Historic Los Angeles high school football program may not play this season

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.

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