Friday afternoon, Marion Athletics announced a 4-year agreement between Marion and Carterville to play varsity and underclass football in Week 1 of the football season starting in Fall 2025.

In the Fall 2024 season, Carterville opened the season with Benton while Marion opened with Herrin.  Both games were home games.

It was not announced which team would host this year’s Week 1 contest.

Both programs were first-round exits in the IHSA Playoffs season.  The Carterville Lions finished with a 7-3 record and lost to eventual 4A runner-up Mt. Zion.  Marion finished 6-4 with a loss at Highland.