Athens High School drops varsity football season over low player turnout

Athens High School confirmed that its varsity football program will not compete this year after early preseason practice failed to attract enough athletes. The decision removes every game from the MHSAA schedule, including the opening away match at Litchfield slated for Aug. 28 and subsequent contests against Bellevue, Climax-Scotts, Colon, St. Philip and Tekonsha. One outlet Director Kathy Parlin indicated the district is seeking ways to give students still interested in football a chance to play.

Head coach Ed Sybesma, in his second season with the Indians, would have marked his 50th year coaching across different schools. The cancellation affects the local high school sports calendar and leaves several rival schools without scheduled games. The story w.