The West Frankfort Redbirds had a daunting task in Week 1 of the 2018 football season when they traveled to Anna-Jonesboro. The Wildcats went to the 3A Semifinals last season and entered the season as heavy favorites to dominate Southern Illinois yet again.
The Redbirds defense stood strong in the second half after the offense took a 3-point lead thanks to a 92-yard rushing TD from QB Connor Eaton. The rest, as they say, is history as the Redbirds would go on to win 24-21.
“To beat a team like Anna brings a lot of confidence to the team,” Head Coach Brian Beery said. “Hopefully we can carry that throughout the season.”
The Redbirds currently sit at 2-0 after also downing the Pinckneyville Panthers in Week 2 by a margin of 21-7. They are preparing for a game against Sparta this week.
“They are fast and they can hit,” Beery said about the Bulldogs. “Their kids can outrun you to the perimeter and they’re not afraid to lay the wood to you. It will be an interesting matchup.”
West Frankfort hosts the Sparta Bulldogs on Friday in their home opener. Kickoff is scheduled for 7pm.