Loyola tight end James Kyle thought he'd never play football again because of blood clots in his lungs. Now the Rambler is fighting for a chance to fulfill his collegiate football dreams, thanks to help from his doctors, and in part from Bears legend Olin Kreutz.

A look at the top football players from around DeKalb County, including a prolific quarterback and a stacked group of linebackers

Lincoln Cooley had 42 tackles, including 12 in a season-ending loss to eventual state champ Fenwick in a Class 5A semifinal. He’s was also the guy most of Sycamore’s running plays went behind, paving the way for four regular backs to average at least 5.9 yards per carry.

Princeton linebacker Drew Harp is the fall 2021 NewsTribune Defensive Football Player of the Year after recording 127 tackles and leading a Tiger defense that allowed 15.8 points per game en route to a Class 3A quarterfinal berth.

Former Batavia star linebacker Quinn Urwiler transfers from the University of North Dakota, re-joins forces with younger brother, Trey, at Northern Illinois

Lockport's defense has been on a seek-and-destroy mission all season. The Porters got their final target in their sights and didn't miss on Saturday night.

Gallery

Maine South against Lockport for the Class 8A state title.

David Neidballa was an inside linebacker on the 1986 Wheaton North team that won the Class 5A state championship. Now his son Chuck, a middle linebacker for the Falcons' team in the Class 7A final, hopes to add to the family legacy.,

Coach Jeff Reents has been running the double-wing offense for all of his 29 years at the helm of the Wilmington program. His players conducted a master class in the offense Friday in a Class 2A state championship win over Nashville.