CRYSTAL FALLS – Forest Park, featuring a rich history of 11-player football, will join the Western Eight Conference to compete in the eight-player game next season.

In a special meeting Thursday, the Forest Park Board of Education voted to make the switch after lengthy discussion that involved the athletic committee, administration, athletic director and varsity football coaches.

Athletic director Dwaine Anderson provided information for the move including the junior varsity football schedule and canceled games from 2009-15; projected high school enrollment over the next five years; current injury list and roster for 2016 for JV and varsity; and number of statewide eight-player football teams that is at 43 and growing.

Anderson along with the administration, football coaches and athletic committee will have an informational session on Tuesday, Oct. 13, to discuss the change-over.

Forest Park has captured three state 11-player football championships since 1975 and finished second in 10 other finals.