CARTERVILLE – The Carterville Lions were back at it again. This time playing the Du Quoin Indians for their homecoming game of the season. A back-and-forth battle was won by Carterville, advancing their record to 3-1 after beating the Indians 28-26.

The game started with a pass from Andrew Hellriegel, junior, to senior Townsend Barton, bringing the Lions a first down. Junior Nolan Hartford was then brought down by Du Quoin’s Henry Harsy bringing it to 2nd-and-8 with 7:07 left in the first quarter. 

After a pass from Hellriegel to Peyton Bittle, a fumble was picked up by the Indians’ Camden Waller. This led to the Indians scoring, opening it up at 6-0.

To start the second quarter, Hellriegel completed a big pass to Hartford to bring the Lions to a 2nd-and-goal. Hartford ran the ball to get a 3rd and short with 10:05 remaining in the quarter.

Ethan Lannom brought the Lions a touchdown and a kick from Jaron Luttenbacher was good. The score from the Lions brought it up to 7-6

Du Quoin quickly answered with a 3 yard touchdown, bringing it to 12-7 at the half.

Within the first few minutes of the third quarter, the Lions were at 1st-and-goal on a run by Bittle with 7:44 left in the quarter. Hellriegel was able to maneuver his way in for a touchdown for the Lions, bringing the score to 14-12 with a good kick from Luttenbacher. 

The Indians then scored on the Lions again, bringing the score to 20-14.

In quick response, Barton then received the ball from Hellriegel and ran it in for a touchdown, bringing it up to 21-20 with the Lions in the lead. 

The Indians started the fourth quarter with a 15-yard penalty bringing them 1st and 24.

The Indians then received another penalty for an ineligible receiver downfield at 3rd-and-24 the Lions then decide to decline the penalty.

Despite this, the Indians were able to score again, bringing it 26-21 with 5:58 left in the quarter.

With just a 1:47 remaining Hellriegel passed to Bittle for a touchdown, regaining a Lion lead at 28-26.

On their next possession, the Indians fumbled and Zach Rice was quick on the recovery, which solidified the win for Carterville.

The Lions are set to play at Anna-Jonesboro at 7 pm on September 24, 2021.