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Batavia at Lemont When: 7 p.m. Friday. What to watch for: Batavia opened last season with a 21-0 victory over Lemont, and although this is obviously a new season, there is definitive respect for that program consistently in playoff contention and beyond. Batavia senior quarterback Jack Meyers will understandably get plenty of attention on offense for his first official start as a varsity player, although he had spot duty last year. The coaching staff has spoken highly about him all summer, and he'll get his first real chance to shine. Lemont has a stud linebacker in Cade Campos, a three-year starter, who had 113 tackles last season to lead the team. Brandon Pollard and Frankie Montalto round out the strong Lemont linebacking corps. When Batavia gets into the red zone, look for a "jumbo" personnel package of sorts, which could feature a pair of its three big tight ends in Drew Iutzwig, William Fitch and Devin Cheaney to plow ahead for what could be as many as four possible running backs. Defensively, Batavia is about as solid as it gets, led by senior linebackers Luke Weerts and Michael Jansey. The Bulldogs may have to prepare for two passers in senior Matt Milan and junior Luke Bailey, which could dictate coverage and pre-snap alignments. (Sandy Bressner)
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Burlington Central at Sycamore When: 7 p.m. Friday. What to watch for: These teams haven't played one another since Sept. 2011, Sycamore winning 20-17. That alone indicates unfamiliarity amongst one another. How the offense develops this season will be critical for the Rockets' playoff chances. The offensive line is exhibiting all new starters, and Central will not reveal who officially won the starting quarterback job. We'll find out in the opening moments if either Jake Lenschow or Johnny DiCostanzo will lead under center. Both have experience, with Lenschow playing the final six games last year. Central running back Matthew Ganziano could begin his breakout campaign, but Sycamore returns Gryason Burns, who helped lead a defense that surrendered just over three touchdowns a game last season Defensively, Central needs a few standouts to emerge. Look for Travis Schambach and Matthew Muetterties to be the early leaders to do so. For Sycamore, it is installing a new quarterback, junior Grant McConkey, who is making his first start under center, per the DeKalb Daily Chronicle. (Sandy Bressner)
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Notre Dame at Geneva When: 7:30 p.m. Friday. What to watch for: It'll be Alex Williams' first start as a varsity quarterback, and while he appears ready, Geneva likely will rely on its experienced backfield of Reilly Waldoch and Brendan Krohe to ease the pressure offensively. The Vikings generally prefer to establish a run presence early. Defensively, the Vikings will have to clamp down on the highly-talented Ty Gavin, who punished opposing defenses for over 1,200 rushing yards last season. Gavin is a capable threat in the passing game as well. Look for the Vikings' Daniel Majewski to be busy and around the football early. The Vikings' quest to end it's playoff hiatus begins. (Sandy Bressner)
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Kaneland at Hinsdale South When: 7:30 p.m. Friday What to watch for: The DeKalb Daily Chronicle reports junior Joe Smith won the starting quarterback job in favor of Connor Buyck, settling what was a summer long battle. As of last Saturday, the final decision had not been made. Smith started three games last season, as opposed to Buyck who sat out due to transfer rules. Smith should bring a bit of a dual threat to the quarterback position, which opposing defenses will have to respect. Of course, having Jonathan Alstott, a four-year varsity starter, behind him should help. He'll draw a steady workload. Former Hornets running back in junior Marquese Garrett will start at quarterback after a two year stint at tailback. Garrett will need to establish a new top receiving threat, as Destin Talbert graduated. (Mark Busch)
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Marmion at De Paul Prep When: Noon Saturday. What to watch for: Marmion's Declan McDonald will be making his first start at quarterback in place of Brandon McPherson, who led the Cadets to several comeback victories last year. The coaches have confidence in his ability to lead the offense, but it could be a few weeks before we see how he settles in. Peter Ferraro, who averaged five yards per carry last year, returns in the backfield and could be a steady presence to lean on for the duration of the game. Defensively, linebacker Jon Roche returns as a three-year starter and will likely be the player opposing defenses primarily pay attention to. (Sandy Bressner)
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St. Charles East at Rock Island When: Due to impending weather, the game time has been moved up from the original 7 p.m. kickoff. Per St. Charles East athletics, the sophomore game will begin at 4:30, with the varsity game immediately following. What to watch for: East handled Rock Island 41-7 to open last season, so one figures the latter will be looking for revenge. The Saints showcase one of the strongest offensive lines in the conference, and bring back B.J. Crossen at quarterback who has experience. Justin Jett figures to get the majority of carries, and could be in for an explosive night. Rock Island gave up nearly 29 points per game last season. Defensively, Robert Carne comes back as a starting linebacker and will look to be the cog Abe Swanson proved to be last season at that spot. East, of course, is on the road for the first two games of the season before enjoying its new artificial turf field. Schaumburg at St. Charles North When: 7:30 p.m. Friday What to watch for: Schaumburg and North are in similar positions of sorts: Each return double digit starters – North with 16 and Schaumburg with 12. Heze Trotter is a prominent two-way player for the Saxons, and plays in the backfield and secondary. Trotter is supposed to be active in the return game, so North will have to be careful with where he is on the field. North wideout/defensive back Tyler Nubin, a Minnesota recruit, is usually – if not the – most talented player on the field, and figures to be a reliable target for Peyton Brown in his first start while also manning half the field defensively. Sam DeMarco, who has been praised by coach Robert Pomazak, could have a breakout showing. St. Charles North's preview can be found here. Argo at St. Francis When: 7 p.m. Friday. What to watch for: As of last Friday, a St. Francis starting quarterback had not been decided between Tommy Rittenhouse or Mike Baffa, who has the experience over Rittenhouse. Both could end up seeing action this season, though, in a run-pass-option spread system. Argo was St. Francis' lone win last season (Sandy Bressner)