Let's Go Lions!
- Aug 21, 2015
- 3 min read
It is crazy to believe as I sit here writing this post, that school for the 2015/16 year has been in session for two weeks already. It seems as though there wasn't much of a summer, and in fact there wasn't as compared to years past as the kids only had about 10 weeks off.
With school starting, that means that high school football is one week away. For me personally, I get to start a new opportunity that I've wanted to do for some time. I have been presented the chance to do play-by-play for high school sports, specifically the Carterville Lions on NewsRadio WJPF 1340 AM.
While I have been on the radio a greater part of my life, and have broadcasting and play by play expeiriance, being a longtime fan, a member of the Carterville community and "parental equivalent" of several Caterville Lions, this opportunity has special meaning for me.
I'm very fortunate to be working with Jim Cislaghi, who has been around football for several years and has been the color man for Lions broadcast for past six years, and I'm very excited for the opportunity to sit next to him and talk about the Lions.
Carterville is coming off the most successful season in almost 20 years as the Lions advanced to the IHSA State Quarter Finals one year ago. It was one of the best atmosphere's that you will ever see in high school sports, as the season came to an end at the hands of cross county rival Herrin Tigers in a 28-7. This ended the season for Dennis Drust and his Lions at 11-1. The Lions last won the State Championship in 1996.
Last years Lions were a senior laden group, with the majority of those upper classman on the lines and in the backfield both offensive and defensive. This years group of seniors are at the specilized positions...quarterback and receiving to be specific.
It will be interesting to see how the Coach Drust adjusts his offense to the strengths of this years players. For so many years, Carterville was known and made their living with the ground and pound game. One year ago Brayden Basaillon had the inside running attack and Blake Hicks used his speed to get to the outside. The offensive line would wear down defensive lines and that would open up the running game. Blake Hicks is back this year at QB and there are over 15 Seniors on this years squad. Who will step up this year to replace the leadership and experience from last year's team? We will have to wait and see.
Everythings get started on August 28th with the first game on the road at Benton. Coach Drust has re-arranged his coaching staff, but they are a very experienced group of coaches who will get the most out of their players as they do each and every year.
The full Carterville Lions Varsity schedule is as follows:
August 28 - Carterville @ Benton - 7 PM
September 4 - Massac County @ Carterville - 7 PM
September 11 - Carterville @ Murphysboro - 7 PM
September 18 - DuQuoin/Elverado @ Carterville - 7 PM
September 25 - Carterville @ Anna-Jonesboro - 7 PM
October 2 - Nashville @ Carterville - 7 PM
October 9 - Sparta @ Carterville - 7 PM
October 16 - Carterville @ Pinckneyville - 7 PM
October 23 - West Frankfort @ Carterville - 7 PM
As you might be able to tell, I am extremely excited to be able to call Lions football and basketball this year. I will do my very bestI to paint a clear picture for you of what is happening on the field of play, and Jim will give you great analysis.
Don't forget that you can hear all the action on Newsradio WJPF 1340 AM. I will also keep you up to date on twitter and on facebook as well. I also look forward to working with Varsity Coach Dennis Drust, Basketball Coach Scott Burzynski and New Athletic Director Brett Diel.
I guess that's it for now except to say "Let's Go Lions"!
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