Patriots get first action of 2024 with Spring Game

6th grade combine shows Marion’s football future is bright

By CHUCK LIVINGSTON

Marion School District

Marion’s spring football game has become a must-see event over the past three years, and this year’s contest was no different.

On Thursday, May 30 at Southern Bancorp Stadium, fans were able to get their first look at the 2024 Marion football team in a controlled scrimmage environment.

“I have always felt like the spring game is a great cap to the school year and for football an exciting way to begin the next season,” said fourth-year Marion football coach Lance Clark ahead of the game. “Our game on Thursday should be a good way to tie a bow on spring ball, let our kids have some fun, and really give everyone a nice, community event.”

It was a real-game atmosphere at Thursday’s spring game, with admission free for all, and the concession stand had hot dogs and other snacks for purchase.

Marion football had tents set up where fans could give donations in exchange for gameworn Marion football jerseys, hats, and helmet decals.

During stoppages in play, there were mini games featuring children who volunteered to be selected to take part in the events.

On the field, Marion’s coaches split the varsity roster into two teams (Red and Navy) where they competed in four, eight-minute quarters until a winner is decided.

“Us coaches really like splitting the guys up, trying to make the teams as fair as possible,” said Clark. “It’s a competitive thing because both teams want to win.”

The spring football game was Marion’s tenth and final allowed spring practice under the rules of the Arkansas Activities Association.

Marion, which has averaged eight wins per season the past three years, finished 8-3 in 2023, finishing as conference runners-up before losing a heartbreaking home quarterfinal game to state power Pulaski Academy 27-26 when the Bruins scored on a 31-yard touchdown pass on the game’s final play.

The 2024 Patriot offense should boast three-year starting offensive linemen Charlie Cantrell and Carius Curne, with three-year starting receivers Cam Garrett, Mitrell Lewis, and Christian Young, and two-time all-state tailback Jalen Smith.

Graduation hit Marion’s defense rather hard two weeks ago, with seven starters walking the stage and exhausting their varsity eligibility, but the Pats do return defensive linemen Ryan Blackwell and Myles Dukes, cornerbacks Taheim Frost and Kendrick Cauley, and safeties and twins Kejaris and Kajeris Hill.

The nature of the rosters means that some of the offensive players got a chance to play defense, and vice versa. Special teams were also part of the contest, but field goals and extra points did not have to face a defense, and punts featured a snapper and a punter only, with up to two returners, and the kick was marked down where the returner catches it.

Teams could go for two at any time during the game, a change from being able to go for it only in the fourth quarter the past two years.

The coaches had a plan should the game be tied at the end of the fourth eight-minute quarter.

“We are definitely playing it out,” said Clark. “The first overtime will be four downs starting at the opponent’s 10yard line, then we’ll go to twopoint plays after that. But we will play until there’s a winner, for sure.”

In the end, it was the Navy squad pulling out the win in a defensive showcase, topping Team Red 6-0.

The 2024 season is nearing, but as for the longer forecast, the Patriots are already looking to the future with their recent 6th-grade combine, where aspiring Patriots moving into school sports eligibility were able to show their skills for coaches as they enter junior high.

“A huge thank you to all the parents and participants who attended our Marion Patriot 6th grade football combine at Southern Bancorp Stadium,” said Clark “Everyone did an incredible job showcasing their skills and testing in the 40-yard dash, broad jump, and vertical jump. We are excited about the future of our program and proud of the effort and dedication shown by our young athletes. Looking forward to what’s ahead!

Parents or players with any questions please email Coach Clark at LClark@msd3.org

A common saying among elite sports programs is, “We don’t rebuild, we reload,” and the Marion Patriot football team seems to be taking that to heart with their recent 6th grade combine giving up-and-coming athletes a chance to showcase their talents for coaches.

Photos courtesy of MPAN

Photo by Londa Hamrick

The 2024 Marion Patriots unofficially launched their season last Thursday night with the school’s annual Red vs. Navy spring game.