By Jonathan W. Gipson
MAGAZINE SCHOOLS MEDIA RELATIONS
An exciting new era of Magazine football will begin next fall as the Rattlers will take the field for their first season of 8-man football competition.
Magazine is one of six schools that have officially declared their intentions to compete in 8-man football next fall, joining former 2A-4 Conference opponent Johnson County Westside, Izard County, Rose Bud, Corning, Blevins and Lafayette County.
“I’m excited for our student-athletes to continue competing at a high level and showcasing their talents in a different format,” Magazine coach Ryan Chambers said. “Eight-man football is gaining traction in Arkansas, and we are excited to compete this upcoming fall.”
Only Class 2A schools and below are eligible to compete in Arkansas Activities Association-sanctioned 8-man football.
The AAA today released the updated football classification and conference alignments for the upcoming 2026-28 cycle. There will be 20 teams throughout the state competing in 8-man football with those teams being divided into three conferences – West, East and South.
Magazine will compete in the West Conference with Guy-Perkins, Izard County, Johnson County Westside, Rose Bud and Southside Bee Branch.
The East Conference will consist of Augusta, Brinkley, Cedar Ridge, Corning, Marvell, Midland and Rector. The South Conference will consist of Blevins, Dermott, Friendship Aspire, Hermitage, Lafayette County, Strong and Woodlawn.
Magazine will look to continue its proud tradition of success built during its recent history as an 11-man football program.
After more than a 60-year hiatus, Magazine restarted its football program in the fall of 1993. During the past 33 seasons, the Rattlers earned four conference championships, won one state championship and finished as state runner-up.
Eight-man football has increased in popularity in Arkansas, particularly among small rural schools, since it was revived in 2021 as a sanctioned sport after not being officially played in the state since 1964.
Since then, the number of teams competing in 8-man football has increased by more than 200 percent.
Eight-man football is a fast-paced, high-energy and exciting brand of football that emphasizes speed, space and opportunity. This transition allows student-athletes to compete and develop.
The format also produces higher scoring games than traditional 11-man football, with scores typically falling in the 40-60 point range, and high-scoring games can reach into the 70s. Some games have even seen individual teams score 100 points. This offensive explosion makes for thrilling, back-and-forth contests that keep fans engaged.
Despite having fewer players, 8-man football features diverse offensive formations and strategies—from spread offenses to power running games to option attacks. Coaches can be creative with their approach, and the reduced player count actually allows for more innovative play-calling and misdirection.
The combination of wide-open spaces, high scores and dynamic athletes creates an entertaining spectacle that’s particularly well-suited for fans who enjoy offensive fireworks and big plays.
“Football is so important to our community. No other event brings more people together than our football team. That speaks volumes to me,” Magazine alumnus, former Rattler football player and Magazine Mayor Josh Scott said. “I’m excited that we have the option. I’m excited that we still get to play football. We have amazing kids in our school, and I’m excited to support them as we step off into 8-man football.”
