, but a major focus is trying to get the Hilltoppers a home game.
“With all of the forfeits and low turnout, it has been two years since we played a home game,” Forsyth said. “I am still looking to add games and I hope there will be home games. We have several games that will be far. There are even some games that are close to Wisconsin, so we are going to do some traveling.”