Riverside-Brookfield is a team flying under the radar, but the Bulldogs are 0-2 start and have scored a combined 76 points in those two games. That, Downers Grove South sophomore James Sobkowiak shows moxie and leadership in defeat and more in Bob Narang's football notebook.

Here are team-by-team breakdowns, five players to watch, five can't miss games plus Steve Soucie's predictions for the Upstate Eight Conference.

What looks different for the new high school football season? With the IHSA football schedules now out, Steve Soucie looks at the differences for the new campaign.

Riverside-Brookfield’s Carter Shelby didn't start playing football until his freshman year. Now the senior offensive lineman is a key leader for a Bulldogs' team that, despite graduating 18 starters from last year, is closing in on a playoff bid. Read more in Bob Narang's notes.

Riverside-Brookfield scored two straight touchdowns in coming back from a four-point halftime deficit, and rallied to knock off Glenbard South 26-21 to snap the Raiders' four-game winning streak.