There was a lot to like about Marion's 26-17 benefit scrimmage victory last Friday night at Valley View. The Patriots created two more explosive plays (20 yards for a pass, and 10 yards for a run), than the Blazers. MHS scored touchdowns on both of its trips inside the gold zone (10-yard line and in). Most importantly, Marion outscored Valley View 12-10 at the end of the scheduled time for varsity starters (the first two quarters, and opening offensive and defensive drive of the third quarter). “We won a lot of the areas that truly matter to us, and to teams that tend to be very successful in the game of football,” said Marion coach Lance Clark. “I thought we played with the requisite energy, and passion, we played smart, which is not always easy in a preseason game.” What did irk Clark, who's averaged eight wins per season since arriving in Marion in 2021, was Valley View's two scoring drives, when the Blazers embarked on 16 and 15-play drives, hogging the ball for most of the first half, and limiting possessions for Marion's explosive offense. “I did not like most of the tackling the other night,” said Clark. “Sometimes we were in a good position, and sometimes we weren't. Some of the times we were, we just didn't make a play. What I know is we pride ourselves on tackling here, and we didn't do enough of that against Valley View, and we need to clean it up.” Marion's adjustments will come into focus this week when the Patriots officially open their 2024 football season by continuing their longest-running rivalry at Wynne. The Yellowjackets lead the all-time series with Marion 34-13-1, but the teams have split the last six meetings, with the Patriots whipping Wynne last year 27-7, the Pats' largest margin of victory against their neighbors to the west. “This is a really fun game and series because it means so much to the communities,” said Clark. “I know our people get really excited about playing them. It's a non-conference game that doesn't require a long trip. There's a lot of history against them. It'll be a really fun, exciting atmosphere on Friday night.” The 2023 Yellowjackets finished 5-6 following an 0-2 start to the season, but Wynne salvaged a berth in the state playoffs by winning its last three conference games and pushing heavily favored Little Rock Mills in the first round of the playoffs. While there were growing pains for last year's club in their first season under legendary coach Clay Totty, the Yellowjackets could prove better off in the long run this year behind 17 returning starters, and improved depth with just a handful of players playing both ways. “They've come a long way running their offense since we saw them last August,” said Clark. “They struggled at times with it last year, but they're very fluid in it, now. They have a good offensive line and great 'backs. On the other side, it's still a Wynne defense. They're fast and they hit, and with them platooning more, they have more left on defense. They're a quality team.” Senior halfback and linebacker Cam Smith powers the 'Jacket attack as their leading returning rusher and all-conference linebacker from a season ago. HOW TO WATCH You can watch the Marion-Wynne football game for free on MarionPatriots.com, on the MPAN YouTube channel, and on the MPAN mobile app. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. RANKINGS RUNDOWN Marion checks in this week at No. 4 in the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette's weekly Class 6A Super Six rankings, and the Patriots earned a No. 5 ranking in this week's hootens.com Class 6A rankings. PLAYER OF THE WEEK Senior receiver Mitrell Lewis earned last week's Crittenden County Farm Bureau Player of the Week award for his strong showing at Valley View. THEY GROW UP SO FAST Marion will likely march out five three-year starters on offense Friday night at Wynne, including tailback Jalen Smith, receivers Mitrell Lewis and Cam Garrett, left tackle Carius Curne, and center Charlie Cantrell. WYNNE TIES Marion senior cornerback Taheem Frost moved to Marion prior to his junior year after spending most of his life at the Wynne School District. BOOM GOES THE DYNAMITE Marion got explosive plays from tailbacks Smith, Rico Ward, and Jeremiah Dent, as well as receiver Lewis. REPEAT THAT? A Marion victory on Friday night would mark the first time the Pats have beaten Wynne in back-to-back years since 2008 and 2009. MAN, IT'S A HOT ONE The temperature at kickoff Friday night is expected to be around 90 degrees, so plan accordingly. 6A EAST WEEK 0 GAMES Marion at Wynne Benton vs. Bryant LR Catholic at Texarkana Sylvan Hills at Maumelle White Hall at Sheridan LR Christian at El Dorado Conway at Jonesboro W. Memphis at Hot Springs