The Murphysboro Red Devils are the top team in Little Egypt headed in to the 2024 football season. The Red Devils were the team in Little Egypt to get the furthest in the postseason last year, falling to eventual 4A state champ Rochester in the semifinals. The Red Devils return several key pieces on offense including quarterback Gibson Fager and running back Tyjaire Kellum.
The Red Devils aren’t the only team walking in to the year with lofty expectations – four other programs received first place votes in this year’s preseason poll: Mt. Vernon, Carterville, Benton, and Nashville.
Things are neck and neck at 4-5 position with Benton overcoming a tie with Marion thanks to their first place votes total.
This Friday will see some interesting Week 0 scrimmages with two matchups featuring ranked teams:
#1 Murphysboro hosts #2 Mt. Vernon
#5 Marion hosts #3 Carterville
Here’s a look at the Full Rankings:
| Rank | School (First Place Votes) | Points | Rank Last Week |
| 1 | Murphysboro (6) | 105 | – |
| 2 | Mt. Vernon (2) | 88 | – |
| 3 | Carterville (2) | 82 | – |
| 4 | Benton (2) | 79 | – |
| 5 | Marion | 79 | – |
| 6 | Du Quoin | 64 | – |
| 7 | Nashville (1) | 55 | – |
| 8 | Harrisburg | 50 | – |
| 9 | Carbondale | 44 | – |
| 10 | Centralia | 36 | – |
Also receiving votes: Johnston City 32, Fairfield 15, Sesser-Valier 8, Pinckneyville 7, Massac County 6, West Frankfort 4, Anna-Jonesboro 3, Edwards County 3
