Erie-Prophetstown, Kewanee and Princeton led the way for the Three Rivers Conference last season, but they weren't alone with Mendota, St. Bede, Newman Central Catholic and Monmouth-Roseville all reaching the postseason.

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The 2022-23 high school sports season got underway across the state Monday with the start of official practices, including on football fields across the NewsTribune area. Look for season previews on all of our teams in the weeks ahead, and until then check out these photos from practices at La Salle-Peru and St. Bede.

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.

St. Bede football hope larger receivers will help make up for the loss of speedy Tyreke Fortney

The Bureau Valley, Mendota and St. Bede football teams lost a game when Riverdale announced it wouldn't field a varsity football team this fall. Bureau Valley is looking for a Week 1 opponent, while Mendota and St. Bede are unsure what they'll do with the open date.

The St. Bede and Ottawa football teams showed solid potential at the Bruins 7-on-7 camp held Thursday at the Academy.

Bureau County football fans can now mark their calendar for the games they want to see their favorite teams this fall.

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

Here’s a look at summer schedules for the Bureau County football teams as the prepare for the upcoming 2022 fall season: