PREP FOOTBALL: Danville looks to improve from 2-7 season

Danville enters the new prep football season looking to move on from a 2-7 record from last year, with head coach Marcus Forrest pointing to greater experience across a younger roster. Forrest said players have had a full year to understand the speed of the game, the physicality within the conference, and the team’s system, improving cohesion. The Vikings open the season Friday at Champaign Central. The team returns seven seniors, led by wide receiver/cornerback D’Mario Jackson, who won three gold medals at the IHSA Class 2A track meet in May. Jackson said he stayed committed to football rather than taking time off after track, and the seniors aim to avoid another 2-7 finish.