Sport: Football Category: Scores & Results

Blooming Prairie and Hayfield combine football programs for the 2026 season

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 1, 2026, 5:17 PM

Last updated Sep 1, 2026

Football

Summary

Blooming Prairie and Hayfield have merged their high school football programs into a single co-op for the 2026 season. The decision stems from fluctuating student participation levels and safety concerns regarding smaller rosters. Coaching staffs from both schools are overseeing the integration, which features a mix of veterans and incoming juniors. The combined squad aims to improve on a collective three-win season from the previous year. Coaches Chad Gimbel and Derrick Thompson are focusing on system installation and building team chemistry during the early stages of the campaign. The program intends to compete within a balanced section that includes rivals such as Maple River and Waterville-Elysian-Morristown.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Blooming Prairie and Hayfield formed a football co-op for the 2026 season.
•The merger responds to declining participation and student safety concerns.
•Coaches Chad Gimbel and Derrick Thompson lead the newly formed squad.
•The team aims to compete against section rivals like Maple River.

Latest Updates

5:17 PMYahoo Sports — Foes become teammates as Blooming Prairie, Hayfield combine

What they're saying

"
Sep. 1—BLOOMING PRAIRIE — After winning a combined three games last season, Blooming Prairie and Hayfield have decided to set aside their rivalry and join forces to co-op for the 2026 season. Fluctuating participation and students' safety went into the decision to merge programs. The new co-op has strength in numbers and veterans and is eager to start fresh. Juniors Lukas Denherder (HB) and ...
— Yahoo Sports

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