I know for a fact they had 7 seniors and 1 junior who contributed on the field for that team. 13 players all around, not 7 total players in the program. If that was the case, Ft. Elliott wouldn't have been able to field a team the next year (which they did).
As for having 8 players for that game, it would make sense considering only 8 truly played for them that year. But like all schools, not every player gets to see the field, and as in this case, against the defending state champion.
Btw I am not trying to start an argument. If your wondering where I am getting these facts, I still have a copy of TOT for the 2002 year, which proves everything I am saying 
