Archer Cechowicz announced his return with authority, rushing for 136 yards and three touchdowns on 14 carries in Ottawa’s 35-6 season-opening victory over Plano.

Here are previews and picks for all the Week 1 football games around the Record Newspapers coverage area.

As a junior Dylan Saunders found himself on the field at Plano as a tight end, athletic enough to play the position and get in the mud. “Get dirty. That was my job.” Make no mistake, though. Saunders considers himself a quarterback first, where he'll play this fall.

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

The Illinois high school football season gets underway Monday with the start of preseason practices. Here are some of the top storylines to watch in Kendall County this season.

As Plano coach Kyle Tutt has made the long daily drive from Streator to Plano, he found words in the title of a Drew Green country music song to inspire his team. “Get Up and Get It.” Condensed down to “GUAGI” for football motivational purposes, it’s been a Reapers' rallying cry.

Gallery

Here are Gary Duncan's photos from a 7-on-7 held on Tuesday, July 22 at Kaneland High School.

With the release of the 2025 statewide football schedule, here are the top games to watch in the Record Newspapers coverage area.

Here is the 2024 Record Newspapers All-Area football team.