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OGDEN – Ogden High School's football organizers are mulling moving to independent status in order to schedule easier games with any teams that may be available.
Such a move would make Ogden unique in the state. The program would not have to stick with the regional schedule approved by the Utah High School Activites Association.
Not all players or parents are on board, though.
“Some say we should just move forward and find other ways to improve,” Ogden School District Athletic Director Ken Crawford said. “Others are saying we’re just going to keep going downhill unless we can give these kids some opportunities to have some success and build.”
Crawford said the Tigers cannot compete with the likes of state champion Timpview High.
Demographics are part of the challenge. Crawford said several Tigers did not grow up playing football and some did not play any organized sport.
UHSAA Executive Director Rob Cuff said Ogden cannot drop from Region 4-A.
“Because their enrollment was high, they were not considered,” he said. “The board has to look out for big schools playing smaller schools as well.”
Cuff understands Ogden High’s predicament. He's keeping an open mind about a possible change in status.
“Schools go independent, they select whom they want to play, they build a program and more kids come out because they start winning, and then their program builds over time.
“So, it could be a win-win situation.”
Independent status would disqualify Ogden from playoff contention. However, the Tigers are 2-18 in their last two seasons – including a winless 2014 campaign – and have been outscored by an average of 38 points per game.
The school board held a public meeting on Thursday evening to take comments. People may also weigh in on the subject at www.ohstigerfootball.com.
