Homecoming for the Lions - Week 4 vs. Du Quoin Indians

Photo: Gail Bouchard Johnson

The Carterville Lions kick off the SIRR Conference season Friday night when they host the Du Quoin Indians on homecoming night at CHS.

The Du Quoin Indians are coming off of a win over the Herrin Tigers last week 26-23 while the Lions are coming off of an impressive win over the Murphysboro Red Devils 31-21.

Du Quoin opened the season with a 18-7 win over Chester, however, they did not play in week two of the season due to Covid issues. You can rest assured that DuQuoin will bring their A game when they face this Lions squad.

The Lions dominated Murphysboro in all stat categories, rushing for over 160 yards and throwing for 100 yards. Yet, after taking a 24-7 lead at the end the three quarters, the Lions needed a late game drive to seal the win over the Red Devils 31-21.

This should be a great matchup between these two teams as they try to jump into the win column in the Mississippi Division of the SIRR Conference.

I had a chance to talk to Lions Head Coach Brett Diel about the game in our pre-game chat with coach.

Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM. Scott Hudson and I will have the call on NewsRadio WJPF starting with our pregame show at 6:40 PM.

As always, you can watch our YouTube Livestream of the game here:

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In Case You Missed It

103.5 ESPN Team of the Week

Following the 46-6 win over Herrin, the Carterville Lions were selected the 103.5 ESPN High School Football Team of the Week.

Matt Varney made a visit to practice this week to present the players the TOTW t-shirts and plaque. Coach Brett Diel spoke with Matt about this award.

Congratulations Lions!

Going For Two In-a-Row - Carterville at Murphysboro - Week 3

Photo: Gail Bourchard Johnson

The Carterville Lions hit the road tonight in a cross-conference matchup as they travel to Murphysboro to face the Red Devils.

The Red Devils enter tonight's game 2-0 and on the season while the Lions are coming off a big 46-6 win over cross-county rival Herrin.

Last week, the Lions were dominant on both sides of the ball and all phases of the game were clicking as the they rushed for over 300 yards while the passing attack hit for over 170 yards. Defensively, the Lions only allowed 63 yards rushing and 56 yards in the air.

I spoke with head coach Brett Diel about tonight's matchup with Murphysboro.

Should be a great game between these two teams tonight and we hope to see you there at Doc Bencini Field to support your Lions.

If you are planning on making the trip to Murphysboro tonight, keep in mind there is road construction on 14th Street that could result in delays. It is best to use the 16th Street approach to the high school. Len Novara, the AD for Murphysboro provided a map showing the best route.

If you can't make it to the game, Scott Hudson and I will have the call on NewsRadio WJPF starting at 6:40 pm with our pregame show. You can also watch the livestream of the game here:

Let's Go Lions!

Herrin Tigers at Carterville Lions - Week 2

Payton Bittle scores the lone touchdown for the Lions last Friday night.

I've said for a long time, I like the week one matchup between the Benton Rangers and the Carterville Lions. They are always entertaining games between two teams that are pretty evenly matched.

The Rangers were able to take advantage of three turnovers by Carterville and beat the Lions 23-6 last Friday night on a hot and humid night at the newly refreshed Tabor Field in Benton.

Photo: The Southern

This week, the Lions will host cross-county rival Herrin in a week two matchup in which the Lions will honor the 25th Anniversary of the 1996 Class 3A Championship in football.

The Tigers lost to Marion last Friday night at home to the Marion Wildcats 40-7.

Here is my pre-game interview with Lions Coach Brett Diel:

Scott Hudson and I will have the broadcast starting with the pre-game show on NewsRadio WJPF starting at 6:40 PM. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM.

You can watch our livestream of the broadcast here:

I mentioned that this week Carterville will honor the 1996 Class 3A Championship football team during the game Friday night. Head Coach Brett Diel played in that game. Several players from the team will be on hand and I'm really looking to seeing them back at CHS.

As you enter the stadium, you will see a new sign recognizing that championship team.

If you would like to re-watch that game, played on a cold and rainy night in Normal, Illinois, twenty five years ago, you can watch it here:

Looking forward to a great game tonight. LET"S GO LIONS!!