News Summary

The Mississippi Valley Conference (MVC) has officially disbanded, leading to an exciting reorganization in the Southwestern Conference (SWC). With familiar teams like Mascoutah and Collinsville rejoining, and the introduction of two new divisions, fans can expect a fresh competitive landscape. The new structure aims to enhance rivalries and competition, kicking off in the 2026-27 seasons. Athletic directors are already collaborating for a smooth transition, promising thrilling football action in the future.

Exciting Changes Coming to Southwestern Conference Football!

Hey, sports fans of southern Illinois! Big news is shaking up the high school football scene as the Mississippi Valley Conference (MVC) is officially disbanding. That means a fresh new start for football teams in the Southwestern Conference (SWC). With the dust still settling, let’s dive into what these changes mean for our local teams and what fans can expect.

A New Era for Southwestern Conference

The head honcho over at the SWC, Commissioner Bill Schmidt, has been hard at work crafting a new structure that’s all about creating a stronger and more balanced competition in our great state of Illinois. How exciting is that? The new arrangement is designed to make the football rivalries more heated and the level of play even higher than before!

As teams start to shift around, we see some familiar faces making a comeback to the SWC. Have you heard? Mascoutah and Triad are switching from the MVC to the SWC, which will surely spice up the competition. And if that wasn’t enough, Granite City, which has been standing on its own as an independent team, will rejoin the SWC family, along with Collinsville, who is also ending its independent run to jump back into the mix. It’s like a welcome back party for these teams, and fans can’t wait to see what they bring to the field!

Transition Timeline

Now, don’t pack up the gear just yet—the new structure won’t be kicking off until the 2026-27 seasons. That said, athletic directors across the board are already putting their heads together to hammer out the details. The transition is gaining momentum, and it’s super important to have everyone involved for a smooth shift.

Adding to the swirl of changes is Highland, who made the decision to join the South Seven Conference. They’ll be joining other teams like Cahokia and Carbondale in what is sure to be an exciting new chapter. Meanwhile, three MVC schools—Civic Memorial, Jerseyville, and Waterloo—are making their moves to the Cahokia Conference as well. It’s a busy time in local football!

Introducing Two New Divisions

Get ready for a whole new layout in the SWC! The football program will be divided into two shiny new divisions: the Black Division and the Gold Division. These divisions reflect the SWC’s traditional colors and promise to bring even more excitement.

The Black Division will welcome teams like Belleville East, Belleville West, East St. Louis, O’Fallon, and Edwardsville, while the Gold Division will feature Alton, Collinsville, Granite City, Mascoutah, and Triad. Divisions are assigned based on school size and historical success, ensuring that teams will face each other with a spirit of competition that’s both fair and thrilling.

Regular Season Play

So, what will the season look like? Teams will play a regular schedule consisting of nine games, structured as follows: four division games against other teams within their own division, two cross-division games, and three non-conference games that teams will schedule on their own. This setup is forecasted to maintain intensity throughout the season and keep fans on the edge of their seats!

Looking Ahead

Though details about championship play are still being fleshed out, it’s likely that the new structure might yield one overarching champion—or perhaps there’ll be two champions, one for each division. Isn’t that mind-blowing?

The extensive restructuring process has been no small feat, but it’s all coming together with a vision to enhance athletic opportunities, foster competitive matchups, and grow school spirit. The Southwest Conference, known for boasting some of the biggest athletic programs in southern Illinois, is settling in with a firm goal: to create stronger teams, increase chances for individual player recognition, and hopefully, bring home multiple state championships.

In summary, this new alignment is all about improving the experience for athletes and fans alike. Keep your eyes peeled and your jerseys ready—exciting football action is just around the corner!

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