The HOIC Large Division saw five of its six teams make the postseason last fall. That includes Tri-Valley, which went on to reach the Class 2A state semifinals.

Area football coaches say the first official day of practice, which is Monday, is still exciting despite the camps, 7 on 7s, weight lifting and conditioning are allowed to do through July.

With opponents cancelling varsity seasons due to low numbers, some schools have found new foes, while others are still searching.

The Fieldcrest Knights are coming off an 0-9 season, but more-experienced players and first-year head coach Nick Meyer feel confidence is high as summer workouts come to a close.

The IHSA released the statewide football schedule Thursday. Here are the top games to watch each week in the NewsTribune area.

Now seems like the perfect time to get out a calendar, a highlighter and a crystal ball to look ahead at this fall’s top games, week-by-week, across The Times coverage area.

The Fieldcrest football team is converting the school's old weight room into its locker room this summer.

Fieldcrest graduate and former Illinois State University assistant football coach Nick Meyer has been hired to take over as his alma mater's head football coach.

The best on the gridiron this past fall from Marquette, Seneca, Flanagan-Cornell/Woodland, Ottawa, Fieldcrest, Streator and Sandwich.