With familiar faces staying at the top, new contenders emerging and the ultimate Cinderella story, the 2024 high school football season in the Southland had it all.

The highlights were Chicago Christian’s fairytale run to the Class 2A state title and star senior quarterback Jack Elliott leading Mount Carmel to its third straight 7A championship.

Which teams will author their own heroic stories this fall?

As the high school football season begins Monday with the first day of practices across the state, here are 10 things to watch in 2025.

1. The 8A we’ve always dreamed of

At long last, the Class 8A playoffs should reach their full excitement potential this season.

Mount Carmel, in its quest for a fourth straight state championship, will have to do it in the highest class, bumping up

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