How Six-Man Football Saved Irion County

MERTZON, TX -- After years of seeing enrollment numbers drop making it tough to assemble a full eleven-man roster on Friday nights, Irion County ISD made the decision in 2019 to transition to six-man football. 

Last season, in an odd year of UIL realignment, the Hornets played what's called an outlaw schedule to get acclimated to the six-man game. Although Irion County was unable to compete for any UIL postseason championships they were selected to play in the Six-Man Independent Bowl Series against Baird. Despite falling to the Bears 65-38 they finished the season at 7-3 and with plenty of momentum heading into the 2020 season. 

Now that the Hornets are officially a UIL Class 1A six-man school they are not only eligible this season to compete for postseason championships but are currently 5-0 and one of the hottest six-man programs in Texas. 

Watch how the transition to the six-man game not only saved football along with a number of other extracurricular activities but rejuvenated the Irion County community. 

This week's COVER1 Preview is presented by Angelo MRI and Bug Express.