CUBA, Mo. – Homecoming festivities did not include a football game at Cuba High School on Friday night. 

The district called the decision difficult, but said it was done out of safety concerns due to a low number of players.

Parents and players expressed heartache and frustration after learning about the decision on Thursday. 

Senior Noah Halbert said there’s only one homecoming football game and believes the game should not have been cancelled.

“It’s something we don’t get back,” Noah said. 

His father, Scott Halbert, shared his son’s concerns.

“It’s really disheartening to get to your senior year and then miss this one particular game,” Scott said.

Some parents said the district decision ignored the opinion of the team’s coach and did not include community input. Parents and players met with the district superintendent on Friday to express their concerns. 

“The way things were done is completely wrong,” said Michelle Leos, parent of a senior football player.  “This is a senior moment for him, and you took homecoming away.”

Parents said the team had 19 players ready for Friday’s game and expected to have an additional four players ready for next week.

Parents and players tell FOX 2 the district will evaluate the number of available players each week before deciding whether future games will be played. Noah Halbert said players are unified in their desire to play.

“Football is everything for small towns; it brings the community together and brings people together,” Noah said.