Ben Greenberger/River Radio Sports Central
MARION — With 19 seniors graduating from last year’s 6-4 playoff team, including major contributors such as record-setting quarterback Callahan Roper, Sam Adkins, and Junious Thomas, the Marion Wildcats will be a much different squad in 2026.
Marion will open the season with three straight non-conference home games, starting August 21 against Carterville, followed by visits from Lincoln and Belleville West. Week 4 the Wildcats will open South Seven play at newcomer Highland with a trip to Mt. Vernon on the schedule the following week with non-conference foe Peoria Richwoods coming to Wildcats Stadium in week 6.
Weeks 7 and 8 it’s back to conference play–at Cahokia and hosting Carbondale. The Wildcats will close the regular season week 9 at Mattoon.
