MARION — The calendar may show it’s March, but it’s time for high school football in Illinois.

Marion Wildcats head coach Kerry Martin says it has been a long and winding road for coaches and players to get to game week.

“It’s been an unbelievable ride beginning last March, not having school and losing contact with the kids,” Martin said. “Summertime was weird, a lot of protocols to go through. The fall was contact, but not really any hitting. Then we had a long break and wondered if we were even gonna play. It’s been a roller coaster ride.”

“They’ve been through a lot emotionally and psychologically, and now they’re going through something physically. It’s been a big, big change,” Martin added.

That physical part includes tackling, something the players haven’t done in more than a year.

“The last time we tackled somebody was November of ’19,” Martin said. “The fact we just started doing that again, that’s been a learning process again.”

Even with contact days, Martin admits the disjointed and extended offseason has been a lot to overcome.

“Overall, I’m really proud how our kids have handled this,” Martin said. “We’re young, but we’re energetic and excited. The attitude has been great, but the big challenge has been getting them back in game mode. Not sure we’re there. Talking to coaches, I’m not sure anyone feels they’re there. We need to play some games at get back where we were at one time.”

The Wildcats will have to be ready right out of the gates as they open with Carbondale and Cahokia–the two teams they shared the South 7 title with last year. Marion will actually open and close the six week season with games against Terriers.

“It fits this. It doesn’t fit any any other scenario, but it fits this,” said Martin. “They’ve got a great program. They’ve got a lot of great talent coming back. We know it will be a big challenge for us, but we’re excited to play.”

The Wildcats’ season opener will kickoff at 7:00 Friday at Carbondale’s Bleyer Field.