In 1934, in the small town of Chester, NE, teacher and coach Steven Epler invented six-man football.  Since that time the game has been expanding and growing in several states across the US, but has seen a decline in the state of its birth.  In Texas there are only two choices for football, you play 11-man or you play 6-man.  Currently, there are over 200 public and private schools that play down there.  The game is played in New Mexico, Colorado, Montana and last year began in Wyoming.  Small private school leagues have started in Florida and there is interest in California and Ohio to starting the game there as well.

In 1998, the Nebraska School Activities Association decided to no longer sanction the six-man game for playoff purposes.  Schools left, schools cooped and consolidated, but there were a few members who refused to let this amazing, exciting game die.  The 1999 playoffs saw Litchfield beating Arthur and McPherson County beating Wheeler Central.  Litchfield went on to claim the first SMCA championship.

The SMCA has seen many teams come and go, but there have been four lifelong committed members: Arcadia, Arthur County, Loup County and Wheeler Central have been the steady nucleus of schools that have stuck with the game through its largest and smallest times.  Schools that have come and gone are: McPherson County, Herndon KS, Santee, Litchfield, Rock County, Keya Paha, Wolbach, and Brady.  The association is sad to see current member Arnold leave after a brief two year stay.

The 2010 season will once again see new members arriving to join the SMCA.  We are excited to welcome our new members.  As the declaration deadline nears hopefully more schools will see the advantage of keeping their own identity and give their athletes the opportunity to experience this game.  New members for the upcoming season include: Lynch, Hyannis, Maywood, Santee, Cedar Rapids, North Loup/Scotia and Elkhorn Valley.