BREAKING: Dirigo HS Cancels Football Schedule

Dirigo High School in Dixfield has become the second school to cancel its varsity football schedule because of low numbers of players.

The Cougars lost to Lake Region last Friday night 34-13 and school officials met last night a decided to pull the plug on the rest of the season.

RSU 56 has decided to disband the varsity football team for the remainder of the 2019 season. This decision came after the athletic director, superintendent of schools and board chair heard from the football coaches that the current roster poses safety risks for our students. Dirigo High School began the football season with a limited roster and has experienced injuries that have further depleted that roster. The football coaches are confident that the current roster could safely play a JV schedule for the remainder of the school year. Superintendent Doyen noted, “Safety is our first priority.” Provided that there is sufficient student interest at Dirigo High School, Jess McGreevey, Athletic Director, will petition the MPA for a waiver so that Dirigo High School might move to an 8-man team for the 2020 football season. - RSU 56 Press Release

Dirigo started the season with about 20 players (six freshman) and suffered some injuries in the opening game. The Cougars play in Class D South Region.

Before the season started, Orono High School cancelled its varsity schedule because of issues with having enough players. The Red Riots are playing a JV schedule this year.

NOTE:  Dirigo's withdrawal  effects both Old Town and Camden Hills who were scheduled to play varsity games vs the Cougars. Spruce Mountain HS, Madison, Oak Hill, Freeport and Mountain Valley are the other schools affected by the news from Dirigo.