Sport: College Sports Category: Scores & Results

West Caldwell cancels varsity football program for 2026 season

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 19, 2026, 6:17 PM

Last updated Jul 19, 2026

College Sports

Summary

West Caldwell will not field a varsity football team for the 2026 season due to low participation among upperclassmen. Athletic director Aaron Annas cited safety concerns for young players facing fully grown athletes as a key reason for the decision. Despite this setback, West Caldwell will maintain a junior varsity program. The Warriors concluded the prior season with a 2-8 record and appeared to be on the rise after ending a 42-game losing streak. Teams scheduled to face West Caldwell are now seeking replacements as the season's start date approaches on August 21.

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Status Watch

•West Caldwell will not have a varsity football team in 2026.
•Safety concerns due to low upperclassmen participation influenced the decision.
•West Caldwell will still have a junior varsity program.
•The varsity team ended a 42-game losing streak last season.
•Season starts on August 21; opponents are scrambling for replacements.

Latest Updates

6:17 PMYahoo Sports — No varsity football at West Caldwell this season

What they're saying

"
This season, no Friday Night Lights will shine on the West Caldwell Warriors. That’s because the school will not field a varsity football program for the 2026 campaign. Low participation numbers among upperclassmen was the driving force behind the decision. “We did not have enough upperclassmen return to safely field a varsity team,” West Caldwell athletic director Aaron Annas said. “We are ...
— Yahoo Sports

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