After returning eight of their starters from last season's DuKane Conference winning team, St. Charles North's defense, headlined by players like linebackers Matthew Plumb and Aidan McClure, are ready to go further in 2025.

Cary-Grove prepares for the 2025 season during its first fall football practice on Monday, August 11, 2025, at Cary-Grove High School.

Morris advanced to the Class 5A semifinals last season, and captains Logan Sparrow, Caeden Curran and Chase Bachert are ready to start a new season

Local high school football coaches — Ottawa’s Chad Gross, Streator’s Jay Slone, and Seneca’s Terry Maxwell — while not quite the same as when they played, still get 'That feeling' when Friday's game day rolls around.

The DeKalb High School football team held their first fall practice Monday as the get ready for the upcoming season.

The Sycamore football team held their first practice of the fall Monday as the prepare for the upcoming season.

Who steps up next for Dixon? Will Morrison transfer Rylan Alvarado lead Newman's backfield? Can Sterling revitalize its run game? What is next for Rock Falls under its new coach? Here are six questions in the Sauk Valley area this season as practice kicks off.

A-L-O, Bureau Valey, Hall, Princeton and St. Bede will huddle up for the first fall practices of the 2025 football season on Monday. Here’s a rundown of when each team they will be practicing during the first week.

In the summer training camp following a historic playoff run last season, Dwight’s has taken a “business as usual” approach this offseason.

Lemont senior Jackson Dybcio is ready to show off his all-around skills this season. After playing primarily at safety and inside linebacker the last two seasons, Dybcio is slated to take more reps at running back for Lemont this fall.

Prairie Ridge traveled to Grant for a scrimmage on Thursday, July 17, 2025, at Grant High School in Fox Lake.

First-year Mendota coach Jim Eustice said Trojans had a 'very productive' summer. Mendota and teams around the state open official practices Aug. 11.

When Princeton coach Ryan Pearson takes a timeout from football, he is likely attending card shows with his oldest sons, Rhett and Reese. It’s a tradition he started as a child with his dad, Tom.

The Seneca football program announced it will play Sangamon Valley in Week 2 this season, filling the void left when Lisle went to a junior varsity schedule only.

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Hampshire's football team is emphasizing teamwork and culture ahead of the 2025 football season. The Whip-Purs continued to put in the work at a recent 7-on-7 practice held at Kaneland.

Mendota, St. Bede and Sandwich football teams held a joint practice on Thursday, July 31, 2025 at Mendota High School.

As Sycamore gears up for the football season, senior Griffin Larsen steps into the quarterback role amid significant roster changes. With a strong offensive line and emerging talent, the Spartans are optimistic as summer practices wrap up.

Fieldcrest football’s summer camp has been defined by strong senior leadership and growing team chemistry as the Knights gear up for the upcoming season.

Four playoff teams from a year ago got together in Manteno Thursday, as the Panthers hosted Illinois Central Eight rival Peotone and the Vermilion Valley Conference's Clifton Central and Momence for live scrimmages.

Nick Michalek is a two-time 1,000-yard rusher who will surely be Sandwich's lead back in its wing-T this fall. But he treats every day like a kid fighting for a job. "You can't ever think your spot is safe." Michalek is one of the seniors who will lead Sandwich this fall.

Joliet West hosted Fenton, Marengo and TF South in a 7 on 7 camp Wednesday morning with the Tigers looking sharp.

With new head coach Greg Youngblood and an experienced, hungry group of seniors, the Bishop McNamara football team has kicked it into high gear during their summer preparation.

DeKalb senior Owen Sisson, a 6-1.5, 270-pound lineman bound for Minnesota State, faces a daunting season ahead, balancing dual roles while tackling formidable competition. With aspirations to revive the Barbs' playoff hopes, his tenacity and explosiveness become key.

J.T. Pedelty, Eddie Carifio and Sam Ramirez react to the IHSA football schedule getting released in the latest Friday Night Drive podcast, and break down games in DeKalb and La Salle counties, along with the Sauk Valley region

Friday Night Drive’s Josh Welge and Joel Boenitz discuss what the IHSA football schedule will look like in the western suburbs for the 2025 season, games they are looking forward to, and more

New La Salle-Peru football coach JJ Raffelson said he's "putting a focus back on those little things in the game" during summer workouts

Here are J.T. Pedelty's photos from Streator Bulldogs summer football practice Wednesday, July 16, 2025.

In a stretch of 11 seasons, from 1991 to 2001, the Hall Red Devils put themselves on the state football map with nine playoff berths, including three state finals appearances, two semifinals and three quarterfinals. The 1995 and 2001 Red Devils took Hall all the way to the top.

Princeton will invite 16 teams to participate in Saturday’s 7-on-7 and Linemen’s Challenge at Bryant Field and Little Siberia, including Dixon, EPC, Ottawa, LaSalle-Peru and Sandwich.

Crystal Lake Central and Richmond-Burton take part in a 7-on-7 football practice Monday, July 14, 2025, at Richmond-Burton High School, with teams from Grayslake North and Mundelein.

A total of 16 teams took part in the annual Central 7 on 7 and Lineman Challenge on what was a busy Saturday of football at Central High School in Clifton.

Here are Gary Duncan's photos from Downers Grove South's 7-on-7 football event held on Saturday, July 12.

Batavia High School hosted teams from Geneva, Bolingbrook and Huntley in a 7 on 7 tournament on Thursday, July 10, 2025 in Batavia.

With the Independence Day holiday come and gone, it was time Tuesday for another summer tradition. The Morris football team hosted its first 7-on-7 competition, featuring teams from Plainfield Central, Romeoville and Dwight.