On Friday, Aug. 23, the Edwardsville Tigers football officially started their season.  They fought a hard battle against the same people they play alongside during practice throughout the week.

However, the high school teams were not the only ones to play. This scrimmage was also for the Little Tigers of Edwardsville and each of the middle school teams.

“It gives the players a game-like practice and also gives the officials a chance to interact with the players,” high school varsity coach Matt Martin said. Mr. Martin is looking forward to this upcoming season and says that practice is his favorite part. “I came here to help kids get better,” Mr. Martin said. “I love watching them improve.”

The scrimmage allows the team to run game-like plays in order to practice both their offense and defense.

“We returned eight starters on defense, which is huge.  As for offense, we only had three [players] return but people are stepping up and producing,” senior wide receiver Darius Crochrell said.

One of those people who is stepping up is junior quarterback Dan Marinko.  He is replacing graduate Will Collins.

Marinko enjoyed the scrimmage. “Just being able to get out under the lights and give the fans a little preview of the upcoming season is awesome,” Marinko said.

During this “preview,” the EHS Tigers sported new helmets that were sponsored by athletic manufacturer, Schutt. They receive new helmets each year because they have been selected as a test team.

It is easy to say that the football players are not the only ones ready for the season to start. Many EHS students will be spending their Friday nights cheering on the Tigers.

Although the team may be smaller in size, it will not hold them back this year.

Senior outside linebacker Sean Sandifer said, “We have speed and work hard in practice. There is no telling what our limits will be.”