FAIRFIELD — It’s a new take on March madness–football in the spring.

High school teams in Illinois started practice last week with eyes toward a six week season starting March 19 and 20th.

“Super excited,” said senior quarterback Landon Zurliene. “You can’t even put into words how excited you are. Obviously it’s different than it’s ever been, but just grateful to be able to play”

“Even six weeks ago, I’d almost given up hope for a basketball season or a football season,” said Fairfield head coach Justin Townsend. “We’re happy we’re getting our six game season. No, there’s no playoffs. No, we don’t get to play a full conference schedule, but we’re ecstatic we get six games.”

The first week and a half of football practice overlaps with the final week and and a half of basketball, a different and particularly challenging piece to the puzzle–both for the players and the coaches. Coaches have staggered practices times and juggled personnel between teams. Players sometimes are going to two practices a day or a practice and a game–and still keeping up with their school work. It takes great time management and organization.

“You just have to be flexible and have the best interests in the kids,” Townsend said. “The coaches are all on board. The kids are locked in. They’re focused. They realize this is an important time for them as well.”

“We’re definitely blessed to have amazing coaches in both basketball and football to be able to work with each other and find the right times for all of us to get in our respective sports and practice,” said senior Blake Pruitt, who plays both sports.

The pandemic abbreviated season does not include any postseason. That leaves conference titles as the big prize. Conference titles are something the Fairfield Mules know quite well.

Fairfield has won or shared four straight Black Diamond titles, including three straight outright championships. The Mules have won 35 of their last 36 BDC games, including 29 straight–a streak that dates back to Week 7 of 2016.

“You just want to continue it,” said senior Cameron Gardner. “You want to continue it on for the younger guys.”

The Mules will open their season next Saturday at CZR.