The Beacon-News newsletter

Tuesday, August 18, 2026

Rick Armstrong’s 5 high school football games to watch in the Aurora-Elgin area and Week 1 predictions

Batavia, West Aurora, St. Charles East, Oswego and East Aurora are the picks to click in the Aurora-Elgin area season openers.

St. Francis transfer Iggy Amorrortu, Metea Valley’s new QB, is already leading. ‘He can really do it all.’

Iggy Amorrortu takes the reins at Metea Valley, which has had just one winning season in its 16-year history.

IHSA suspends coach Jordan Lynch for 2 practices and puts Mount Carmel football on probation for season

Illinois High School Association sidelines Mount Carmel coach Jordan Lynch for two practices, places football program on probation.

Countdown to football: NIU-bound Brennon Zeng, the quiet one, lives up to underrated label for No. 2 Batavia

NIU-bound Brennon Zeng leads talented receiver trio for Batavia, which is No. 2 in Beacon-News/Courier-News preseason rankings.

Countdown to football: Tommy Vendl seeks to rewrite program’s rushing record books for No. 3 St. Charles North

Tommy Vendl looks to carry the load for St. Charles North, which is No. 3 in the Beacon-News/Courier-News preseason rankings.

Countdown to football: Seasoned senior Tate Beran brings back elite experience in secondary for No. 4 Geneva

Tate Beran corners the market on defense for Geneva, which is No. 4 in the Beacon-News/Courier-News preseason rankings.

Countdown to football: Tobi Oduwa, who has an offer from Butler, thinks big for No. 5 Burlington Central

With offer from Butler, Tobi Oduwa emerges for Burlington Central, which is No. 5 in the Beacon-News/Courier-News preseason rankings.

Countdown to football: After an unexpected surgery, Rogan O’Neil hits comeback trail hard for No. 6 Kaneland

Rogan O’Neil is back at full strength for Kaneland, which comes in at No. 6 in the Beacon-News/Courier-News preseason rankings.