For Corey Barton, youth in Morristown playing football has always been a dream and vision of his.

It is now starting to take shape, as Barton is looking to create a youth program that could, potentially, aid Morristown Junior-Senior High School as the IHSAA considers bringing on 8-man football to the high school ranks.

“I have always had a vision of Morristown having a team. I was hoping someone would initiate it after seeing our Waldron program over the past six years. I just feel that it’s time to create some opponents in our area that are on our level as far as school size and participation numbers. The IHSAA is set to vote on bringing 8-man football to high school sports in the spring as it has increased in popularity across the United States, especially for existing programs struggling with roster numbers and schools that have never had a program,” Barton told Giant FM.

Barton, who created the Waldron football program, said his idea has always been to take small steps on the way to having high school football in Waldron.

“I wanted to prove that it can last and build a program of kids who grow up playing the sport so they have the skills to build on later. I believe we are ready at Waldron,” Barton said. “As far as our Waldron program, it is going great, in my opinion. Our coaches get better every year and we have a solid base of players. We compete well with schools much bigger than us and many times, hold our own.”

For Barton, it is his hope to have at least 14 kids per age group and play 8-on-8 with the hope the IHSAA will adopt the initiative of 8-man football, allowing an easy transition within the Shelby Eastern Schools district.

“If we are short of those numbers, we can even go down to 6 on 6. If it’s anything like the program we have in Waldron, the numbers will grow every year and they will get stronger at the younger ages as we go,” he told Giant FM.

Morristown previously had football at the high school level, and Barton said that can bring mixed results to what he hopes to do.

“A lot of parents or grandparents may be how it didn’t last. I believe that was in the 80’s, and a lot has changed since the 80’s. Football is, probably, the most popular game in America now and the kids want to play it. We need to remember to let the kids enjoy their childhood and have memories. That is what this is all about,” Barton said.

He maintains despite what the IHSAA may do or public perception, there are plenty of positives about building the program.

“The ability to bring in more kids from outlying areas to play football that may not have the chance to play as much at a small school. We would add Morristown’s kids under our umbrella for the time being. However, I am definitely open to any help or partnership with the Boy’s and Girl’s Club. That would be great,” Barton said.

Barton said he has heard from former players that are currently attending middle and high school at Waldron who have voiced hopes in having a football program at that level. Barton said a petition began and he has met with the principal and athletic director to discuss the matter.

“They seem to have interest and want to be aware of the possibilities, which I appreciate. I think it is here if we want it. We have to want it as a community. Times have changed and this is our chance. I absolutely foresee having programs at the middle and high school level. Not everyone is good at basketball nor is there very many roster spots the older you get. Kids of all sizes and abilities have the opportunity to find a home on a football field that can handle up to 22 different starters at a given time. Some kids move schools to find these opportunities. Some kids never know their abilities because they were never given a chance at Waldron and Morristown,” Barton said.

Barton said worst case, the program would cost participants $100, but his goal is to make it as affordable as possible.

“I always try to make it as affordable as possible. It is nothing to sign up right now. We won’t leave a kid behind that can’t afford it,” Barton said.

For more information or to register, contact Barton at 317-512-7795.