More than two dozen football players and their parents met with administration at Van High School this week in a last-ditch effort to revitalize the Bulldogs' football team.

Last week the school had said that due to inadequate numbers of eligible football players, Van High School would sit out this football season.

That is no longer the case, says Boone County Schools Safety Director Steve Bradley.

“Well, it was a school

administration that made the decision. They had a meeting last night and several parents and players came to the meeting," Bradley said.

“I think there were 28 players. They took all the names of the players who were at the meeting to check eligibility.”

From those 28 names, 20 students met eligibility standards, Bradley said.

“They’re really excited,” he said.

According to Bradley, Van High School’s new principal Anthony Jones is leading the charge when it comes to apprising the Secondary Schools Activities Commission of Van High School’s desire to play football in the upcoming school year.

However, the SSAC may have already finalized its schedule for next year.

Jones is expected to report back to Bradley and Boone County Schools administration with reports on his efforts to get Van High School football back on the field.

“I have been in contact with all the other schools and with the SSAC, and everything’s locked in the way it was,” Principal Jones said.

“I’d like to thank the community and parents for their dedication to the school.

I’m originally from this area and I know the strong ties this program has in the community and I have a strong passion for the school and the students here.

“I appreciate the parents and football players’ passion and pride,” Jones said.

Van is reported to be one of the smallest schools in Class A, West Virginia’s smallest division, and the Bulldogs have played their way to 10 state playoffs.