Newman's Evan Bushman made key throws in a big win over Princeton, Dixon rolled at Rockford, Milledgeville stepped up in a big win over Amboy and more in this week's Sauk Valley football notes.

Sterling fell at Metamora, Oregon's Cooper Johnson had 192 yards rushing and three TDs in a win, Draven Zier had five touchdowns and more in Friday's Sauk Valley football roundup.

Here is a look at the Week 1 football matchups in the Sauk Valley area.

A look at the Northwest Upstate Illini Conference for the 2025 season, including team-by-team preview capsules, players to watch, six can't miss games and Steve Soucie's predicted order of finish.

After a return to the playoffs last season, Eastland-Pearl City wants to make the postseason a habit again. It’s going to take a blend of veteran leadership and new faces to do so.

Dixon senior QB Cullen Shaner and Newman senior linebacker/running back Daniel Kelly were both named All-State by the Illinois High School Football Coaches Association on Wednesday. A number of Sauk Valley 8-man players and honorable mentions were also recognized.

Sterling's Drew Nettleton and Kaedon Phillips set multiple records in final game, Carter Kibble's kick return sets up Dixon's strong finish in win, Newman's offense bounces back big, E-P lost a heartbreaker and West Carroll has goal line stop to win in Sauk Valley notes.

Eastland-Pearl City held Rockridge scoreless in the second half, but a 22-point deficit was too much to overcome in the Class 2A playoffs on Saturday.

Eastland-Pearl City faces Rockridge in Round 1 of the 2024 Class 2A IHSA football playoffs. Friday Night Drive editor Drake Lansman will have live updates, scores and news from the game