Marion Athletics -

Homecoming is Friday night in Marion, and the Patriots have a prime opportunity for a statement win.
The challenge will be immense as Sheridan invades Southern Bancorp Stadium after earning the No. 1 spot in the Class 6A rankings following last week’s dramatic 48-45 victory over No. 2 Searcy.
Sheridan is the last remaining unbeaten team in Class 6A, and the Yellowjackets are just three victories away from earning their first conference championship since 1987.
Sheridan (7-0 overall, 4-0 6A East) enters Friday’s game as the highest-scoring team in Class 6A football at 56 points per game, and surrenders less than 25 points per game.
Yellowjacket quarterback Easton Barksdale completes 65 percent of his passes this fall for 2,722 yards and 38 touchdowns with only two interceptions. Four-year letterwinner Isaiah “Zay” Stephens has rushed 103 times for 1,119 yards in 2026 (10.9 yards per carry) with 14 touchdowns.
Five Sheridan receivers have caught 24 passes or more this fall, led by Hunter Socia’s 42 receptions for 795 yards and 13 touchdowns, while Dylan Smith has caught 32 passes for 723 yards and 10 scores. Yellowjacket tackles Bradley Sturdivant and Eythan Cowden each have multiple D1 offers.
Marion will counter with senior quarterback Ben Bateman, who completes 61 percent of his passes for almost 1,000 yards and nine touchdowns. Senior tailback Kam Riley has rushed 68 times this fall for 407 yards and five touchdowns, and Riley has been Marion’s most productive receiver in 2026, catching 24 passes for 351 yards and two TDs.
Homecoming festivities on Friday night will begin at 6:30 p.m. with the presentation of the Homecoming court, followed by pregame fanfare featuring the Marion Patriot Pride Band, and then kickoff at 7 p.m.
If you can not attend Friday night’s home football game at Southern Bancorp Stadium against Sheridan, you can watch for free on the Marion Patriots Activities Network.