The 2021 fall football season kicks off with a number of marquee games.

Marengo lost some key contributors to graduation. The Indians hope a senior class that saw plenty of work during the spring, along with junior QB Josh Holst, can provide a solid base to build around this fall.

Loyola in 7A? Joliet Catholic in 4A? The 2021 fall schedule is out, and the lack of postseason in 2020 had a significant impact on the multiplier and success formula. How many teams will choose to play up?

Crystal Lake South’s Alexis Pupillo, who hit .594 and led the Gators with 13 homers, 10 doubles, 37 RBIs and 46 runs scored, recently committed to the University of Northern Iowa.

Woodstock went 4-2 in the spring and finished with more wins than losses for the first time since 2009. The Blue Streaks look to continue their winning ways in the fall, led by senior quarterback Liam Mickle.

Crystal Lake Central quarterback Colton Madura and wide receiver Jake Carnrite hope to provide the Tigers with plenty of big plays this fall. Madura and Carnrite are two of 16 returning starters for Central.

Two former Crystal Lake South teammates – Jacob Bimbi and Nick Vollmert – are gaining confidence and racking up victories in the Midwest Collegiate League this summer after both going through Tommy John surgery.

Crystal Lake Central had one of the biggest upsets of the COVID-19-shortened spring with a 14-13 overtime win over Prairie Ridge. But after a 3-0 start, the Tigers lost their last three games. Central looks to gain ground again in the fall, with hopes of making a climb in the always challenging Fox Valley Conference.

Crystal Lake's Ethan Farnam outlasted Elmhurst’s Jordan Less and Hinsdale’s Mac McClear in a playoff to become the first repeat champion of the Illinois State Amateur Championship since 2003.