First Look: Football Is Officially Back in Carterville

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There are certain days on the calendar that always get me excited, and the opening day of football practice is near the top of the list. Wednesday marked the first official practice of the 2026 season for the Carterville Lions, and after spending some time watching the team on the field, it's safe to say football season has officially arrived.

From the moment practice began, there was plenty of energy around Lions Field. Coaches wasted little time getting players into drills while the athletes moved from station to station with plenty of enthusiasm. It was obvious this group was excited to finally get back on the field after months of offseason workouts.

One of the first things that caught my attention was the tempo. Practices like these can sometimes feel like players are simply knocking the rust off, but that wasn't the case here. The Lions kept moving throughout the workout, with coaches emphasizing fundamentals, communication and execution from one drill to the next.

Of course, football isn't won on August 5. These first few weeks are about building habits, developing chemistry and preparing for the challenges ahead. Every rep matters, and every practice gives younger players an opportunity to prove they belong while veterans continue refining their game.

The excitement will only continue to build as the Lions prepare for their season opener on Friday, August 21, when Carterville travels to Marion to take on the Wildcats. It should be a tremendous way to kick off another season in one of Southern Illinois' best football rivalries.

I'm looking forward to bringing you every snap alongside Keenan Clark once again on NewsRadio WJPF, streaming live at WJPF.com, and on the Carterville Lions YouTube channel. There's nothing quite like Friday nights in Southern Illinois, and we're excited to be back in the booth.

After seeing the first day of practice, one thing is certain: the work has officially begun. There is still plenty to accomplish over the next couple of weeks, but the foundation for the 2026 season is now being built one practice at a time. Before long, the lights will come on, the stands will fill, and another chapter of Carterville Lions football will begin.