Coach Dickerson Eyes Continued Growth For Marquette Catholic Explorers

ALTON — Marquette Catholic will open the 2026 football season against Dupo, a team coming off a 9-2 record in 2025, as head coach Eric Dickerson looks to build on the Explorers’ turnaround from last season.

The Marquette-Dupo game will be broadcast live on Riverbender.com. Dickerson said he has high hopes for the 2026 campaign after Marquette finished 5-5 in 2025 under his leadership. With Dickerson's guidance, the Explorers have completely turned the program around after some tough years.

"The kids are getting better each day," he said. "We have some new faces in different positions. We graduated nine seniors, and we are definitely working hard every day. We are bringing back most of our skilled positions, from quarterback, running back, and wide receivers, and we have eight seniors."

Quarterback Toby Eberlin is the starting quarterback for the Explorers, while running back Jordan Croft brings exceptional speed to the backfield.

"Most of our line also played last year and know what it takes to have a good team," Dickerson said. "We have a good mix of veteran players and newcomers."