With football teams around the state opening official practices for the 2025 season Monday, here are five storylines to watch in the NewsTribune/BCR area this fall.

The Illinois high school football season kicks off later this month, and official practices begin Monday. Here are five storylines we here at The Times have our eyes on this coming fall.

High school football practice officially starts Monday, and the opening night for the season for local teams is Aug. 29. Here are Joe Aguilar's five storylines to watch this season in McHenry County.

In the latest installment of our series looking at the favorite calls of football coaches' careers, Sycamore coach Joe Ryan recalls how six straight quarterback runs opened up a future NFL player for a game-winning touchdown in a 2013 quarterfinal.

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.

From returning starters in the Big Ten to redshirt freshmen with new opportunities as transfers, seven football players from the Daily Journal area will play at college football's highest level this fall.

Downers Grove South senior Joseph Vieyra has prided himself on playing a multitude of positions, and last season played strong safety, but also played running back, long snapper, holder, kick returner and even punted a few times. He's a key returner for the Mustangs this fall.

In the latest installment of our series looking at the favorite calls of football coaches' careers, Michael Thorgeson describes a pivotal halftime adjustment that turned the tide against Andrew that not only secured an upset but turned out to have major playoff implications.

Mason Schweizer examines a handful of things to look for from the Daily Journal area once the football season starts.

Jeffrey Woods is just a sophomore and only now getting his varsity career underway. He'll be handed the reins of Joliet Central's offense this year as starting quarterback.

First-year McHenry football coach Colt Nero has surrounded himself with veteran coaches, including two who will be his offensive and defensive coordinators. Like Nero, they happen to be graduates of Fox Valley Conference rival Crystal Lake South.

In the latest installment of our series looking at the favorite calls of football coaches' careers, G-K coach Cam Davekos recalls going against his team’s tendencies for a touchdown in a playoff win against St. Francis in a 2021 second-round game.

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.

Over 200 high schools in Illinois are expected to have girls flag football teams this year as the sport's popularity continues to rise. "There’s no shortage of opportunities."

In the latest installment of our series looking at the favorite calls of football coaches' careers, Hiawatha’s Kenny McPeek talks about how a decision to downside at nose tackle led to a furious comeback.

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.

A year after sharing duties at quarterback with two seniors, Crystal Lake South junior Michael Silvius is ready to be the Gators' full-time starter at quarterback and help turn around their fortunes.

In the first installment of our series looking at the favorite calls of football coaches' careers, current DeKalb coach Derek Schneeman reflects on the game-changing two-point conversion that secured a playoff victory in 2014 in his first year as a head coach with Fieldcrest.

Streator graduate, three-sport standout and Times All-Area Football first-teamer Isaiah Weibel signed on to continue his education at Benedictine University and his football career at the NCAA Division III level with the Eagles.

Joliet Central won a game in 2024 for the first time in five years. Coach Thomas Hart now hopes the squad can continue to build on that momentum.

Ottawa head football coach Chad Gross said he’s encouraged with the progress his group has made in the offseason and is looking forward to seeing what the Pirates can accomplish in 2025.

After spending four years back in his native Indiana, new Kankakee head coach and former defensive coordinator Ed Hazelett has seen the same hungry mindset from the Kays he remembered as the program wrapped up summer camp this week.

The St. Bede football team got to face former coach Jim Eustice and his new Mendota team in a joint practice Thursday that also included Sandwich.

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.

Prairie Ridge’s 5-9 quarterback/defensive back Luke Vanderwiel is ready for a big season. The senior rushed for 1,005 yards and 15 touchdowns last season, despite missing four games because of a broken bone in his left leg.

Easton Isaacson, a junior, was one of the best boys volleyball players in the Herald-News area last season. While he'll be back on the court this year, he's also hoping the success he had there will translate to football as he takes over as Plainfield North's starting QB.

New Bureau Valley football coach Patrick Elder comes from a family synonymous with football in Illinois. Kevin Hieronymus of Friday Night Drive visited with Elder on his first day of summer camp, talking about his family lineage and previous experiences.

Marengo defensive end Brady Kentgen enters his fourth varsity season with big goals for his senior season. Marengo will rely on a physical defense as it tries to build on last year's 5-5 record.

Recent Streator graduate and Times All-Area Football first-teamer Tristan Finley has committed to continue his education and football career at Benedictine University.

The Seneca football squad is motivated in a number of different ways to record another in a string of solid seasons and is working hard to make that happen.

Woodstock North’s Parker Halihan was not immediately sold on the pitch to play quarterback. But the former wingback grew into the position, and last year led the Thunder to the most wins in program history. Now he's one of 19 starters back for first-year coach Jeremiah Homuth.

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.

Minooka's Jackson Miranda will be a problem for opposing teams as both a tight end and defensive end this fall.

Teegan Davis and Bennett Williams each have had their share of adversity. The former Princeton standouts took in the Tigers’ summer scrimmage July 24 to check in on their former teammates while mapping their way back to the gridiron this fall.

Watseka's third annual Tackling Disabilities football camp saw several returning, smiling faces Saturday.

Marquette Academy graduate Rush Keefer has committed to continue his education and football career at Benedictine University.

Montini senior Isaac Alexander is looking to double his impact this season as a running back and safety, and eager to help the defending Class 3A state champion Broncos make another run in the state playoffs and Chicago Catholic League.

Plainfield North will start a lot of talented, but inexperienced players this year. It's part of a growing process that coach Anthony Imbordino is excited about.

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.

Richmond-Burton's Hunter Carley grew up playing 8-man football in Michigan. Now, the Rockets junior is one of the top running backs in the Kishwaukee River Conference. "He's never satisfied."

Former Central coach and Illinois High School Football Coaches Association Hall of Famer Dean Cappel will be inducted into the Central Athletics Hall of Fame at halftime of the Comets' home opener against Momence on Sept. 5.

In his first year as head coach at his alma mater, Nick Sterling is bringing the Hall football team back to the basics.

As Plano coach Kyle Tutt has made the long daily drive from Streator to Plano, he found words in the title of a Drew Green country music song to inspire his team. “Get Up and Get It.” Condensed down to “GUAGI” for football motivational purposes, it’s been a Reapers' rallying cry.

The Sycamore football team hosted a joint practice Thursday with Byron and Lena-Winslow as they get ready for the 2025 season.

It was hot and humid. There was some hitting. The play was getting a little chippy at times on the field. It felt like football. The Princeton Tigers welcomed the East Peoria Red Raiders to Little Siberia Field for a controlled scrimmage Thursday morning.