Clark County School District football programs are taking an unprecedented step. Thirty schools in the 5A and 4A classifications will compete as independents for the next two seasons, forgoing any chance at a league, region or state championship. The move, confirmed by the Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association in a release last Wednesday, effectively removes them from the path of perennial powerhouse Bishop Gorman.
The decision was finalized at a Monday meeting of CCSD principals, though details about the season format remain scarce. Foothill principal Jonathan Synold said in an email that the gathering was for principals only and that “we hope to have more details out to our communities as soon as possible about what next season will look like.”
Requests for comment from Cimarron-Memorial principal Colin McNaught and Centennial principal Keith Wipperman went unanswered. Eldorado principal Christina Brockett deferred inquiries to CCSD communications. All three serve as Southern representatives on the NIAA Board of Control.
In a statement, the CCSD communications department said: “Principals from CCSD schools that elected independent status for football met on Monday to discuss guidelines for scheduling to provide competitive balance. Schools will work collaboratively to establish a schedule for the Fall 2026 season. Those schedules will be provided to CCSD Athletics and publicly posted on the master schedule once complete.”
Football coaches met Tuesday to begin crafting schedules, but the session was closed to the public and media. Multiple coaches have declined to comment until the format is finalized.
Independent teams can play up to 10 regular-season games. It is expected the 30 schools will be split into three leagues based on competitive balance, with two divisions per league. Open dates at the end of the season could allow for crossover games between top teams to serve as de facto postseason contests.
NIAA executive director Tim Jackson confirmed that all 30 schools remain in good standing and eligible for state championships in other sports. Meetings are scheduled this week with Northern 5A and 4A teams and remaining postseason-eligible programs to determine their structure.
