Darren Kinnard
Section618.com

PINCKNEYVILLE — The Pinckneyville Panthers will not field a varsity football team for the upcoming spring football season.

PCHS principal Tony Wilson said this is about numbers. There have been fewer than 20 athletes taking part in contact days, with the overwhelming majority of those athletes being freshmen and sophomores.

In a statement released Friday afternoon, Pinckneyville Athletic Director Bob Waggoner said the decision was motivated by safety. “Our primary responsibility is to make the best possible decisions in the interest of our student-athletes. Currently, with 18 players in the program, I feel the mental and physical welfare of our student-athletes is the center of the decision we have made regarding the ability to proceed forward with the season. As time progressed and after discussion with our coaches, it became abundantly clear, that there was too much physical risk to allow our players to compete this spring at the Varsity level. Our goal is to continue this season as a Junior Varsity Team. Our student-athletes will get to compete against athletes their own age while learning the fundamentals of playing football. We believe this route will prepare them for a full return next year to varsity football and competition in the Southern Illinois River to River Conference.”

The move leaves the Panthers’ opponents trying to find a new game late in the game. Some have already done so.

Anna-Jonesboro will now host Mt. Carmel Week 2. That will be a 7:00 Friday game (3/26). Nashville will now play at Breese Mater Dei in Week 3. That will be a 1:00 Saturday game (4/3). Sparta will host Greenville in Week 6. That will be a 7:00 Friday game (4/23).

Du Quoin posted on social media Friday morning that is searching for a Week 1 opponent, either home or road. Carterville and West Frankfort will also have a spot to fill.

The new spring season brought about by the pandemic will be six weeks with no postseason. It is scheduled to start March 19.