Will the new playoff format be a boon for East Aurora? Rick Armstrong takes a look at that and more in his 10 things to watch.

St. Charles East’s Liam Barrett, who is only a junior, follows in footsteps of two brothers who played college football.

Only a junior, Jack Coates takes on leadership role for Jacobs, which is No. 7 in Beacon-News/Courier-News preseason rankings.

Justin Douglas Jr. returns to lead Aurora Christian, which comes in at No. 8 in the Beacon-News/Courier-News preseason rankings.

Carter McDonald enters third season at QB for South Elgin, which is No. 9 in the Beacon-News/Courier-News preseason rankings.

Bryce Riley will take on a new role for West Aurora, which enters at No. 10 in the Beacon-News/Courier-News preseason rankings.