Lions Roll Past Herrin, Turn Their Focus to Salem on Homecoming Night
The Carterville Lions delivered another explosive performance Friday night, defeating the Herrin Tigers 58–20 in the SIRR Ohio Division opener. Carterville scored 26 points in the opening quarter, led 38–12 at halftime and added 20 more points in the third quarter. The victory improved the Lions to 4–0 and continued an impressive start that includes wins over Marion, Nashville, Charleston and Herrin.
Carterville’s offense piled up 520 total yards on only 38 plays—an average of nearly 14 yards per snap. The Lions rushed for 275 yards and passed for another 245. Jack Dodson completed 5 of 8 passes for 181 yards and four touchdowns, while Kamryn Gibbs went 2-for-2 for 59 yards and another score. Carterville did not throw an interception and finished the night with five touchdown passes.
Johnny Miller led the ground attack with 143 yards and two touchdowns on 13 carries, including a 51-yard scoring run. Reggie Wilson added 100 yards and two touchdowns on only five attempts, highlighted by a 77-yard trip to the end zone. Gavin Johnson caught four passes for 103 yards and three touchdowns, while Zackary Carter and Timothy Cupp added touchdown receptions covering 68 and 61 yards. Carterville’s defense held Herrin to 220 total yards and forced two turnovers.
The Lions now return home for a special Homecoming matchup against the Salem Wildcats. It will be the first meeting between the programs since Salem joined the SIRR Ohio Division this season. Carterville enters the game averaging more than 454 yards per contest, including better than 302 rushing yards per game. The Lions have scored 24 offensive touchdowns through their first four games and have turned the ball over only twice.
Salem comes to Carterville with a 2–2 record after falling 31–20 at Harrisburg in its conference opener. The Wildcats have shown that they can create explosive plays through the air. Against Harrisburg, quarterback Kanden Bevolo threw for 128 yards and two touchdowns, while Trey Clark led the rushing attack with 108 yards and a score. Salem also defeated Mattoon 29–7 earlier this season behind 213 passing yards from Bevolo and 178 rushing yards from Clark.
With Homecoming festivities, an undefeated Carterville team and an important conference game all sharing the spotlight, Friday night should bring a tremendous atmosphere. Fans unable to attend can follow the action on NewsRadio WJPF—AM 1340, 99.5 FM and WJPF.com—or watch the Lions Sports livestream on YouTube. Dave McKenzie and Keenan Clark will have the call.
WATCH THE LIVE BROADCAST HERE:
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