Spain ready to lead Pinckneyville turnaround


PINCKNEYVILLE — Due to low numbers, especially upperclassmen, the Pinckneyville Panthers did not play varsity football in the spring, instead opting to play only a fresh/soph schedule.

The numbers did not immediately improve under new head coach Logan Spain, who came to Pinckneyville after six years as an assistant at his alma mater, Du Quoin. Spain took over for Tod Rushing who retired after last season.

Spain had only three players show up for his first summer practice in June. Those numbers have steadily increased to the point Spain has 35-40 show up for every practice.

Spain says the buy in has been great, as the players have had to learn not only new schemes on offense and defense, but a new strength program as well. He credits strong leadership from more than a dozen seniors, most of whom did not play in the spring.

Spain will make his head coaching debut August 27 as Pinckneyville will open the season at home against Red Bud.