Caravel Academy Opts Out of Varsity Football for 2026 Season Due to Player Shortage

Caravel Academy, the reigning Class 2A state champion in 2023 and 2024, has announced that it will not participate in varsity football during the 2026 season, primarily due to a lack of players. Instead, the institution will focus on a junior varsity schedule. This decision was shared by Head of School Jerry Lamey in a Facebook post dated June 15.

"After careful consideration and extensive evaluation of our football program, Caravel Academy has made the difficult decision not to field a varsity football team for the 2026 season," Lamey stated. He explained that the choice stemmed from a combination of issues, including a low anticipated roster size, the graduation of many key athletes, and several players transferring out.

Last year, Caravel moved up from Class 2A to 3A, joining some of the most prominent football teams in the state after two undefeated seasons. In 2025, the Buccaneers finished with a 6-4 record, facing tough competition, including two narrow losses to the eventual 3A champion, Middletown, and the state runner-up, Salesianum. The team was forced to forfeit a game against Salesianum due to safety concerns arising from their limited roster.

In 2025, Caravel's football program included 39 players, with 10 freshmen. However, the departure of several juniors who would have been seniors this year has further complicated the situation. Lamey emphasized the importance of player safety, stating, "Football is a physically demanding sport that requires adequate roster depth to ensure safe practice environments, proper player rotation, and competitive game participation." He concluded that the school could not guarantee these conditions at the varsity level.

With nine games scheduled for the fall against various competitors, including Red Lion and Salesianum, those teams will now need to adjust their schedules. Lamey expressed disappointment over the decision but underscored its necessity for the program's long-term health. He assured that Caravel Academy would continue to explore options for revitalizing and strengthening its football program in the future.