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Attrition continues to be as much a challenge for Polk County’s football program as opponents.

By the end of Friday’s 55-0 loss to Brevard, the Wolverines had just more than 20 players in uniform, and a couple of those were hobbling. The gathering of injured Wolverines on the sidelines nearly matched the number of available reserves.

That’s never a recipe for success, but especially not against the Blue Devils (6-2). Brevard raced to a 42-0 halftime lead, scoring four different ways, en route to clinching a share of the Mountain Foothills 7 Conference regular-season title. The Blue Devils already own the tiebreaker over East Rutherford.

Brevard scored on Benjamin Kessinger’s 23-yard pass to Eli Griffin, an interception return, a punt return and five rushing touchdowns, two of those by Nyrell Skinnger.

Despite a limited roster that grew smaller as the night progressed, Polk County (1-7) continued to battle until the final whistle. There were a couple of bright spots for the Wolverines:

Freshman Brody Wilkins dealt with a strong Brevard pass rush much of the game but still completed nine passes and led the Wolverines on a long drive in the second half that ended at the Blue Devil 13.

Senior Karson Scruggs, in his final home game, caught five passes for 60 yards.

Polk County will conclude its regular season next Friday, traveling to Hendersonville for another MF7 matchup.