The Gull Lake Lions are nearing the end of their rope, but the longtime football town hopes to battle through some adversity.

    
 

     As the Lions prepare for another 9-man football season in the Southwest Football Conference, they do so with a limited number of players.

     Lions Head Coach Neal Boutin says they have 20 players this season, which is barely enough to field a team.  "We knew this was coming; it's no surprise.  It's manageable, but it means our guys are going to have to be in good shape."

     The league is back down to four teams for this season.  Both Assiniboia and Caronport are taking a year of absence, so the league will compose of Maple Creek, Shaunavon, Lumsden, and Gull Lake.

     Regular season play begins late next week.