News Summary

Moore Catholic High School in Staten Island has suspended its football program due to declining player numbers and safety concerns. The decision follows the departure of a popular head coach, leading to a significant exodus of players. The athletic department deemed it unsafe to continue with only 21 players on the roster, as they would struggle to meet the demands of the season. The administration expresses hope for rebuilding the program with a freshman team in the future while continuing to offer various sports opportunities to students.

Moore Catholic High School Suspends Football Program Amid Safety and Participation Woes

In a surprising turn of events, Moore Catholic High School in Staten Island has announced the immediate suspension of its football program. The decision comes on the heels of a significant drop in player numbers and serious safety concerns, igniting discussions among students, parents, and the local community.

Challenges After Coaching Changes

Things have certainly taken a downward swing since the departure of the beloved head coach, Nick Giannatasio, who led the team for a commendable nine seasons before exiting in March 2025. His departure saw a mass exodus of players, many of whom transferred to rival schools including St. Peter’s, leaving the football roster alarmingly low.

A New Coach Faces an Uphill Battle

While the school welcomed new head coach Anthony Barnes in early April, he faced an uphill battle trying to keep the remaining players. Despite his best efforts, the numbers continued to dwindle, resulting in a current roster of just 21 players. This is a far cry from last season’s roster, which averaged in the low to mid-30s. Given the low participation, the athletic department has raised serious concerns about the ability to safely field a competitive team.

With such a limited number of players, the athletic director, along with the rest of the school administration, reasoned that it simply isn’t safe for those few students to play an entire season. Imagine asking just 21 players to tackle the grueling demands of playing both offense and defense, along with special teams. It becomes quite clear that in the event of any injuries, the challenges would only escalate.

Frustration Over Misunderstanding

Interestingly, school president Gina DeSantis expressed her frustration regarding misinformation that has led to families making transfer decisions based on falsehoods. These inaccuracies may have played a crucial role in the declining numbers, as families are understandably keen on ensuring their children are part of thriving programs.

The suspension was officially put into effect on July 11, 2025, and the administration made it clear that this is not a permanent ruling. They emphasized that the decision is ultimately rooted in concern for the players’ safety.

Looking Towards the Future

While the current situation may seem grim, there is a silver lining. The administration is optimistic about the potential to form a freshman team for the 2026 season, aiming to rebuild the football program from its roots. The school firmly believes in its capability to bounce back and continue to be a robust option for aspiring student-athletes.

Commitments Beyond Football

Despite the challenges faced by the football program, Moore Catholic remains committed to offering a wide range of successful athletic opportunities to its students. The school has several thriving sports programs and remains confident that it can provide enriching experiences beyond just football.

As the community gears up for potential changes in the 2026-27 school year, the focus will be on ensuring that Moore Catholic High School continues to be a beacon of educational and athletic excellence, fostering a spirit of resilience and determination among its students.

In Conclusion

The decision to suspend the football program has been a tough one; however, it serves as a reminder of the importance of safety and team dynamics in youth sports. With new plans on the horizon, the Moore Catholic High School community remains hopeful for a brighter future that prioritizes the well-being of its student-athletes.

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