Week 1: Scouting the Upstate Eight Valley

Glenbard East at Lake ForestGame time: 7 p.m. Friday.

The quick hit: Kenny Adams' 67-yard touchdown reception from Bret Bushka provided the Rams' sole scoring in last season's nonconference opener. This is cornerback Nehemiah Jones' varsity debut, which should be useful against a traditional passing attack.

West Chicago at Wheaton AcademyGame time: 7:15 p.m. Friday.

The quick hit: Last year saw a nicely contested game, the first between these cross-town schools. West Chicago linemen Noah Kotke and Mike Wagner must be sound against a Warriors crew including 300-pound Sean Blum, 270-pound Graham Wall.

Bartlett at ConantWhen: Friday, 7:30 p.m.

Last year's result: Bartlett 6, Conant 0

Outlook: Bryan Stotz returns to the Northwest suburbs in the hopes of turning the tide for Conant. Stortz, who once coached at Lake Zurich, inherits a Conant team that was winless last year and scored more than a touchdown in only two of those games. Jack Reiger will key the offense from the running back spot and anchor the defense at middle linebacker. Bartlett returns just 2 starters from a team that went 4-5 a year ago. Bartlett returning offensive linemen Mike Oakes and Co. will try to clear a path for back Joey Allen.

West Aurora at Yorkville Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.

The quick hit: West Aurora hopes to parlay the momentum from a record-setting 2016 season into a nonconference road win. JaQuan Buchanan debuts as featured running back. Yorkville retools after heavy graduation losses from a 2-7 team.

South Elgin vs. Miami (Fla.) Ransom Everglades Game time: 7:30 p.m. Friday.

The quick hit: South Elgin opens the season against a private school from Miami at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando. It's an important game for the Storm, whose nonconference schedule includes three 2016 playoff teams.