Murphysboro's Karmelo Abernathy (24) goes to the basket as Du Quoin's Dwayne Wilmington (41) defends during the second quarter at the Du Quoin Tip Off Classic on Wednesday in Du Quoin.

Citing a distinct lack of varsity players, particularly in the junior and senior classes, Sparta High School officials have made the tough decision to cancel the football season this fall, but ...

The Sparta High School football team knows adversity well and they know it’s not always measured by what’s on a scoreboard or in a record book.