Six-man – the right play call

Hampton’s final flight season on the gridiron drummed up every emotion imaginable for me the past two months. 
The thrill of success. The disappointment of defeat. One emotion I couldn’t quite define was the possibility of losing 6-man football to my routine. 
Maybe I won’t have to find out.
During the most previous monthly school board meetings at both Giltner and High Plains Community, the option of trying 6-man ball was brought to the table and, to my honest surprise, wasn’t immediately dismissed by either.
I word it that way because in conversations in year’s past about the same topic, the thought of converting to 6-man football was met with much more resistance than what I observed this time around.
Frankly, I hope both schools do more than just consider it. Six-man is the best option for both the Hornets and Storm at this time.
Six-man football is a game that takes a ton of flack and punishment undeservedly because it’s not well understood.
Let’s be clear. It’s still football, just like 8-man is to its 11-man counterpart. It’s re-structured in a way to make the game feasible and has a couple quirky rules that makes the game stand out.
The field is the same as what everyone is used to in the 8-man game. However, some chain will have to be added to the sticks with 15 yards needed for first downs.
My favorite rule is the point after touchdown kick being worth two points where running a play is worth one, the opposite of both 11- and 8-man ball. It incentivizes teams to find someone on the team to kick and is another way to make the game stand out.
All players on the field are eligible to catch passes in 6-man, something that provides all of us linemen who never got the opportunity severe FOMO (fear of missing out).
The first player to receive the snap cannot advance the ball beyond the line of scrimmage until a second exchange (like a pitch) has been made. This often results in the center snapping to a running back, who pitches the ball to the quarterback to run or pass.
This results in a myriad of different formations and personnel groups that can create no shortage of electric plays.
Now, does showing up and joining 6-man automatically make those who convert a better football team? Absolutely not. Could it happen? With the right players, sure. 
Hampton began its 6-man journey in 2016 and didn’t put up its first winning season until its seventh season. 
The Hawks only won twice in that first year. Three times in year two. Only won once in the two years after that as the numbers continued to struggle. 
It wasn’t until 2021 that Hampton saw real success, winning four games and coming within a fraction of a point of making the playoffs. 
It began what we’ve all seen unfold the past four seasons, qualifying for the postseason each year and sporting a 23-13 record during that span. 
One of the big knocks against 6-man football is the scores, many calling it just a track meet on grass with no defense.
Sure, some games get out of hand. But, we’ve seen plenty of games out of hand from Class A through D2 as well. It isn’t just a 6-man issue.
Having success in 6-man takes a team that is disciplined, works hard and tackles well. I’ve said all year long Hampton’s Kyler Rojewski is the best tackler in Hamilton County, and possibly beyond those borders. 
Before a season-ending injury, Rojewski collected 70 tackles, nearly 12 per game. He still led the Hawks in that category despite missing the final two games and was not 100 percent in the last he played. 
I went to multiple Giltner football games this year. They were difficult at times to watch. That’s no fault of the kids, in fact they deserve a ton of credit for clicking the chin strap every week, no matter the circumstances. 
I want them to have the best high school experience possible. Given the current state of the program, 6-man is that option. 
This also doesn’t mean once you go 6-man, you have to stay there forever. If and when the numbers bounce back, then go back to 8-man. If in a few years a cooperative makes sense, go that route. 
A competitive atmosphere is the goal. Being able to practice without the head coach playing scout team quarterback is another. 
Transitioning from 8-man to 6-man football is not a step back -- it’s an adaptation to current realities. It ensures that students continue to have the opportunity to play the game they love, safely and competitively, while preserving the tradition and pride of football in the community.
Those who bark against 6-man football simply don’t understand it. It provides kids an opportunity to compete, fosters an intense community presence and a bond no different than any other football team, no matter how many are on the field at once. 
I have no inclination on which direction either Giltner or High Plains will go when the vote comes up at their respective meetings this month. My only hope is doing what’s best for the players and providing them the best opportunity to not just play one of the great sports we have, but the most likelihood of success. 
RICHARD RHODEN can be reached at sports@hamilton.net.