Batavia

Head Coach: Dennis Piron (9th season, 85-12)

Last year's record: 12-1

Key Returners: Quinn Urwiler (RB/LB), Matt Weerts (LB), Art Taylor (RB), Drew Iutzwig (TE), Alex Richards (DE/FB), Sam Barus (DB).

Notable Newcomers: Kyle Oroni (QB), Dondre Phillips (RB), Jackson Heeringa (OL).

Outlook: The Bulldogs, who won the first DuKane Conference title last year, look like the favorite again this year and a good bet to make a deep run in Class 7A after winning the 2017 title and reaching last year's semifinals. North Dakota recruit Quinn Urwiler is a two-way standout at linebacker and running back, part of a deep Bulldogs' backfield with Art Taylor and Trey Urwiler. Batavia has a couple standouts to replace at linebacker in Michael Jansey Jr. and Luke Weerts. The Bulldogs get a big test right off the bat, hosting East St. Louis in one of the state's early marquee matchups.

Geneva

Head coach: Robert Wicinski (21st season, 127-82)

Last year's record: 3-6

Key Returners: Jake Costello (LB), Michael Ninni (DB), Hank Smith (DE), Mike Ignoffo (WR/DB).

Notable Newcomers: Hayden McCoy (QB), Konnor Mickelsen (RB).

Outlook: Geneva is determined to leave last year's rough season in the rearview mirror. It features speedy junior Hayden McCoy at quarterback, who will be taking his first varsity snaps after former starter Alex Williams transferred. It lost Reilly Waldoch and Brendan Krohe in the backfield to graduation, which was a huge part of its offensive production. Defensively, linebacker Jake Costello and Michael Ninni headline a unit that graduated four of its top five tackle contributors from last year.

Glenbard North

Head Coach: Ryan Wilkens (5th season, 20-20)

Last year's record: 0-9

Outlook: The Panthers had qualified for the Class 7A playoffs for three straight seasons before their fortunes turned south last fall. Glenbard North returns seven starters on each side of the football and made a splash this summer by winning the Red Grange Classic.Wide receivers Kobie Jamison and Rory Hills and running backs Angelo Cusumano and Jordan McQuarter should give quarterback Mike Vazquez options. Nonconference games against Neuqua Valley and Warren will show if the Panthers are able to transfer over their success from this summer.

St. Charles North

Head Coach: Robert Pomazak (7th season, 48-18)

Last year's record: 10-4

Key Returners: Ben Furtney (LB), Kyler Brown (QB), Nick DeMarco (RB), DJ Oshin (DL).

Notable Newcomers: Ethan Bridges (RB/DL), Josh Bridges (RB/DL), Jordan Nubin (WR).

Outlook: The North Stars return quarterback Kyler Brown and running back Nick DeMarco to lead an offense that will be replacing former two-way star and Minnesota phenom Tyler Nubin. Defensively, St. Charles North has to replace major pieces in the secondary after Egon Hein and Ethan Romero graduated, but it returns standouts in linebacker Ben Furtney and defensive lineman DJ Oshin to lessen the blow. The North Stars should be primed for DuKane Conference contention and another deep playoff run.

St. Charles East

Head Coach: Bryce Farquhar (6th season, 32-19)

Last year's record: 5-5

Key Returners: BJ Crossen (QB), Dylan Barrett (OL), Nick Schumann (LB), Jalen Farmer (DL).

Notable Newcomers: Colin Zimmers (DB), Logan Light (RB/DB).

Outlook: The Saints battled injuries last season but still snuck into the postseason. It returns senior quarterback BJ Crossen, who pilots their triple-option attack with high success. Wisconsin commit Dylan Barrett anchors their offensive line, which will be working in a pair of new starters. Defensively, the Saints lost middle linebacker Robert Carne to graduation who produced over 100 tackles. Look for Nick Schumann to have a big season for a team that should return to the postseason.

Wheaton North

Head Coach: Joel Wardynski (11th season, 66-39)

Last year's record: 4-5

Key returners: Christian Halstead (WR), Nathan Love (DB), Xander Mueller (LB), Aiden Olsen (OL).

Notable newcomers: Mark Forcucci (QB), Joe Swaray (DB), Ethan Tramel (DL).

Outlook: The Falcons are rebuilding their passing attack this season with sophomore quarterback Mark Forcucci behind four returning linemen. Defensively, Wheaton North stars Northwestern commit senior linebacker Xander Mueller. With their Week 1 loss to Evanston (7-3) last season being replaced by Downers Grove South (4-5) this season, Wheaton North could be on the playoff bubble once again.

Wheaton Warrenville South

Head Coach: Ron Muhitch (18th season, 134-57)

Last year's record: 10-2

Key returners: Jack Olsen (K), Jake Arthurs (RB), Jason Haw (TE), Panno Pitoulli (OL), drake Jurczak (OL), Michael rogers (LB), Will Cassin (LB), Ben Berger (DL), Bryce Stufin (LB), Prince Lankah (RB), Tommy Barnett (LB), Matt Corcoran (WR).

Notable newcomers: Micah Roberts (DL), Parker Brown (QB), Evan England (QB), Jaylen Brown (TE), Caleb Clousing (WR), Sam Bach (DB), Keiler Nielsen (OL), Nick Walker (OL), Connor Kelty (DL), Nick Economos (DB), Jimmy Muff (DB).

Outlook: After an uncharacteristic three year stretch of 2-7 seasons, the Tigers were back as 7A quarterfinalists last season with a 10-2 finish. Wheaton Warrenville South returns only seven starters, albeit including senior Michigan State commit kicker Jack Olsen and senior running back Jake Arthurs, who has been garnering some Big Ten interest. Prince Lankah also returns in the Tigers' backfield and Jason Haw is a player to watch at tight end.

Editor's note: Lake Park did not respond to requests for information.