When Lyons-Decatur Northeast made the bold move to 8-man football in 2008, fans weren’t sure what to expect. Nearly two decades later, that same sense of curiosity and anticipation is swirling around Oakland-Craig and Tekamah-Herman, as both programs prepare to join the 8-man ranks in the 2027–28 season.
According to the most updated list with the Nebraska School Activities Association (10.30.205) the number of 8-man teams in the state are nearly identical to the number of 11-man teams set to play next year. Currently, 96 teams will take the field with the traditional 11-man lineup, 94 are opting for 8-man and 30 are set to play with 6-man teams.
The Burt County Independent caught up with 2019 O-C graduate Garrison Dodge last week as the Johnson-Brock Eagles made a pit stop for a quick walk through before heading to Crofton for their state playoff game. Dodge serves as a paraprofessional at J-B and also coaches several sports including Head HS Boys Basketball Coach, Assistant HS Football Coach, Assistant JH Football Coach, Head JH Boys Basketball Coach, Assistant HS Track Coach.
“Having played 11-man football from 2nd grade all the way through college, I was a tad bit worried about the transition from 11 to 8-man,” Dodge said of his position with the Eagles. “The field being smaller, 6 less athletes on the field, formations change, spacing is different but at the end of the day it’s just football.”
Oakland-Craig has been a powerhouse for decades as an 11-man program. Dodge is among many athletes who went on to coach football.
“There are not many small school programs like O-C’s,” he recalls. “When I was in school I had only lost 6 games in the span of 4 years. Not many programs across the state get 6 wins consistently each year. OCs program and standards set me up for success once I reached college.”
His collegiate career was spent as a player at Peru State College- an accomplishment made possible by the standards set forth from the O-C coaching staff.
“The coaches I had at OC were top notch. When you have great athletes in the school surrounded by great coaches a lot of great things happen. Which is why I was drawn to Johnson-Brock. I still keep in contact with most of the coaches and often ask for advice which just shows you the type of people they are. I have no doubt that OC will become one of the power houses in the 8-man realm,” Dodge shared.
Oakland-Craig got an early taste of 8-man football this year as the Junior Varsity team went in 3-1 on the season.
As the numbers shift and more schools find themselves reevaluating their football futures, one thing remains constant — the heart of the game doesn’t change. For communities like Oakland-Craig and Tekamah-Herman, the move to 8-man may look different under the Friday night lights, but the pride, tradition, and competitive spirit will burn just as bright. And if history—and players like Garrison Dodge—are any indication, these programs won’t just adapt to the change; they’ll thrive in it.
