One local school will sit the upcoming varsity football season out.

Blue Ridge made the decision recently to temporarily suspend the varsity football program. Superintendent of Blue Ridge Schools, Susan Wilson explains the decision was made as a safety precaution to their younger kids, but to also rebuild enthusiasm about the program.

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Wilson says this was not an easy decision to make. She feels they really took into account the students this would effect the most, which would be next year's seniors. She says it is disappointing for so many surrounding the program.

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Blue Ridge administrators and coaches hope this will be just a one year scenario. Wilson notes they will reassess where the program stands after next year, though she is hopeful it can be the one year scenario.

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Senior varsity players next year may have to sit out a few games through the course of the JV schedule. Wilson explains the conference rules state coaches of the opposing team can decide if they will allow upperclassmen to play in the JV games, though she is hopeful coaches will allow them to play, even if it is on just one side of the ball.