Photos courtesy Ryan Zeigler/Field Focus
MARION — Marion senior quarterback Callahan Roper continues to rewrite the school record books, often moving past one of his coaches in the process.
Roper was 20-29 for a school record 405 yards and four touchdowns, helping the Wildcats turn a 13-point second half deficit into a 13-point win, 48-35 over Collinsville.
Not only is it the first 400-yard passing game in school history, Roper also became the school’s career passing touchdowns leader with 59, surpassing Wildcats’ assistant coach Matt Brown’s previous record of 57. Roper also joined Brown as the only quarterbacks with 5000 career passing yards. He still has some work to do to catch his coach, as Brown finished with 6001 yards.
Junious Thomas was Roper’s favorite target, hauling in nine passes for 186 yards and three touchdowns. Max Wade had five grabs for 95 yards and the other receiving touchdown. Blake Winters added a 92-yard touchdown run in the final minute sealed the Wildcats’ victory.
With the win, Marion improves to 4-3. The Wildcats will close out South Seven play Friday night at Carbondale.
Collinsville falls to 3-4 and will host Cahokia Friday night.
