Dayton Stivers School for the Arts will cancel the remainder of its 2026 football season, Dayton Public Schools announced on Sept. 1.
The school cited low participation and injuries as factors leading to the cancellation.
"After careful consideration, district leadership determined that the team cannot safely and responsibly continue the season,” DPS wrote in a release. “The decision also gives remaining opponents as much notice as possible to adjust their schedules."
Among the teams impacted by the sudden cancellation are four Greater Cincinnati schools. Stivers was set to play New Miami just two days from the announcement on Thursday, Sept. 3. Other future opponents included Shroder (Sept. 24), Norwood (Oct. 2), and Summit Country Day (Oct. 9).
New Miami and Summit Country Day have already filled their scheduling gaps. New Miami will host Preble Shawnee on Sept. 3. Summit will host Miami Valley Christian Academy again, meaning the two teams will meet twice in the regular season (Sept. 18 and Oct. 9).
All of Stivers' original opponents with a newly open date are eligible to fill it before then. If teams cannot add another game to the schedule, their computer points for OHSAA playoff eligibility will be determined by the average for the nine games they play. The other teams on their schedules will see a slight adjustment to their second-level computer points to account for the loss of a game.
Stivers competed in OHSAA Division V and was in just its second season after a being revived from a 40-year absence. The team went 2-8 last season, forfeiting one game. In the first game of the 2026 season Stivers lost to Gamble Montessori, 50-6. A week two game against Dunbar was cancelled.
Unlike Lockland, which cancelled its season in early August, Stivers players will not be eligible to play for neighboring schools. Since the season has already begun, OHSAA bylaw 4-1-4 considers the schools to have sponsored the sport.
"We understand this decision is disappointing for Stivers student athletes, families, coaches, and supporters. The district will work to support our student-athletes and provide families with information about future opportunities," DPS said.
This story may be updated.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Dayton Stivers cancels football season, impacting 4 Cincinnati teams
