Malta Bend has never had a football program, but not for lack of interest, according to school officials.

That may soon change if a proposed partnership with Sweet Springs school district comes to pass.

The Sweet Springs Board of Education discussed at its Nov. 6 meeting the possibility of forming a partnership with Malta Bend that would allow students from the smaller school to play on Sweet Springs' team.

The Malta Bend Board of Education voted Nov. 8 to authorize district officials to make a formal request for the partnership.

The agreement would allow the two schools to combine the students wanting to play football into one team with a two-year agreement for high school and one year for junior high.

"There are numerous reasons this is a good idea," Sweet Springs Superintendent Boyd Jones said, continuing to say there are downsides, as well.

Malta Bend Superintendent Melissa Vesser agreed, noting the district would have the responsibility of transporting its students to Sweet Springs for practices and games and would have to help with supervision of its students.

But on the plus side, being able to offer participation in a football program would be a good opportunity for current students. And it might help the small school continue to attract students, according to Malta Bend school board member Doreena Forqueran.

"It could be a draw for kids from Miami to come here," she said.

Vesser said there is quite a bit of interest among Malta Bend students and that might be a plus for Sweet Springs.

"It'll help them, too. We have some pretty good kids," she said.

Malta Bend Principal Roger Feagan said three junior high students and 15 high school students had expressed interest in trying out for the team.

The ball is now in the hands of the Sweet Springs school board.

If it approves the agreement, it then goes to the Missouri State High School Athletics Association for final approval.

Feagan said MSHSAA has a Dec. 1 deadline to consider the agreement for next year's football season.

Contact Rachel Harper at

marshallcity@socket.net

Contact Eric Crump at

marshalleditor@socket.net