CGB to play some junior varsity football games on Friday night

Each school to host Homecoming games; season to include seniors

By Mike Monahan

CERRO GORDO – As reported in last week’s Record Herald News the Cerro Gordo – Bement varsity football team will not field a squad this fall. The reason is due to low participation numbers.

“Cerro Gordo-Bement Co-Op has made the difficult decision to cancel the 2025 varsity football season due to insufficient player participation, wrote Cerro Gordo-Bement boys basketball coach and Cerro Gordo Junior High/High School principal Brandon Willard in a press release. “After evaluating current roster numbers, the administration and coaching staff determined that it would not be safe or sustainable to field a full varsity team this fall.”

Last fall the Broncos had 36 players, including 11 seniors. One of the seniors was second team all-Lincoln Prairie Conference linebacker Mark Aubert and honorable mention punter, Michael Freese.

“This decision was not made lightly, as both high schools have strong football traditions,” wrote Willard. “However, student safety is our top priority, and with the current level of participation, we are unable to meet the physical and competitive demands of a varsity schedule.”

While there will be no CGB varsity games there will be some junior varsity games on Friday nights, including both schools Homecoming contests.

“This will provide younger and developing athletes with valuable playing experience and the opportunity to continue building the program for the future,” wrote Willard. “CGB would like to thank the Lincoln Prairie Conference for their support. Many schools have been willing to move the Monday JV game to Friday night so that our athletes can take part in the “Friday Night” football experience. All LPC schools have agreed to let our few seniors participate in the JV game, so that they do not lose out on their senior season of football.”

The Broncos officially go down as an 0-9 team for the 2025 varsity season as everyone on their schedule receives a forfeit win (2-0).

“Our goal is to invest in our student-athletes and the long-term strength of our football program,” wrote Willard. “By focusing on a competitive JV season, we can foster growth, teamwork, and readiness for future varsity-level competition. CGB remains committed to supporting its athletes, coaching staff, and football communities.”