Friday morning Du Quoin Athletics announced on Twitter they were searching for a Week 1 opponent in football on either March 19 or March 20:
Du Quoin High School is looking for a varsity football opponent on 3/19/21 or 3/20/21. We can host or travel. If interested please call Head Coach/AD Derek Beard at 618-571-1868. Please Retweet and help us find a game. @duquoinHS @IHSA_IL @IHSFCA1 @The_SIRR_Conf
— Du Quoin Indians Athletics (@duquoinindians1) March 5, 2021
That led most to check in on what had happened to Du Quoin’s Week 1 opponent, Pinckneyville.
As it turns out, the Panthers have decided to call it quits on the season due to low numbers within the program.
“Our primary responsibility is to make the best possible decisions in the interest of our student- athletes,” a statement from Pinckneyville Athletic Director Bob Waggoner read. “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.”
The Panthers now shift their attention to preparing for the future, an approach that several programs have been forced to take sometimes in the middle of their seasons with little-to-no postseason action to motivate them further. But for the Panthers, they’ll be focused on that before the season even begins.
“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,” Waggoner explained in the statement. “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.”