There are virtually no teams at Week 6 of the high school football season that are 100 percent healthy and active, but the injuries continue to pile up this fall for the Marion Patriots.
The Patriots have already absorbed three season-ending injuries so far this fall, with multiple other players playing through pain.
“We know that football is a gruesome sport that requires a lot from you physically,” said first-year Marion coach Claude Johnson. “We have dealt, and continue to deal with, a string of injuries, but we know it’s part of the game, and we just have to find a way to survive them.”
Marion lost all-conference tailback and University of Arkansas commit Jeremiah Dent after he rolled up more than 300 all-purpose yards in the Pats’ season-opening loss at Wynne on August 28.
A host of backs have taken up the slack for Dent, but it was a brutal start for what many believed was Marion’s most important returning player.
“We have had time to adjust what we’re doing, but I can’t tell you that it wasn’t a big loss,” said Johnson. “He’s so talented that you can’t just snap your fingers and replace him.”
Dent’s injury captured headlines across the state, but Marion’s offensive line has been affected in a major way.
Sophomore Jayden Curne gave the Pats two strong starts at guard before suffering a season-ending injury, while center Sam Gibbs and guard Juan Amaya continue to battle maladies that “would have shelved some other guys,” said Johnson. “Those two are tough and continue to play well despite those injuries.”
Senior quarterback Ben Bateman suffered a shoulder injury against Sylvan Hills on September 25, and started Marion’s game last week at El Dorado despite not practicing or going through any workouts leading up to that game.
The rash of injuries has reached the defense, as well, with senior defensive back Colton Kimbel playing with a shoulder injury since July.
“Ben and Coco (Kimbel) are nowhere near 100 percent, but they give us the best chance to win,” said Johnson. “A lot of times it comes down to pain tolerance, who can play hurt and who can’t, and those guys don’t complain or make excuses; they just keep showing up, and that means a lot.”
Marion looks to get back on track this week when the Patriots host West Memphis at Southern Bancorp Stadium for a 6A East contest. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.
Fans are encouraged to arrive early due to delays at the gates. Tickets for the West Memphis football game on Friday night are currently on sale at the Marion and West Memphis central offices, and are $10 apiece, cash only. Concessions at Marion are now card only.
Johnson expects a war on Friday night.
“They have a host of really good skill players, guys who can run and make plays,” said the coach. “Their quarterback is one of the better ones we’ve seen so far this year, and we have seen a lot of the good ones already. They’re athletic and quick at linebacker and in the secondary. It’s a talented team that’s competing every week.”
HOW TO WATCH
Kickoff of the Marion-West Memphis football game is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Friday night. Tickets are on sale now at the Marion and West Memphis central offices from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m., and they cost $10 apiece and will be cash only.