A small western Nebraska high school has cancelled the rest of its football season to protect the 12 remaining players.

The school's Athletic Director Tom Peacock announced the decision Tuesday morning.

The Morrill Lions started the season with 18 players, but the roster dwindled to 12 because of several injuries, and the team lost its first five games.

The cancellation means that Morrill will forfeit its three remaining games against at Perkins County, Bayard and North Platte St. Patrick's.