The 2019-2020 football season is less than one week away from its first week of Friday night lights, and the Battle Spartans will look to start the season out right against the St. Louis University High Jr. Billikens.

The Spartans finished last season with a 8-5 record and was one win away from reachiBattng a spot in the state championship, but unfortunately came up short in the class five state semifinals at Fort Osage. The Spartans lost 30-46.. The Spartans, however, brought back some key returners on the offense, including  seniors Tavian Miller, Landon Ray, Darren Jordan, Austin Glover and junior Daleshaun Coleman. The defense also brought back some starters, including senior Trevonne Hicks and William Henderson, and juniors Owen Lewis, Carter Henry, Tommy Atherton, and Jasper Lindsey. The Spartans are inexperienced on both sides of the ball but were able to score a few touchdowns and force turnovers at the Rock Bridge Jamboree. 

The Jr. Billikens are coming off of one of its worst seasons in school history with a 1-9 record last season and a devastating 0-63 loss to the Christian Brothers College (C.B.C) Cadets in the first round of district action. The Jr. Billikens have also brought back talent from the offensive and defensive sides of the ball, including their senior running back Kellen Porter, who has some small division one college offers such as Indiana State, Miami of Ohio, and Alabama State. They will look for him to get a lot of yards on the ground this week to start the year off right.

The Spartans and Jr. Bills Kickoff on Friday Night at 7 p.m.