Two of the top 3A area schools have inked a deal that will see them lock horns for at least two upcoming season openers.

Du Quoin High School Athletics announced Thursday that they have signed a two-year deal with Mt. Carmel.  The deal will see the two schools compete on the football field in Week 1 of the season in 2025 and 2026.

The Du Quoin Indians will host Mt. Carmel in 2025.  The Golden Aces will get their home game in 2026.

Du Quoin had a revival of a season in 2023 under first-year head coach Logan Spain, going 10-1.  That one loss came to 3A powerhouse Tolono Unity in a 35-25 road loss.

Tolono Unity would see their own season come to a halt the following week in the Quarterfinals against Mt. Carmel in a 56-46 loss.  The Golden Aces went 12-2 in 2023, they fell in the 3A State Championship to Byron 69-7.