Bulldogs ready to spring into season
Two months ago, Harrisburg head football coach Gabe Angelly - like most Illinois high school coaches - didn't think there was going to be a football season in the 2020-21 school calendar year.
Now, after a restructuring of the athletic calendar that will allow for six games, Angelly is giddy to lead a football team onto the field, albeit, an abbreviated season.
"I fully expected that after we missed the fall season that there was no way we were going to play," Angelly said. "But, they gave us six games and we're happy about it because we never ever thought we were going to get that."
The Bulldogs will kick off their season this Saturday with a home game against Massac County at 1 p.m. Harrisburg will then play Benton next Saturday at home at 1 p.m., followed by a Week 3 game on Friday, April 2 at Murphysboro.
The last home game of the season will be April 9, when Harrisburg hosts Herrin. The Bulldogs conclude the last two weeks of the season at Du Quoin and West Frankfort.
With six games on the docket, Harrisburg - and most all schools - will essentially be playing for a conference championship. For Angelly, that and giving his seniors a chance to end their season the right way is what most excites him.
"Our seniors get to finish their last season with games and it's a chance for the younger guys to get better by playing varsity ball and see what it is like so they are ready to go next fall."
The quick turnaround might be a concern for Angelly in regards to injuries healing. Outside of that, he also know kids are resilient and will be ready to go.
Angelly has 37 players on his varsity roster and close to 85 total for all three programs.
"My main concern is the quick turnaround," Angelly said. "Guys aren't going to have much time off between now and when we start back up in the summer. Some of the major injuries to being fully healed by the time fall season rolls around is concerning. Outside of that, kids are kids. They are happy to have a season
"I know there is a lot being jammed into a small window right now, but for so long they had nothing and I think kids are just happy to have something right now."
Because there is so much being crammed into the end of the school year calendar and sandwiched between basketball and baseball, Angelly said he's happy with the numbers, noting that those who want to play football have made the commitment.
"There is so much overlap right now and kids trying to jam so much into their lives. I think it's typical for some kids to now come out, but I'm really happy with our numbers. I think most of the kids that said they are playing football are here and are not having to make a decision over playing one sport over the other."
If there is an incentive, Angelly pointed toward the Saturday games that wouldn't happen during the normal fall schedule, but yet, will give the feel of playoff football.
"I'm just looking forward to having a game," Angelly said. "In the fall, we had our contact days, then we had to stop and then we started back up again. It's been a lot, but getting out on a Friday and Saturday will make it all worth it. Those Saturday games should be fun, but most importantly, letting the kids get out and compete, that's what I'm looking forward too."
Spyder Dann covers prep and college sports for the Southern Illinois LOCAL Media Group. Follow him on Twitter: @spydieshooter.