ELIZABETHTOWN, NC (WWAY) -- The season is over for East Bladen High School's football team, and some of its equipment is also done for good.
With such a high risk for head injuries during games, safety standards for helmets are strongly enforced.
"We have about 80 or so kids in the program each year, so you know it's something we've got to have," East Bladen coach Robby Priest said. "You've got to have football helmets."
More than 50 of the East Bladen Eagles' helmets failed an inspection this week for safety standards. Now, the team is trying to figure out how to pay to replace the equipment.
"Two-hundred dollars a pop. That's the going rate, but we're going to do this fundraiser: sell the old ones for $25 a piece, and we're going to do some more fundraisers. We're getting outstanding help for the community," Priest said.
Coach Priest says the helmets were ten years old and aged out of eligibility. He says although money is an issue, he is more concerned about his players' health and well-being.
"With the high concern of concussions now and player safety it's always going to be at the top of any conversation when it comes to football," he said.
The old helmets are on sale, but are not to be used to practice or play football. Coach priest says it would make a great Christmas present for a football lover.
Priest says someone paid $600 this afternoon for a used helmet and to help get the new gear.
If you'd like to help, call East Bladen High School at (910) 645-2500 and ask for Coach Priest.