Forest Area Makes Move to 8-Man

FIFE LAKE – Forest Area joins a growing number of schools jumping to 8-man football in 2016.

Since starting its program in 2002, Forest Area has enjoyed brief success, posting three winning seasons and back-to-back playoff campaigns in 2007 and 2008. However, the Warriors struggled to win consistently, going 11-34 over the last five seasons.

Forest Area will compete in the newly-formed Midwest Central Michigan 8-player Football Conference, joining Brethren, Manistee Catholic Central, Big Rapids Crossroads, Marion and Wyoming Tri-Unity Christian.

"We’re changing our offense a little bit, because we want to get those athletes out in space,” coach Brian Mumby said. “We’re kind of a power-run game team and so we’re kind of trying to transition that to a little bit more wide open and get kids out there in the open. You know, we got a new conference, and I think it’s going to fit us more, fit to our athletes, and we’re excited."

Forest Area opens its season by hosting 2015 state semifinalist Deckerville on Aug. 26. The Warriors will also face Covert (Sept. 1) and the Flint Michigan School for the Deaf (Oct. 20) in non-league action.