Nicolet H.S. sacks varsity football, other schools scramble

(MILWAUKEE)-- Citing a shortage of players, Nicolet High School in Glendale has canceled varsity football for 2014.  

That leaves a void on the schedule for other teams in the North Shore Conference, and it has left non-conference teams scrambling as well.

Waukesha South had a huge day planned for their home opener on Friday, August 22.  The Blackshirts are set to debut new artificial turf, and a new scoreboard-- but with Nicolet's cancellation they no longer have an opponent.    

Varsity Head Coach Dave Rusch says Waukesha South is scouring the area, even neighboring states, to find an opponent next week.  But if no opponent is found, \"We'll still make the night special,\" Rusch said. 

According to the players-- no game, no problem.  Senior quarterback Cannon Cooley came up with an idea for \"a Packers family night, kind of a similar theme with an intrasquad scrimmage,\" Cooley said.  He's hoping fans respond and fill up the stands. 

Here's the full statement from Nicolet H.S. Athletic Director Kirk Krychowiak:  

\"Nicolet High School has always considered excellence in athletics to be a key component of the quality education we provide to our students. The success we have achieved in our athletic programs is a direct result of the enthusiasm of our coaches, students and the community.

Due to an insufficient number of student athletes at the varsity football level, the district administration has decided not to field a varsity football team for the 2014 season. Nicolet will have Junior Varsity and Freshmen programs and we are making arrangements for senior athletes to play this season.

We have started efforts to improve our football program moving forward to ensure that students will have the opportunity to play in the future. Plans are already in place to upgrade the school’s athletic facilities, for football in particular, which is sorely needed to improve the quality of the program and student participation.\"