Nothing stings more than a canceled game.

That has been a troubling theme this high school football season as low roster numbers have led programs throughout the Sac-Joaquin Section to pull the plug on a scheduled contest big on attrition.

Burbank coach Eddie Elder and his administration decided they could not competitively field a team Friday against No. 5 Monterey Trail (6-1) in a Metropolitan Conference game, something the school has considered before.

It’s a triple loss – a lost opportunity for Burbank and Monterey Trail to play, and lost revenue for the Titans, who, like any program, depend on gate receipts to help fund campus programs.

Burbank is now 0-8, though not for lack of effort. Despite losing their first- and second-string quarterbacks to injuries, the Titans plan to finish the season with games against Metro rivals McClatchy (0-7) and Kennedy (2-5).

In the southern part of the section, Modesto Christian has forfeited against Hilmar this week due to having just 12 varsity players. In July, Turlock Christian announced that it was canceling its season due to roster numbers. Florin and Mira Loma also forfeited games this season for the same reasons.

Monterey Trail coach T.J. Ewing was scrambling for a game, but mostly felt for his coaching friend.

“It is a tough situation for everyone, but there are tougher things in the world right now,” said Ewing, a big guy and a big-picture thinker. “We’ll get over it. I feel for their program. Coach Elder is a great man. Great leader to have. He will get their program rolling again.”

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