The NEPSAC football landscape has seen a variety of changes over the offseason, implementing division shifts that have significantly restructured the field of play. While for the past ___ years, the league has used a Class A and Class B ranking system, it has now added a third Class C. As a result, several member schools rose and fell between divisions, and the Independent School League (ISL) as it was once known has officially been dissolved.
This move will significantly impact the strength of play for many ISL schools, with the formerly ISL-Large remaining in Class B while losing two historic members in Governor’s and Lawrence Academy who will downgrade to Class C next year and join the ISL-11, made up of 11 ISL schools. As newly promoted Belmont Hill defensive coordinator Coach LaLiberte put it, “It is unfortunate that the ISL has dissolved, but the changes will help our program grow and develop.”
Belmont Hill and the rest of the ISL-Large will remain in Class B, joined by St. Paul’s and Trinity-Pawling, two great match-ups to watch next year. The strength of schedule will also rise for the school over the coming years, with exciting Founder’s League and NE Prep matchups every year, a notable one being Brunswick this upcoming season.
These high-quality opponents should ensure that Belmont Hill players and the overall program will gain rising exposure and visibility beyond the ISL by competing all across New England against programs with strong pedigrees.
Overall, the realignment is a great move for NEPSAC football, as there will be much more balanced competition, which will promote better play and heighten the competitiveness between schools. The Belmont Hill football program is eager to embrace the challenges of a stronger schedule, build new rivalries, and continue developing as a top competitor in NEPSAC football this upcoming season.
