Prep Football: Wildcats roar in season opener at Herrin

Marion nearly pitched a shutout in the season opener as the Wildcats rolled to a 40-7 win at Herrin Saturday night.

The game had a playoff like atmosphere in Week 1 as the two teams, who haven't met on the gridiron in 10 years, renewed its rivalry to kick off the 2021 season.

Marion scored twice in the first half as Deavon Margrum and Lukas Shrum each punched in a score from four yards out in the first and second quarter, respectively. Marion also converted on both two-point conversion attempts compliments of Brody Larson as the Wildcats took a 16-0 lead into the locker room.

In the third quarter, Marion came out clicking on all cylinders as the Wildcats' Patrick Walker went 99 yards on the kick off, while Larson added the conversion to give Marion a 24-0 advantage.

A few minutes later, Marion struck again, this time as Evan Noelle hooked up with Vincent Newsome on a 23-yard reception. The Wildcats last score of the game came on a one-yard carry by Jordyn Beverly.

Herrin was able to get on the scoreboard late in the fourth when Cameron Evrard scored on a two-yard run, while Riley Sims kicked the point after.

The final game of the two-year contract between both schools will be at Marion next season. The Wildcats host Jerseryville Friday, while Herrin travels to Carterville.