Wildcats set to welcome Murphysboro for 2019

The Anna-Jonesboro Community High School football team opens its  2019 home season at The Pit against Murphysboro on Friday, Sept. 6.

The game is scheduled to kick off at 7 p.m. and will be aired on WIBH Radio in Anna.

The Red Devils lost their season opener to Carbondale last week, 32-29, after leading at the half 22-12. The Terriers scored four touchdowns in the second half to earn the win.

The Terriers rushed for 349 yards. Murphysboro had 166 yards on the ground, but was held to 45 yards rushing in the second half.

In the loss, Murphysboro split quarterback duties between senior Jamarr McZeke, 6-3, 170 pounds, and junior Ryan Finke, 6-0, 160 pounds.

The backfield attack was led by an all senior cast: Desmond Clark, 5-11, 175 pounds; Jake Hoppenstedt, 5-10, 165 pounds; Kevin Kirkwood, 5-0, 200 pounds; Aiden McNitt, 6-3, 165 pounds; and Zane Caraway, 5-8, 185 pounds.

“Murphysboro has got a whole bunch of speed,” said A-J coach Brett Detering. “They have some really good athletes in the backfield.”

Most of the players offensive line went both ways and included seniors: Jamierr Frazier, 6-0, 220 pounds and Darius Campbell, 5-9, 220 pounds; Nick Blaise, 6-1, 195 pounds and Logan Sullivan, 6-1, 190 pounds and juniors: Rewn Stearns, 6-1, 220 pounds; Trenton Shepard, 6-1, 250 pounds and Michael Shearer, 6-0, 200 pounds.

Junior Gavin Kuba, 5-9, 150 pounds, was one of the top defensive backs in the game.

“They have a  lot of skilled kids back,” Detering said.