Moniteau football players, Isaiah Thompson, front left, Trent Beechem, front right, Finley Thurner, back left, Coach Cecil Blauser, back center, and Carter Sutton, back right, pose for a group photo during the Butler Eagle Football Media Day at Butler High School on Friday, Aug. 9. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle

Citing player health concerns, Moniteau canceled its football game with Central Clarion, scheduled for Friday night.

YDL Sports Network first reported the news Wednesday. Warriors head coach Bob Rottman told exploresportspa.com on Thursday nearly half the 33-player roster would not have been healthy enough to play, including all five starting offensive lineman.

“Injuries played a huge role in it,” Rottman told exploresportspa.com. “It was just for the safety and best interest of our football team. We felt it was the best thing to do for them.”

A call to Rottman Friday night was not immediately returned.

Moniteau (0-3) struggled mightily in its first three games, losing by a combined 145-8.

According to exploresportspa.com, Rottman hopes to not cancel any further games.