Rapides Parish Schools has released an update to the Bolton Academy parents regarding football this fall at Bolton Academy.
The school district’s media director, Mary Helen Downey, shared the statement with Rapides Parish Journal columnist Bob Tompkins Thursday. On Tuesday, Tompkins’ weekly column focused on social media reports that the school’s century-old football program was being shuttered, at least for the 2026 season.
Last week, the school notified its already-scheduled 2026 opponents that Bolton would not be playing football this fall, casting into doubt the future of the Bears’ football. Tompkins’ column concluded by reporting Bolton was considering a junior high feeder program that could gauge interest in the sustainability of the sport at a varsity level.
Statement regarding Bolton Academy varsity football
Bolton Academy seeks to develop the whole child, and that means nurturing not just academic excellence, but strength in athletics and the arts, as well.
After careful evaluation of current participation levels, we have determined that interest in varsity football is insufficient to safely and responsibly field a competitive team this fall. As a result, we have notified the Louisiana High School Athletic Association (LHSAA) that Bolton Academy will not participate in varsity football during the 2026 season.
This decision was not made lightly, and it does not reflect a retreat from football. It reflects our commitment to developing a stronger football program that sustains itself for years to come.
Our focus now turns to where our momentum is strongest: our middle school program. We have student-athletes at that level who are eager, enthusiastic, and ready to become the next generation of Bolton Academy football. By investing our energy and resources there, we are laying the foundation for a junior varsity and varsity program that is built to last.
We also recognize that our school has navigated a significant period of transition. The consolidation and reclassification process required by the LHSAA spans two years, and weathering those adjustments has taken patience and perseverance from our entire community. We are grateful for that perseverance.
Looking ahead, we are optimistic. We believe in our student-athletes, their coaches, and the Bolton Academy community.
(Statement provided by Rapides Parish Schools)