Marion Athletics -

August is still quite a bit away, but it's never too early to start making plans to follow the 2026 Marion football team.

Fresh off a 7-5 season that saw the Patriots advance to the state quarterfinals for the fifth time in the past eight seasons, Marion expects to reload this fall against a highly competitive schedule that features nine contests against fellow Class 6A competition.

First-year head football coach Claude Johnson's Patriots kick off unofficially on August 21 with their annual benefit scrimmage, when the Patriots host the Mountain Home Bombers inside Southern Bancorp Stadium.

The Patriots continue their longest-running series in school history on August 28 when Marion travels to play the Wynne Yellowjackets in the first regular-season contest of 2026.

Marion opens a new non-conference series on September 4 when the Pats invade Garland County to play Lake Hamilton for the first time since beating the Wolves 14-13 in the opening round of the 2015 state playoffs.

The Pats complete their non-league slate on September 11 when they host the Conway Wampus Cats on First Responder Night, when local first responders will be recognized for their efforts and sacrifice.

Following its bye date on September 18, MHS opens 6A East play on September 25 with a home game against the Sylvan Hills Bears, a rematch of the 2025 state quarterfinals, which Sylvan Hills won 34-32.

The Sylvan Hills game marks MYSA Night, when MYSA football players and cheerleaders will be permitted to attend the game for free, as long as they wear their uniforms to the gate.

The Patriots return to El Dorado on October 2 with a trip to Union County, where MHS has won its last two visits.
The biggest event in Crittenden County athletics returns to Marion on October 9 when West Memphis comes calling, looking to snap the Pats' five-game winning streak on the field in the series.

MHS will celebrate Teacher Appreciation Night on the evening of the West Memphis game.

Marion visits Jonesboro on October 16, looking to avenge a Homecoming loss this past fall.

The Patriots celebrate Homecoming 2026 when they welcome Sheridan to Southern Bancorp Stadium on October 23.

Marion travels to Searcy for the first time since 2022 on October 30, putting its three-game winning streak against the Lions on the line.

The Pats conclude their 2026 regular season on November 6 at home against the Benton Panthers for Senior Night.

Stay tuned to the MPAN social media pages for Homecoming dates and other special home game themes.