Monday reports surfaced that the Sparta Bulldogs are canceling their varsity football schedule due to low numbers in the program.
Both Pinckneyville and West Frankfort made social media posts confirming that they no longer had a varsity opponent in the weeks that Sparta was originally slated to play.
Due to low #’s in their program, Our week 2 Football game vs Sparta has been cancelled. If any schools happen to be looking for a week 2 opponent please contact me ASAP. #PCHSPanthers
— Matt Laur (@Coach_Laur) August 15, 2023
Here is the revised schedules for Freshman Football, Varsity Football, and Volleyball. Each schedule has had a change. Biggest change to Varsity Football is our Week 9 opponent (Sparta) does not have a Varsity Team this year. pic.twitter.com/vxIYhhOfJ8
— Frankfort CUSD #168 (@WF_168) August 14, 2023
Freeburg, the Bulldogs’ Week 1 opponent, has also confirmed they are without an opponent to play.
Area schools that are affected by the cancelation of the Bulldogs’ varsity season include Pinckneyville, West Frankfort, Chester, and Red Bud.
Due to extenuating circumstances concerning the program’s numbers for the entire of the season, Sparta’s Athletic Director Jackie Smith said the decision unfortunately had to be made.
“This decision is in the best interest for player safety and development,” Smith said. “My heart goes out to the players that this is affecting but it is one made with the future of the program in mind.”
— Sparta Bulldog Athletics (@Sparta140AD) August 15, 2023