Get ready for Week 4 with our game previews from around Will County and the Joliet area.

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Wilmington visited Coal City on Friday night in the Illinois Central Eight opener for both rivals.

Wildcats, Coalers battle to final minute

Morris Herald-News sports editor Rob Oesterle has live coverage from Friday night’s Wilmington vs. Coal City football game here

Week 3 is an intriguing slate with a mixed bag of conference openers, crossover matchups and some stellar nonconference games.

Ryan Banas took the second-half opening kickoff and raced 86 yards for a touchdown. The win sparked Wilmington to a 23-0 win against host Marengo on Friday night.

Sports reporter Thom Gippert has live coverage from Friday night's football game between Marengo and Wilmington

Coal City vs. Wilmington. Manteno vs. Peotone. The Illinois Central Eight provides some exciting rivalries and is home to some annual postseason contenders.

A vaunted passing attack doesn't ever seem to be in the cards for the Wilmington, but that doesn't mean the Wildcats don't try to prepare for the need if it arises. Still, they are happy to wear down opponents with their ground-and-pound attack.