The Fairfield Ludlowe High School football team says it hasn't given up hope on a season yet, as players plan to dedicate their season to a player they lost in August.

Collin Fleming, who will be the Falcons' captain this season, says he was with his teammates when he found out 16-year-old Jake Panus died in a car accident.

He says the tragedy has bonded them as a team, and that they want to play for each other and Panus.

The team retired his jersey number and framed it for Panus' family. Coach Mitch Ross also said they are working on creating a scholarship for a player who exemplifies joy and positivity, which are traits, he says, Panus always brought to the field.

Fleming says whether their next game is in the fall or spring, Panus will be with them every step of the way.

He says if the team doesn't hear answers they want from the CIAC, they plan to coordinate more protests in support of a football season.

The board of control of the CIAC plans to meet on Thursday.