Area teams have begun to update their schedules with both Sparta and Vienna-Goreville canceling their varsity football season earlier this week.

On Tuesday, Sesser-Valier-Waltonville and Pinckneyville were the first programs to act and set up a Week 2 program.

Later in the day, West Frankfort announced that they had added Hamilton County to their schedule.  The Foxes will travel to West Frankfort in Week 9 for a season finale clash.

“We are happy that Hamilton County had an opening and are excited to play them at home.” Redbirds Athletic Director Brock Harris said. ” They reached out to us and we are grateful.”

The Eldorado Eagles were the next to find a replacement for their Week 6 opponent.  The Eagles will perhaps be making the longest trip out of teams adjusting to the change in schedule.  The Eagles will travel 99 miles to the metro area and take on Wesclin.

“[We] just wanted to play.” Eagles head coach Joe Clark said.  “These kids work too hard to not have that opportunity.”

Wednesday morning, reports indicated that the Christopher-Zeigler-Royalton Bearcats will host the Chester Yellow Jackets in a game that just a few years ago would have been a conference matchup.

The Fairfield Mules announced Wednesday morning they will host Freeburg in Week 1.

“We are excited for the opportunity to play a quality, out of conference opponent week 1!” Fairfield coach Justin Townsend said.  “It will be a great test for us early in the season prior to conference play.”