Gillett High School will not field a varsity football team this season.
The school has had an 8-player varsity team for several years but will still have a junior varsity squad in 2026.
The Tigers were originally scheduled to open the season Aug. 20 against Marion/Tigerton in Marion.
According to a post on the Gillett School District Facebook page, student safety and providing athletes with the highest-quality experience possible were factors in the decision.
“After careful consideration and discussions with our players, parents, coaches and school administration, the Gillett School District has made the decision to transition to a junior varsity football season for the 2026 fall season rather than fielding a varsity team,” the post reads. “While we understand this news will be disappointing to many members of our school and community, this decision was guided by two important priorities: student safety and providing our student-athletes with the highest quality experience possible.”
The Tigers had eight games scheduled this season, including Across the Bay Conference matchups with Suring and Lena/St. Thomas Aquinas.
“A junior varsity schedule provides our players with the best opportunity to safely develop their skills, gain valuable game experience and continue growing as athletes and teammates,” according to the Facebook post. “We are confident this approach will create more opportunities for success this season while strengthening the foundation of our football program for the years ahead.”
Marion/Tigerton will now host Iola-Scandinavia Aug. 20 in the season opener for both teams.
The district intends to restart the varsity program down the road.
“The Gillett School District remains committed to offering football opportunities for our students and to rebuilding participation as we look toward future varsity seasons,” according to the Facebook post. “Our coaches and student-athletes are excited to continue working together, developing their skills and proudly representing the Tiger tradition. A junior varsity football schedule and additional season information will be shared with families and the community as soon as it is finalized.”
