MASCOUTAH - The Mascoutah High School football team will host an intrasquad purple and white scrimmage for a Week 1 game after failing to find a replacement opponent for the Indians' Week 1 game against Decatur Eisenhower.
Eisenhower announced on Monday that it would cancel its 2026 varsity football season due to inadequate turnout to play football this season. The Indians will receive a 2-0 forfeit win over the Panthers and host the scrimmage as a full game-day experience next Friday, starting at 7 p.m.
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"We know this is not the news anyone wanted," said Mascoutah High athletic director Scott Battas, "and we truly apologize for the disappointment. Thank you for your understanding, continued support, and for being the best fans in the area. We look forward to a great year of Indian football."
The scrimmage will serve as a full game-day experience for fans at Alumni Field, the Indians' home stadium, including the student section; the Mascoutah High band, cheerleaders, and dance team will be involved in the replacement scrimmage.
According to the letter, the Indians' athletic department went through all channels and all possible options, but could not bring in a replacement opponent for Eisenhower.
The forfeit win will start the Mascoutah season off at 1-0, with the new season opener now set for Aug. 28 at Springfield Southeast, and the home opener now set for Sept. 4, a week three matchup against Highland. The Indians will make their Southwestern Conference debut at Belleville West Sept. 11, with all three games kicking off at 7 p.m.
