Rudd-Rockford-Marble Rock has joined a list of Iowa schools not playing varsity football this fall.

The district posted this message on its Facebook page on Monday:

“Due to the low number of upperclassmen participating in football, Rockford Administration and football coaches have decided to play a JV only schedule for the fall 2022 season. This decision was made based on what is best for our current football athletes as well as the future of our football program at this time. It is the hope that by playing JV only, our athletes will make greater strides with the fundamentals of football and have a greater chance of success compared to playing varsity only. It is the goal of the coaches and administration to return to varsity play for the 2023 season.”

The Warriors are only four years removed from playing in the 8-player state championship game in 2018. They also qualified for the state tournament in 2008, 2010, 2011, and 2019.

Other schools that have suspended varsity football this year because of low numbers include:

• Riverdale – playing JV only
• Meskwaki Settlement School