Well, somehow the high school football season is back starting Friday night when the Carterville Lions head to Benton to take on the Rangers in week one of the high school football season.
It's only been 127 days since we last watched Coach Brett Diel and his Lions in a 28-14 win over the Du Quoin Indians.
I've always liked this matchup between Carterville and Benton to start the season. These are similar teams and give a really the fans a really good look at their team. During the spring season however, these two teams did not face each other.
As teams do every season, team makeup will change due to graduation and it's an opportunity for the underclassmen to step up and take the reins of the team.
The strong point of this Lions team is in those underclassmen that were able to pick up significant varsity experience last season. This team consist of 11 seniors, 18 juniors and 12 sophomores.
Here are the rosters for both Carterville and Benton
I had a chance to talk to Coach Brett Diel for the radio pre-game interview.
I am really excited to see the new look Tabor Field at Benton. The Rangers are the latest team in Southern Illinois to install turf on their football field.
Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM. Scott Hudson and I will have the call on NewsRadio WJPF starting at 6:40 pm. If you can't make the trip to Franklin County, we will have our livestream available here:
Hopefully we will see you at the game. Let's Go Lions!