CCSD Principals Defect Football Programs from NIAA

30 public schools break away from Nevada's high school sports governing body, citing unfair advantage for private powerhouse Bishop Gorman

Mar. 31, 2026 at 1:50am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the chaotic action of a high school football game, with players and field markings broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of navy blue, red, and gold colors.A cubist interpretation of the power struggle between public and private high school football programs in Nevada, as principals seek to create a more equitable playing field.

In a bold move, 30 public high schools in the Clark County School District have decided to declare their football programs as independent, breaking away from the Nevada Interscholastic Athletic Association (NIAA) for the 2026 and 2027 seasons. The principals cite the NIAA's flawed ranking system and Bishop Gorman's dominance as the primary reasons behind this decision, which will allow their teams to avoid playing the nationally ranked private school.

Why it matters

This decision highlights the growing frustration among public school administrators over the perceived unfair advantage enjoyed by private and charter schools like Bishop Gorman, which can recruit players from across the region. The move aims to create a more level playing field and restore competitive balance in Nevada high school football.

The details

The 30 schools involved include those in the Open Division, Class 5A, and Class 4A. By declaring independence, they will no longer be eligible for postseason play, but the principals say they are willing to make that sacrifice to address the systemic issues they have faced. The NIAA has struggled to find a format that satisfies all schools, leading to this drastic action by the public school leaders.

  • The decision was made in late November, shortly after the 2025 high school football season ended.
  • The public schools will be independent for the 2026 and 2027 seasons.
  • Schedules for the independent public schools are expected to be released within the next two days.

The players

Colin McNaught

Principal of Cimarron-Memorial High School and one of the authorized spokespersons for the public schools.

Keith Wipperman

Principal of Centennial High School and one of the authorized spokespersons for the public schools.

Christina Brockett

Principal of Eldorado High School and one of the authorized spokespersons for the public schools.

Kevin McPartlin

Associate Superintendent of the Education Services Division at the Clark County School District, who released a statement supporting the principals' decision.

Bishop Gorman

A private high school in Las Vegas that has won 16 of the past 17 large-school state titles, giving it a significant competitive advantage over public schools.

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What they’re saying

“The decision was made by individual principals who believed the current system is broken. Everyone must play by the same rules, both on and off the field.”

— Colin McNaught, Principal, Cimarron-Memorial High School

“It's been pretty frustrating. We feel like this has been a problem for a long time. We wanted fairness and equity in the rules, and that was just falling on deaf ears.”

— Keith Wipperman, Principal, Centennial High School

“Within the next couple of years, I hope to see a competitive balance when schedules are created.”

— Christina Brockett, Principal, Eldorado High School

What’s next

The NIAA is expected to release the final schedules for the remaining private and charter schools in the coming weeks, while the public schools plan to announce their independent schedules within the next two days.

The takeaway

This bold move by the public school principals highlights the growing frustration over the perceived unfair advantage enjoyed by private and charter schools in Nevada high school football. By breaking away from the NIAA, the 30 schools aim to create a more level playing field and restore competitive balance, even if it means sacrificing postseason eligibility for the next two seasons.