The football season is over at Barton High School, as administrators say they don't have enough students to play.
The news is devastating to parents and players, but low numbers and injuries left the coaches, principal, and superintendent no other option. The 11-member team was told Wednesday afternoon that they would not finish the season.

Barton High has a deep football championship tradition, including a 63-game winning streak that ended in 1990. Ironically, 40 years ago the school discontinued the 1967 team for the same reason.

Superintendent Roy Kirkland knows this decision isn't popular, but says the students’ safety is his top priority. Players have been playing play both sides of the ball, increasing the risk of severe injury.

(Roy Kirkland, Superintendent) “If there would have been any other option, believe me we would have taken it.  Because this is not something we wanted to do. But like I've told you, it’s very hurtful. I know it's an embarrassment to me and the community, but I can't put personal embarrassment and personal feeling ahead of looking out for these youngsters."

The school had games scheduled with Hoxie, Piggott, Corning, Harrisburg and East Poinsett County.