Several Missouri High Schools have now had their seasons reduced to eight games after the announcement of a school foregoing their 2025 campaign.

Citing low numbers of upperclassmen to fill out the roster, media reports indicate that Springfield Public Schools have decided not to field a varsity football team at Central High School. The reports indicate that the school plans to field a junior varsity squad in hopes of rebuilding the program. 

While not of the Lakes Area Schools were scheduled to face the Bulldogs in the regular season, there could be an impact at Branson, as Central had been a part of the Pirates Postseason District alignment for the last four seasons. The 2025 District Assignments are not scheduled to be released by the Missouri State High School Activities until the end of the month. 

Three members of the Ozark Mountain Conference which includes Branson were scheduled to play Central this year; Hillcrest, Rogersville, and Marshfield while Fair Grove of the Mid Lakes Conference which includes Forsyth, Hollister, and Reeds Spring was also scheduled to play Central.

It is expected most of the schools scheduled to play the Bulldogs will now have an open spot on the the 2025 schedule.