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

Led by senior quarterback Alex Graham, all early indications are there will be more of an aerial assault this fall for perennial Class 1A powerhouse Marquette Academy.

The Princeton Tigers welcomed 15 teams for their fifth annual 7-on-7/Lineman Challenge on Saturday. Tiger coach Ryan Pearson found out a little more about his team to improve on and build on moving forward.

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Sixteen teams around north-central Illinois competed in the 7-on-7 and Linemen Challenge on Saturday, July 16, 2022, at Princeton High School.

Monday’s joint practice at Streator High saw the Marquette Academy Crusaders visit their rivals 16 miles down Route 23 for group stretches, competitive 40-yard dashes and passing scrimmages for both the varsity and the JV.

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

The Fulton Steamers defeated the Marquette Crusaders 55-14 in a Class 2A second-round playoff game on Saturday in Ottawa.

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Fulton defeated Marquette 55-14 on Saturday Nov. 6, 2021 at Ottawa. Fulton moves on to the quarterfinals.