New London ends football season

NEW LONDON — The New London Tiger football season will be ending four weeks early due to a lack of players to finish out the 2025 season.

Just days after announcing a forfeit against Columbus for this Friday night, the New London Community School District announced via a Facebook post that the team will be canceling the rest of the season and forfeiting its remaining four games, including next week’s Homecoming game against rival Danville.

In a statement sent out by Superintendent Chad Wahls, the school says the decision to end the season was one it didn’t make lightly.

“Unfortunately, a growing number of injuries among our players has significantly reduced our roster, raising serious concerns about the health, safety, and well-being of our student-athletes,” the statement said. “While we value competition and school spirit, ensuring student safety must remain our top priority.”

The Tigers were already playing with low numbers, having just 15 players on the roster, meaning just four players stand on the sideline. That is, when the team is fully healthy.

Earlier this week, the Tigers had to forfeit an upcoming road game against Columbus due to injuries, and after evaluation from coaches, staff, athletic trainers and administrators, the decision came down to also call off the Danville game, as well as a road contest at BGM, and the last scheduled game against Van Buren County.

Before having to forfeit, the Tigers were 2-2, beating Cardinal in a thrilling season opener, and taking a win from Highland, who has had to forfeit multiple games this season as well.

This was the first season back to 11-man football for New London after moving to Class 8-Player ahead of the 2018 season, a year the Tigers won the state championship.

The Tigers are still slated for 11-man football next year, and will still be in Class A District 5, as it will be the second of a two-year schedule.

Despite the cancellation of games, the Homecoming festivities are still go on.

“The only change to the schedule is that the Homecoming King and Queen will now be crowned at Boom Night, following the parade,” the statement said. “The evening also will include the boys’ volleyball game and Powder Puff football, ensuring a fun and spirited celebration for our students and community.”

New London will officially end the year with a 2-6 record.