Following this week's high school football game against Ridgeview, the Clinton (IL) Maroons have announced that they will cancel the remainder of their varsity football season.
The news comes after an 0-3 start to the year where the Maroons have been outscored by their first three opponents 145-20.
Clinton Interim Superintendent Chuck Nagel posted a statement to Facebook on Wednesday, Sept. 9, stating that the decision was made after "careful consideration" and due to safety issues arising from low participation numbers as well as injuries suffered through the first three weeks.
Nagel noted that the junior varsity season will continue on as scheduled.
“The decision was not made lightly,” Nagel wrote in his post. “With a limited number of healthy
varsity players available, continuing the varsity schedule would place additional physical demands on student-athletes and create significant safety concerns. The health and well-being of our students must remain our highest priority.
...the JV program provides an opportunity for our football players to continue participating, developing their skills, building teamwork and representing Clinton on the field. We understand that this is disappointing news for our players, coaches, families, and supporters. We appreciate the commitment and dedication our student-athletes have shown throughout the season. The school recognizes the impact this decision has on student-athletes and their families and appreciates their understanding and support. Coaches and school administrators will continue working with players throughout the remainder of the season to provide a positive and meaningful football experience.”
Clutch Sports Media’s Jonathan Michel also posted a statement to X from Clinton head coach Ron Bass informing the players and the parents of the decision.
"You know these are not easy decisions. This is the plan moving forward," Bass wrote. "We will play varsity this Friday night against Ridgeview. We will then cancel the rest of our varsity schedule and go to a JV schedule. Mr. Koeppel will begin calling schools tomorrow morning to find schools that will allow our seniors to play in the JV games.
...More information to come. If you have questions or complaints, please contact Mr. Koeppel as I have been instructed to not take any messages or calls about the situation. All parties in the decision feel for our seniors and are going to do their best to make sure you can keep playing football. Players- We will have a meeting tomorrow before practice. Thank you and Go Maroons."
Clinton now joins Hoopeston as the second Central Illinois program to cancel the remainder of its 2025 due to lack of participation and injuries.
With the 0-3 start this season, the Maroons have lost 17 consecutive games dating back to 2024. They went 0-9 last year but posted a 4-5 record in 2024 and had a winning 6-4 record the year prior.
Following the Ridgeview game on Friday, their remaining schedule consisted of games at home against Eureka (IL), Tri-Valley (IL) and Central A&M (IL) as well as road trips to Shelbyville (IL) and El Paso-Gridley (IL).
Follow Sports Reporter Joe Spears on X at @joe_spears7 or via email: JSpears@usatodayco.com. For additional high school sports coverage, be sure to follow @usatodayhss on Instagram and X.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Illinois high school cancels remainder of 2026 high school football season
