Fredericksburg set to play last football game

Despite a state championship in 2001 and a runner-up finish a year ago Fredricksburg High School will play its final football game tonight when the Falcons play West Central of Maynard as part of a doubleheader in the UNI-Dome. Fredricksburg coach Steve Staker says participation in football and other sports has been strong but budgetary issues led to the school board’s decision to consolidate with neighboring Sumner. He says athletic wise he didn’t think it was necessary and says he’d hope there would be an alternative. He says he understands from the enrollment aspect that something needs to be done, but he says it would be nice to keep their athletic identity. Staker says the players have been motivated knowing it is the final season. He says they’ve had a pretty good year and have said they want to go out on a winning note and want to make it one to remember. There is plenty at stake. At 4-4, the Falcons need a victory to close their final season with a winning record. He says West Central has struggled, but he says they can’t just show up and say they’ll win.