Friday August 29, 2025—The Carterville Lions played Marion Wildcats. It was a long and rough game but the Lions took the victory 35-34 against the Marion Wildcats.
The Wildcats started up 14, but Johnny Miller made a touchdown followed by Mathew Minnis with a 2 point conversion after the touchdown.
Mathew Minnis is also the only freshman to play varsity. He worked very hard and put a lot of effort this summer to get this spot on varsity. Mathew said, “As a freshman it is unreal to get this chance to play varsity even when it was a close game. It is something that I will never forget, it is also awesome that my remarks and coaches put their trust in a freshman.”
Mathew explained that he started to practice kicking two summers ago as a joke. He never thought that he would be playing varsity now as a freshman.
Soon after, the Lions scored more touchdowns and were finally up in score. Then senior Aidan Swallers had an amazing kick at the end of the game, taking the victory home for the Lions. The Lions did well at showcasing their hard work and effort that they put towards the program and the team.
The Lions Cheer and Dance also did a kick line to “Thunderstruck” by AC/DC. This was the first year they started doing a kick-line. It was definitely a fan favorite from the student section and the crowd.
Senior cheerleader Emerson Scherscel talks about how she really enjoys football season and it being her favorite season. She said, “I love the environment that football season brings. It brings everyone together and gets people excited about the beginning of the school year.”
Emerson started cheering in grade 7. She self taught herself how to tumble in middle school and decided it was something she wanted to do. She enjoys the teamwork that cheerleading has, and she also enjoys that it brings her closer to new people and the new friendships she has built throughout the sport.
The senior Hannah Dueker, really enjoys being in the student section during football games. She says how there’s a lot of energy in the student section. She also enjoys how it doesn’t matter what grade you’re in, everyone just bonds over the sport and yet has a lot of school spirit.
Fans are excited to see how this season goes. Carterville Cheer and Dance are also ready to show their lion spirit as well as the student section. The lions can be seen playing Nashville on September 5 at seven o’clock.