Nonconference

Oswego (10-1 in 2024) at Naperville Central (11-2)

When: 7 p.m. Friday

About the Panthers: Oswego went 9-0 last year during the regular season, then reached the second round of the Class 8A playoffs. But this is a different Oswego team. The Panthers can count on one hand their returning starters. All-conference receiver Teddy Manikas is one of them and will be a favorite target of whoever emerges at quarterback. Dekker Zelensek, part of a carousel of running backs as a junior, figures to be the man now. Defense was a staple of Oswego football last season, but it must replace its entire linebacking corps and line. Talent does appear to be coming from the lower levels that won conference titles last year. The Panthers have a tricky first two weeks in nonconference, Nape

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