Matt Johnson works during a drill Monday at West Aurora.
Rick West/rwest@dailyherald.com
West Aurora football coach Nate Eimer led the Blackhawks to 9-win seasons in 2018 and 2016. Switching to the Southwest Prairie Conference from the Upstate Eight provides a challenge to maintain that pace.
"This is a year where we figure out if we're a program or if we've just strung a couple groups together​," Eimer said.
Five of the six teams in the Southwest Prairie's West division reached the playoffs last season -- West Aurora, Minooka, Oswego East, Oswego and Yorkville. Plainfield North was Class 7A runner-up in 2016.
Despite severing football ties this season with East Aurora and friendly UEC coaches such as South Elgin's Dragan Teonic, Eimer believes this is a positive development.
"For us and our conference and our community, I think this move made a lot of sense," he said.
Other Fox Valley schools getting ready for play in new conferences this fall include Burlington Central, Kaneland and Marmion.
Quarterback Will Tamara rears back to pass during the first day of football practice at West Aurora High School Monday.
Rick West/rwest@dailyherald.com
Head coach Nate Eimer works with his players during the first day of football practice at West Aurora High School Monday.
Rick West/rwest@dailyherald.com
Above: Logan Mont jumps to make a catch during the first day of football practice at West Aurora Monday. Below left: Kyler Brown returns to quarterback St. Charles North after the North Stars finished second in Class 7A. Below right: Cary-Grove will take the field this fall as the defending Class 6A state champs.
Rick West/rwest@dailyherald.com
Ezra Cavanaugh watches the ball for a catch during the first day of football practice at West Aurora High School Monday.
Rick West/rwest@dailyherald.com
Logan Mont converts on a kick off a Sam Laurx hold during the first day of football practice at West Aurora High School Monday.
Rick West/rwest@dailyherald.com
Cam Van Fleet keeps his head up and eyes on his position coach during the first day of football practice at West Aurora High School Monday.
Rick West/rwest@dailyherald.com