Niles North high school football

Maine South looks to move further in the playoffs after consecutive quarterfinal exits. Maine West is reloading after a magical 2023 season. Team breakdowns, five players to watch, five can't miss games plus Steve Soucie's predictions in the Central Suburban Conference preview.

Maine South has won the CSL 20 times in the last 21 years. The Hawks are one again the favorites in the South Division, while Deerfield and Vernon Hills enter the season as the top contenders in the North Division.

Maine South has been the class of the Central Suburban League, while Deerfield has emerged as a postseason contender in the CSL's North Division.