Football makes triumphant return

It was a quick turn of the page, but it was also welcomed.

Not long after southern Illinois schools wrapped up a "spring" football season, the fall sport returned to its regularly scheduled programming Monday as teams across the state kicked off the first official practice.

In the August heat, Harrisburg first year head coach Matt Griffith led the Bulldogs in an afternoon practice, while Eldorado's Joe Clark, who is in his fifth year as head coach of the Eagles conducted an evening practice.

The regular season will kick off on August 27th as Harrisburg will play host to Cerro Gordo at 7 p.m., while Eldorado will open the Black Diamond Conference slate with last year's conference champ, Fairfield at Boz Adams Field in a 7 p.m. tilt.