The Wait Is Almost Over: Lions Football Returns August 21

The countdown is officially on. In just a few weeks, Friday night lights will once again shine across Southern Illinois, and I couldn't be more excited to be back in the booth for another season of Carterville Lions football. It all begins on Friday, August 21st, when the Lions travel to Marion to open the 2026 season, and I hope you'll join Keenan Clark and me for every snap of what promises to be another exciting year.

We'll be on the air with our pregame coverage beginning at 6:40 p.m. on NewsRadio WJPF, streaming live at WJPF.com, and you'll also be able to watch the game live on our YouTube channel. Whether you're at home, on the road, or unable to make it to the stadium, we'll have you covered all season long with complete play-by-play, analysis, interviews, and everything you need to stay connected to Carterville football.

The Lions enter the season with plenty of momentum after another outstanding campaign in 2025. Expectations are once again high in Carterville, and with a strong group of returning players and another talented senior class, there's every reason to believe this team will be in the hunt for another conference championship and a deep postseason run.

One of the biggest reasons for that optimism is the return of senior running back Johnny Miller. Quite simply, Johnny was one of the best football players in Southern Illinois a season ago. His combination of speed, vision, toughness, and explosiveness made him one of the area's most dangerous offensive weapons every time he touched the football. Opposing defenses know exactly who they're preparing for each week, but slowing him down is another story altogether. Watching what he accomplishes during his senior season is going to be one of the biggest storylines of the year.

Of course, football is never about just one player. Carterville has built its reputation on playing physical football, executing the fundamentals, and getting contributions from every position on the field.

The Lions will have a rebuilding project on the offensive and defensive lines, as last year's senior laden lineup graduated including Bryce Reimann, Jaxon Labotte, Luke Barnhart and four-year starter Jaxon Smith.

That team-first mentality has become a trademark of Coach Brett Diel's program, and it will once again be on display as the Lions navigate another challenging River-to-River Ohio Division schedule.

One game that immediately stands out is the September 18 matchup against Salem. It will be the first-ever football meeting between Carterville and Salem as conference opponents, with the Wildcats joining the River-to-River Ohio Division this season. New conference matchups always bring a little extra excitement, and I'm looking forward to seeing how that new rivalry begins.

One of my favorite parts of broadcasting high school football is following the story of a season as it unfolds. Every Friday night brings a new challenge, a new hero, and another chapter in what makes high school football so special. From big plays and dramatic finishes to unforgettable moments that no one sees coming, that's what keeps Keenan and me excited every time we climb into the broadcast booth.

I'm also looking forward to sharing those moments with all of you. Whether you've listened to us for years or you're tuning in for the first time, we appreciate you making us part of your Friday nights. Our goal is simple: bring you as close to the action as possible while celebrating the student-athletes, coaches, and communities that make Southern Illinois football so special.

So mark your calendars for Friday, August 21st. Join Keenan Clark and me beginning at 6:40 p.m. on NewsRadio WJPF, WJPF.com, and our YouTube channel as we kick off another exciting season of Carterville Lions football. I have a feeling this is going to be a memorable year, and I can't wait to share every play, every touchdown, and every exciting moment with you. Football season is almost here!