Norwich’s JT Vinal attempts to avoid the tackle by an Owego defender. The Purple Tornado will not see the Indians in the 2020 season as the program makes the change from Class B to Class C due to enrollment classifications. Also effected by the changes are the Harpursville/Afton Hornets and the Green Trojans. (Frank Speziale photo)

CHENANGO COUNTY – Every year, school enrollment numbers shift. This ends up impacting what class the schools throughout the state will compete in. Following the changes announced in July 2018, the upcoming high school football season will look different for several of the Chenango County teams as the Section IV schedules were released in April.

Each school year, the New York State Education Department uses Bureau of Education Data Systems (BEDS) data. Prior to the July 2018 meeting held by New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) Central Committee, the school’s total enrollment for grades 9, 10, 11 were used.

The Central Committee changed the number for the start of the 2020 season. The classifications for each school will now be based on enrollment in ninth and 10th grade plus the average of the two.

Norwich and Harpursville/Afton are two programs that will be effected due to the classification numbers but Greene also see changes to their future schedule.

Norwich

In 2019, Norwich started off the season 0-3 but turned the year around to end up in the Section IV Class B semifinals against Chenango Forks.

With the drop down to Class C, many would think that it could bring on a whole new slate of opponents for the Tornado program. However, the change in classification numbers will also effect several of the same programs across Section IV.