Downers Grove South ruled the roost last year and looks to be the favorite again with a plethora of returning starters, led by junior quarterback Chandler Whitmer. The loss of some defensive starters might sting, but the Mustangs never stay down for long in that department. They will find out what they’re made of early by opening the season at Bolingbrook followed by the home opener against York and the annual cross-town clash at Downers North in Week 3.

Hinsdale South looks to rebound from a disappointing 2007 campaign behind the running back duo of Darrin Kidd and Jonathan Sterling. As they go so go the Hornets.

Willowbrook lost 16 senior starters from last year’s playoff team, but the Warriors will hope to reload rather than rebuild at the skill positions.

Morton gives it a go with Tony Asay, the Mustangs’ fourth head coach since 2004. A new coach with a new attitude could do the trick for a team that went winless the past two seasons.

Addison Trail is looking to point the arrow up after a 1-8 season, and a favorable schedule early in the season could do the trick.

Proviso East and Leyden were both 5-4 last season and will be looking to replicate that success. Leyden will look to advance past the first round of the playoffs this season (the Eagles lost to Mt. Carmel in the first round last season) while the Pirates will be fighting for a berth after missing last seasons big dance.

Addison Trail
NICKNAME Blazers
COLORS Navy Blue, White
STADIUM 213 N. Lombard Rd., Addison
ENROLLMENT 1,874
CLASS 7A
COACH Paul Parpet
2007 RECORD 1-8
CONFERENCE FINISH 1-5, 6th

Downers Grove South
NICKNAME Mustangs
COLORS Navy Blue, Columbia Blue
STADIUM 1436 Norfolk, Downers Grove
ENROLLMENT 3,188
CLASS 8A
COACH John Belskis
2007 RECORD 9-1
CONFERENCE FINISH 6-0, 1st

Hinsdale South
NICKNAME Hornets
COLORS Black, Gold
STADIUM 7401 Clarendon Hills Rd., Darien
ENROLLMENT 1,836
CLASS 7A
COACH Alex Bitto
2007 RECORD 3-6
CONFERENCE FINISH 2-4, 5th

Leyden
NICKNAME Eagles
COLORS Blue, Gold
STADIUM 3400 Rose St., Franklin Park
ENROLLMENT 3,573
CLASS 8A
COACH Tom Cerasani
2007 RECORD 5-5
CONFERENCE FINISH 4-2, T-2nd

Morton
NICKNAME Mustangs
COLORS Green, Maroon
STADIUM Harlem Ave. and 26th St., Berwyn
ENROLLMENT 8,025
CLASS 8A
COACH Tony Asay
2007 RECORD 0-9
CONFERENCE FINISH 0-6, 7th

Proviso East
NICKNAME Pirates
COLORS Royal Blue, White
STADIUM 807 S. First Ave., Maywood
ENROLLMENT 1,962
CLASS 8A
COACH Aaron Peppers
2007 RECORD 5-4
CONFERENCE FINISH 4-2, T-2nd

Willowbrook
NICKNAME Warriors
COLORS Columbia Blue, Silver
STADIUM 1250 S. Ardmore Ave, Villa Park
ENROLLMENT 2,200
CLASS 8A
COACH Mark Olson
2007 RECORD 6-4
CONFERENCE FINISH 4-2, T-2nd

3 key games
Downers Grove South at Proviso East, 7:30 p.m. Sept. 26
Downers Grove South at Hinsdale South, 7:30 p.m. Oct. 3
Leyden at Downers Grove South , 7:30 p.m. Oct. 24