The Salem Wildcats saw their football season come to an end Saturday afternoon with a 37-to-nothing loss at second-seeded Carterville in the second round of the IHSA playoffs. Despite the final score, Salem’s defense turned in one of its best performances of the season, holding the high-powered Carterville offense to just one touchdown through the first three quarters. Carterville got on the scoreboard with an 85-yard kickoff return for a touchdown by Reginald Wilson to open the game. But the Wildcat defense battled back, forcing three turnovers, including two fumbles by Carterville running back Jonathon Miller and an interception by senior Kaeden Bevolo. Unfortunately, the Lions’ defensive line proved to be too much for Salem, as the Wildcats struggled to get their offense going. Carterville eventually pulled away with four touchdowns in the final 12 minutes. Salem finishes the season with a record of 6-and-4, but not before accomplishing several things the program hadn’t done in decades, including hosting and winning its first playoff game since 1992. Saturday’s game also marked the end of an outstanding career for senior Trey Clark. Clark finishes as Salem High School’s all-time leading rusher, surpassing 3,300 career yards. He is the only player in school history to reach that milestone.
Also on Saturday, Carlyle lost at Hardin Calhoun 46-0, Nashville over DuQuion 45-28, Flora advances beating Central A&M 28-13, Vandalia 42-6 over Hamilton County, Roxana upset top-seed Hillsboro 55-48, Benton over Fairfield 52-14, Highland beat Freeburg 54-34, Carbondale over TF North 42-10.
Next week for the next round of the playoffs, Centralia will host Mt Zion, Vandali aat Nashville, Flora plays at 4-7 Shelbyville, Highland goes to Carterville.
