Matt Griffith has taken over the reins of a program that has had one winning season and playoff appearance since making it to the 4A semifinals back in 2012. The Bulldogs have gone 25-44 in those eight seasons, including 2-4 back in the spring COVID-shortened season.

Griffith is a teacher at Harrisburg and had been an assistant coach for the Bulldogs. He says that familiarity with the kids has helped with the transition to his first head coaching gig.

Griffith, who was a standout offensive lineman at Marion before playing at SIU, says the biggest adjustment for him is learning the skill positions. He joked that the assistants will have to remind him that the passing game is viable part of the offense.

Harrisburg not only has a new coach, but also three new non-conference opponents–Cerro Gordo/Bement, Salem, and Carterville will replace Mt. Carmel and Carbondale. Harrisburg had an open date week 3 in the last full season back in 2019. Du Quoin remains the Bulldogs’ week 2 opponent.

Harrisburg will open the season and Griffith’s tenure at home, August 27 against Cerro Gordo/Bement.