Barnwell Parks & Recreation offers Youth Tackle Football for kids between the ages of 9- 12 every fall. Season normally starts after Labor Day and continues until early November. We are in the process of reestablishing the league where different cities compete against each other so the number of teams in each league is determined by the amount of participants. When we play a different city, there is usually a home game and an away game against each opponent.
We currently offer two age groups - Juniors (Ages 9 - 10) that compete with teams of 8 players on the field for each team (3 down linemen and 5 skill position players). This gives youngsters the opportunity to start learning the game of football at a scaled down level before they move up to the 11 Man game. Seniors (Ages 11 - 12) play the traditional 11 Man Football.
Tackle football is the ultimate team sport that teaches leadership, sportsmanship, and self-confidence.
Please check out our website for players, coaches and parents with tips and instructional videos for participants to take advantage of.
8 Man Football
Is a form of football, generally played by high schools with smaller enrollments. Eight-man football differs from the traditional 11-man game with the reduction of three players on each side of the ball and a field width that can be reduced to 40 yards, 13 1/3 yards narrower than the 53 1/3-yard 11-man field. Most states continue to play on a 100-yard length field, whereas a few states opt for 80-yard lengths. Reduced-player football, which consists of eight-man football has gained popularity across the United States. As of 2015, 1,161 high school teams participated in eight-man leagues.
Eight-man football shares the same rules, procedures, and structure as the traditional 11-man game, with a few minor differences. Eight-man football is played with eight players on offense and defense, three fewer than the 11-man game. It depends greatly on the type of formation used, but the eliminated players are commonly two offensive tackles and a skill position player on offense and one defensive back, one linebacker and one defensive lineman on defense.
The size of the playing field is the same size as the 11-man. Most eight-man leagues mandate 100-yard length fields, where few choose a smaller option.
Eight-man football consists of fast-paced games with higher scoring than the traditional game. Eight-man scores vary depending on the offensive and defensive strategies. Scores typically fall in the 40-60 point range, with "high scoring" games reaching the 70s and "low scoring" games falling below 30. Eight-man football is noted for producing multi-skilled players that are responsible for playing several positions, which require speed, agility, and strength.
Offense
A variety of offensive formations can be used in eight-man football, most of which are converted from traditional eleven-man formations. Eight-man football rules require five players to be on the line of scrimmage with players on each end remaining pass eligible. The interior of the line consists of two guards and a center. Most often, the line players on the edges of the formation are tight ends, or are occasionally split wide as wide receivers. Due to reduced sized teams requiring players to know different positions, players' jersey numbers do not affect pass eligibility, however, most teams follow the general guidelines set forth by the eleven-man game.
Special Teams
There is no kicking or punting in eight-man football due to the time, effort and specialization required for special teams.
Defense
General defensive alignments in eight-man football consist of defensive linemen, and defensive backs. Common formations include a 3-3-2, 3-2-3, 4-3-1, 3-4-1, 4-2-2, 5-3, and a 6-2 goal-line defense. The 3-2-3 defense has gained popularity due to the increase of passing-oriented offense in the eight-man game. It substitutes the third linebacker for another defensive back.
Notable reduced-player football alumni
Every year, eight-man football players, as well as other reduced-player football players, receive scholarships and/or opportunities to play collegiately. Below is a list of current notable reduced-player football alumni.
Leighton Vander Esch — (born February 8, 1996) is a linebacker for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League. He was drafted in the 1st Round of the 2018 NFL draft with the 19th overall pick. He was also named to the 2018 Pro Bowl.
Tarik Cohen — (born July 26, 1995) is a running back for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. Cohen played the same position for North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University before being selected in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL draft. He was also named to the 2018 Pro Bowl.