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Escambia Academy’s will field an eight-man team beginning this upcoming football season.

Head football coach Larry Nichols said the change occurred about a month ago when school numbers rolled into AISA officials.

“We fell back because we didn’t have enough players,” Nichols said. “They give you a certain amount of time to get the roster up. If you don’t make the certain requirement, they get to an eight-man roster.”

Nichols said at least 25-30 players are required to be on the roster. He added that there are 14 on the roster right now at EA.

Nichols said the rules of the game stay the same, and the only difference is there will be three less players on the field.

On offense, there will be a quarterback, three down linemen, three wide receivers and a running back. Defensively, there will be four down linemen, two linebackers and two defensive ends.

“Eight man is a real fast-paced game,” Nichols said. “It’s high scoring. It’s something like arena ball.”

Earlier on Thursday, EA released its 2025 football schedule.

The Cougars visit Snook Academy on Aug. 22; host North River on Aug. 29; visit Springwood on Sept. 5; host South Prep on Sept. 11; visit Coosa Valley on Sept. 19; host Trinity on Sept. 26 for homecoming; host Cornerstone and Heritage on Oc.t 10 and 17, respectively; visit Evangel on Oct. 24; and visit Macon East on Oct. 31.