Darren Kinnard/River Radio Sports Central
MURPHYSBORO — Saturday marked the first day high school football teams in Illinois could hold full pad, full contact practices. The Murphysboro Red Devils wasted little time getting to hitting, as they went as soon as possible, practicing at 12:01 Saturday morning.
The Red Devils held a spirited two-hour practice. The first hour featured tackling drills with 11-on-11 work the second hour.
Murphysboro is coming off an 11-2 season that ended with a loss to eventual state champion Rochester in the 4A semifinals.
The Red Devils graduated several key seniors from that squad, but return some important pieces, including starting quarterback Gibson Fager as well as running back Tyjaire Kellum, who is a threat to score from anywhere on the field.
The Red Devils will welcome Mt. Vernon for the week zero intersquad scrimmage Friday night before opening their season with the annual Jackson County Bragging rights game at Carbondale August 30.
