News Summary

New London High School has canceled the remainder of its 2025 football season due to a sharp decline in player participation, leaving fans and players heartbroken. The team, with only 16 players, couldn’t ensure sufficient safety for games. While the football season ends, Homecoming festivities will continue without the traditional game, marking a shift in community spirit amid challenges. This cancellation joins a worrying trend in Iowa, with several schools facing similar issues in high school football.

New London High School’s Football Season Comes to an Unexpected End

New London, Iowa – it’s a somber time for the local sports enthusiasts as the New London High School has officially announced the cancellation of the remaining games for the 2025 football season. The decision came through a post late Wednesday night, leaving fans and players alike with heavy hearts.

A Quick Look Back

New London started the season with promising energy, winning their first matchup against Cardinal with a nail-biting score of 36-32. But things took a turn for the worse as they faced formidable opponents, suffering defeats against Pekin and Wapello, finishing those games with scores of 68-20 and 20-12 respectively. Despite these challenges, the Tigers had a win-loss record of 2-2, including a forfeit victory against Highland.

Homecoming Activities Press On

While this cancellation leaves a cloud over the football field, the Homecoming festivities will still be taking place next week, albeit without the traditional football game. The Tigers were scheduled to play against Columbus, a highlight event during the homecoming week that many look forward to every year. Fans will now have to refocus their excitement on other activities, trying to make the best of the situation.

Low Participation Numbers and Safety Concerns

The driving force behind the season’s cancellation is largely attributed to a significant decline in player participation. With a roster consisting of just 16 players, which includes 7 seniors, 2 juniors, 2 sophomores, and 5 freshmen, the safety of the team became a major concern. When you don’t have enough players healthy and ready to go, the risks skyrocket, leading to the difficult decision for the school.

A Worrying Trend in Iowa

This cancellation places New London among a growing number of schools in Iowa that have faced similar dilemmas. They are now the fifth high school to make such a tough decision this season, joining the ranks of Siouxland Christian, Lone Tree, Rockford, and Dunkerton. Other schools like Remsen St. Mary’s, Highland, and Mormon Trail have also paused their seasons, highlighting a worrying trend throughout high school football across the state.

From Glory to Struggles

It’s hard to forget the glory days when New London didn’t just compete but triumphed, claiming a state championship in 2018. The thrill of that victory has faded over the last two seasons, as the Tigers have only managed to secure 3 wins. It’s a far cry from the excitement and success they experienced just a few years back, especially after a strong showing in the 2022 season with 6 wins.

Onward and Upward?

Despite the disappointment surrounding the cancellation, the New London community remains resilient. With hopes for a better turnout in the future, fans are looking forward to a time when they can once again cheer on their beloved Tigers. For now, the focus shifts to the Homecoming activities, giving everyone a chance to come together and celebrate the school spirit, even without a football game to cap it off.

As the season officially wraps, we can only wish the best for the Tigers, their players, and the community as they navigate through these changes. It’s tough, but in the spirit of sports, everyone knows that it’s not just about the wins and losses; it’s about the heart, the fight, and the community that comes together.

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