Glencliff football to shut down remainder of season, forfeiting final four games

Glencliff has shut down its high school football program for the remainder of the 2019 season, Metro Nashville athletics director Roosevelt Sanders confirmed to The Tennessean on Tuesday evening.

It is not known if the program will return next season or beyond.

"That I don't know," said Sanders of the Colts' football future. "Right now, I am trying to get more information."

Glencliff first-year coach Mike Passen told the Tennessean that a final decision hadn't been made to his knowledge and that one would be made Wednesday morning.

"What we've got are low numbers," Passen said. "There is a meeting in the morning."

Passen said if the Colts had to play today they would dress 17 players.

"If I've got 17 that want to play, I'll do what's best for the kids," Passen said.

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Glencliff entered this week 0-6 and has been outscored 379-34. Five of Glencliff's six opponents scored 60 or more points.

Passen added he would like to get 25 healthy to play a game, which he said is feasible if he has players pass concussion protocols and are ruled healthy. 

"I'm looking at all kinds of situations," Passen said. "At this point in time, there is a chance that could change (Wednesday)."

Glencliff had games scheduled with Hillwood on Friday, at Nolensville on Oct. 10, with Hunters Lane on Oct. 17 and at Gallatin on Nov. 1. Those four opponents will now collect forfeit wins if they do not play the rest of the season.

Sanders said he wasn't sure about the contracts pending and any incurred costs Glencliff would have due to the forfeits.

According to the TSSAA's participation list on its website, Glencliff had 47 players entered to participate this season. It's not known how many it currently has available.

Passen said about half of that roster if from STEM Prep Academy, a charter school that co-ops with Glencliff.

Reach Tom Kreager at 615-259-8089 or tkreager@tennessean.com and on Twitter @Kreager.