8-man football is taking its first steps in northwestern Wisconsin as Birchwood and Winter have committed to playing 8-man for most or all of this season, knowing that they'll have to forfeit games against schools that play 11-man football. For some, the argument is to play 11 or not play at all (or co-op, or transfer). For me, 8-man is a viable alternative for schools that are looking to cut costs and field competitive teams where student-athletes can learn and develop rather than get pounded 55-0 by a school with 13 seniors on the squad. Winter's roster has 11 student-athletes, for example. Other schools are considering the jump, such as New Auburn and Cornell. Still more across northwestern Wisconsin are considering 8-man football for even this season, and as more schools opt for the 8-man football model, down the road the WIAA will have to adjust its rules so that these school districts with 8-man football can play for a championship of their own. As it stands, if you can't field 11-man football teams, you can't make the postseason. For more, make sure to tune in tomorrow when TRAVIS WILSON of Wissports.net stops by to talk about 8-man football and previews the 2011 high school football season with me.

Other Stuff:

-Volume One has a big poll going on right now for "Best of the Chippewa Valley." I'm listed under radio personality. If I don't finish last, I'm asking for a raise.

-Check out this video of Brian Wilson committing watercoolercide (fast forward to 2:20 to see him lay the smackdown on a defenseless watercooler). What has the watercooler ever done to you, Mr. Wilson?

TOMORROW: DAVID BOSSICK, CHIPPEWA HERALD SPORTS EDITOR; TRAVIS WILSON, WISSPORTS.NET CONTENT EDITOR