In a move to strengthen their football programs, two Massachusetts high schools are joining forces. Dedham High School and Sharon High School have officially announced a cooperative football program set to begin with the 2026 season and continue through 2027.

This partnership comes after both programs faced significant challenges. Last season, the combined efforts of the two teams resulted in a 5-16 record. Dedham's Marauders had a particularly tough 2025 campaign, winning only two games and scoring just 52 points across ten contests. Sharon's Eagles fared slightly better, averaging 20.1 points per game and securing three wins.

The new co-op team will inherit Sharon's uniforms, play home games at the Eagles' field, and follow their independent schedule for the 2026 season. The core goal of the merger is to create a sustainable and competitive program. By combining rosters, the schools expect to support approximately 50 student-athletes, ensuring they can field both varsity and junior varsity teams and provide meaningful playing time for all participants.

Leadership will be unified under Sharon Head Coach Ben Shuffain, who will be supported by a dedicated coaching staff from both schools. This structure aims to provide position-specific instruction and a low coach-to-player ratio, fostering a development-focused environment for every athlete. This kind of collaboration is becoming an increasingly important strategy in high school sports, ensuring that the tradition of Friday night lights continues for communities facing roster challenges.