HARRISBURG, Neb. – Banner County Schools announced the forfeit of the rest of their varsity football season due to challenges in fielding a team safely.

After suffering five consecutive losses to start the season, the school cited safety concerns as the main reason for the difficult decision.

"Due to our inability to safely field a team, we have made the decision to forfeit the remainder of the varsity football season," the school said in a statement. "This was a difficult decision made after careful consideration. We thank our student athletes and coaches for their efforts and community for their support of Banner County football."

Banner County was scheduled to face Potter-Dix, Garden County and Leyton in their final three games.

Banner County joins Southern Valley as two schools in the state to cancel the remainder of their football seasons.