The Carmi-White County Bulldogs will welcome the Sesser-Valier Red Devils to Harrington-Jeffries Stadium this Friday night for Homecoming 2025.
The Bulldogs enter the game with an 0-5 record after a 44-0 loss to Fairfield last week. It’s been a rough start to the season. With the combination of injuries, youth, and tough breaks, the Bulldogs are still searching for that breakthrough moment to turn things around. For Carmi, this game isn’t just about the record anymore, it’s about pride, effort, and proving they can compete down the stretch.
On the other side, the Red Devils come in with some momentum. Sitting at 3-2, Sesser-Valier is fresh off a 40-6 win over CZR, their second straight victory after starting the year 1-2. Coming off an 8-3 season in 2024, the Red Devils brought back a strong core, and they’ve got their eyes set on making another postseason run.
Sesser has one of the most balanced offenses in the Black Diamond Conference, featuring the league’s top passer, the leading receiver, and a backfield loaded with speed and power. Quarterback Trace Payne (#15) is back under center after throwing for over 600 yards last season, and through just five games this fall he’s already racked up 536 yards with 8 touchdowns and 4 interceptions. His go-to target is wide receiver Kyan Short (#10), who leads the entire BDC in receiving with 26 catches for 350 yards and 6 scores. Payne will also look toward tight end Tony Kistner (#40) when needed. Kistner has hauled in 9 passes for 116 yards and a touchdown so far.
But what really makes the Red Devils dangerous is their ground game. Running back Jace Erwin (#22) might just be one of the fastest players in all of Southern Illinois. He’s already piled up 571 yards on 75 carries with 5 touchdowns, ranking sixth in the conference in rushing. Behind him, Jacob Potts (#27) adds another option with 126 yards and a touchdown on the season, while fullback Amiri Rose (#44) brings size and strength to the backfield. At 6-foot, 255 pounds, Rose is tough to bring down and has 110 yards with 2 touchdowns of his own.
“Sesser has a very explosive offense. Erwin is a very speedy RB and they counter that with a very powerful FB. Their QB is a dual threat who can run and pass, and when he throws the ball he is throwing it to arguably the best WR in the conference. Their OL is the biggest we will see this year and that includes a very good TE,” said Carmi-White County Head Coach Clinton Wolff.
For the Bulldogs, the game plan is simple: play with heart and leave everything on the field. While the playoffs are out of reach, the final four games of the season give them a chance to build momentum, earn respect, and end the year on a positive note. The good news for Carmi is that they’re starting to get healthier. Running back Cooper Hill is set to return after missing the last two weeks with a concussion, and lineman Dakota Southerd will also be back in the lineup after being sidelined against Fairfield.
Of course, Homecoming always adds some extra energy and enthusiasm. This will only be the second time the Bulldogs have played in front of their home crowd, and we’ll see if Carmi can feed off the energy from the Bulldog faithful.
Fans who can’t attend Friday’s game will be able to watch and listen to the game on 97.3 FM WRUL and the WRUL Sports YouTube Channel. Kickoff is set for 7 PM.