VIENNA — Faced with having only 19 players, including 14 freshmen and sophomores, the Vienna/Goreville Eagles will not play varsity football this season.

Athletic director David Hill says the Eagles will forfeit varsity games this season and try to play a schedule more competitive in relation to the roster. It’s a move made with an eye to the future to try to rebuild the program. Vienna/Goreville is a program that has struggled mightily in recent years. The Eagles have lost 22 straight and have posted an 8-52 record in the seven seasons since back to back trips to the playoffs in 2012 and 2013.

Hill says pulling the plug on the season three days before it is scheduled to start is certainly not ideal, but he’s hopeful his school and the rest of the Black Diamond schools can work out a plan to still play on those scheduled Fridays and Saturdays, with the coaches determining what players on the roster will play.

What that looks like will likely change week to week. Vienna/Goreville is scheduled to open at Sesser-Valier/Waltonville Friday night. Hill says the Eagles will be there, and the coaching staffs are working out who will be playing.