Crenshaw High School, a longtime football powerhouse in Los Angeles, might not be able to field a team this upcoming season, officials confirmed. The reason: not enough players.
“Crenshaw High School has a longstanding tradition of football excellence. However, the number of players cleared to participate this year has dipped below the level needed to field a football team,” said a spokesperson for the L.A. Unified School District. “The school is taking every step to include student-athletes interested in playing the sport and remains hopeful the season can still be played as scheduled.”
According to Eric Sondheimer of the Los Angeles Times, Crenshaw’s enrollment has dropped below 500 students. Of that student body, just 12-15 joined the football team.
Crenshaw has a storied history that’s produced more than two dozen NFL players according to Pro Football Reference, including current Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Daiyan Henley.
The school’s first game is scheduled for Friday against Fairfax, but as of Saturday it’s unclear if that game will be played.