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Senior cornerback Tate Beran, who has offers from Butler and Western Illinois, prepares for practice at Geneva on Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2026. (Paul Johnson/The Beacon-News)

Seasoned senior Tate Beran brings back elite experience in secondary for Geneva

One thing about senior defensive back Tate Beran, he’s never going to be intimidated for Geneva. As a sophomore, Beran faced Georgia receiver Talyn Taylor in practice. Fo...

Burlington Central’s Oduwa develops into force on Rockets’ defensive line

Burlington Central’s Tobi Oduwa entered high school as a raw prospect with tantalizing physical abilities. It took some time, but early last season in football, something...

Montini quarterback Israel Abrams interacts with teammates and coaches between drills at football practice in Lombard on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026. (Joe Lewnard/Daily Herald)

Why is Chicago area producing so many good high school quarterbacks?

Three of the top five ranked quarterbacks in the country are from the Chicago area (or used to be). What caused the recent surge in QB play?

Willowbrook junior offensive lineman Liam Pagan saw his recruiting stock soar in the offseason. (Tim O’Halloran)

‘Edgy’ Tim: What’s the latest news in area football recruiting?

Rivals football recruiting analyst “Edgy” Tim O’Halloran has updates on Willowbrook’s Liam Pagan, St. Charles East’s Liam Barrett and Barrington’s Lamar Osterhues.

St. Charles North Varsity Coach Rob Pomazak talks with a player at their first practice on Monday, Aug.11,2025 in St. Charles.

Competitive kindness: St. Charles North football team plans to give back

St. Charles North’s football team has a unique method of giving back to the community in the summer.

Montini players celebrate their 47-33 victory over Rochester at the IHSA Class 4A state championship last November in Normal. The Broncos have won 24 straight games and enter the season as the No. 1 team in the Daily Herald’s football Top 20.

Daily Herald football Top 20

Montini, Batavia and St. Francis are the top three teams in the Daily Herald’s preseason football Top 20.

Maine South quarterback Jameson Purcell throws a pass at a 7-on-7 competition at Maine West High School in Des Plaines in July. Purcell and the Hawks are coming off a 10-win season and open the season at Batavia.

High school football 2026: Scouting Maine South, Maine East, Maine West, St. Viator and Leyden

Central Suburban South Maine South Last year: 10-2, 5-0, conference champs Coach: Dave Inserra Top returning players: Jameson Purcell (6-3, 200, sr....