The Pinckneyville Panthers found out earlier this week they would be without a Week 2 opponent when the Sparta Bulldogs canceled their varsity football schedule. The situation changed just a few days later.
With the Vienna-Goreville Eagles canceling their varsity football schedule and leaving an opening on each Black Diamond Conference team’s schedule, the Sesser-Valier-Waltonville Red Devils were a natural fit for the Panthers.
— Sesser-Valier Red Devils (@svdevilsports) August 17, 2023
“We are very excited that we were able to fill our Week 2 game. It is never an easy task to fill a game after a cancellation this late but we were fortunate that Sesser-Valier had a Week 2 game canceled on them as well,” Pinckneyville Athletic Director Matt Laur said. “We are very excited to have the Red Devils on our schedule again. With the proximity of our schools this game works out perfectly for both programs.”
The Panthers were originally scheduled to travel to Sparta while the Red Devils were planning on hosting their home-opener against Vienna-Goreville. Travel plans will remain the same with Sesser-Valier-Waltonville hosting.
“This game will be a great pick up for both Pinckneyville and Sesser-Valier,” Sesser-Valier Athletic Director Chip Basso said. “Finding a football opponent on short notice can often be a difficult task. It is a win for both programs to be able to give your upper class players a week 2 opponent.”