HERRIN — For the first 23 minutes of game time, the Herrin Tigers were giving the Marion Wildcats fits in not only the first meeting between the Williamson County rivals in just shy of ten years, but also Taylor Perry’s debut as the Tigers’ head coach.

It all fell apart for Herrin as Marion exploded for 32 points over a 7:06 span that covered the final minute of the first half and the beginning of the third quarter, as the Wildcats turned an 8-0 lead into a running clock.

Lukas Shrum’s 4-yard touchdown and Brody Larson’s 2-point conversion gave Marion a 16-0 lead at the half. Patrick Walker then returned the third quarter kickoff 99 yards for a touchdown, with Larson converting another 2-point conversion. Following a Herrin three-and-out, Marion struck quickly as quarterback Evan Noelle connected with Jake Bruce and Venson Newsom to zip down the field with Newsom taking it the final 23 yards for another score. Tommy Wiseman ran in the conversion for a 32-0 lead. Then after another stop, Jordyn Beverly capped the Wildcat eruption with a short TD run. Noelle and Newsom combined for the conversion to trigger the running clock.

Herrin got on the board in the fourth, avoid the shutout when Camron Evrard scored from three yards out. Riley Sims’ extra point provided the final scoring of the night as Marion won 40-7.

Next week, the Wildcats (1-0) will welcome Jersey for their home opener next Friday, while the Tigers (1-0) will face another Williamson County rival as they will travel to Carterville.