Carbondale Reporter

High school football in Illinois returns tomorrow, marking the continuation of a long-standing tradition that dates back to the 1880s. Some of the state's most historic programs began before 1900, including Oak Park, East Aurora, Freeport, Woodstock, Joliet, West Aurora, Pontiac, Pittsfield, and East St. Louis. The sport has seen many legends such as Red Grange, Otto Graham, Dick Butkus, Ray Nitschke, and Kellen Winslow.

The Illinois High School Association (IHSA) did not formalize a playoff system until 1974. In Chicago, the Prep Bowl series started in 1934 between Public and Catholic league winners. Prior to this system, various schools claimed 'mythical' state championships.

"Friday Night Lights" is a term synonymous with high school football across the nation. In Illinois towns and cities alike, fans gather at local stadiums every Friday night to watch their teams play. Many businesses close down for these events as community members head out to support their local teams.

Illinois high school football is characterized by numerous rivalries. The oldest rivalry dates back to 1889 between Hyde Park and Englewood in Chicago. Other notable rivalries include East Aurora vs. West Aurora and Champaign Central vs. Urbana among others.

A more recent but significant rivalry is between Rochester and Sacred Heart-Griffin (SHG), which began in 2010 when Derek Leonard joined Rochester's team in the Central State Eight Conference. His father Ken Leonard recently retired from SHG after a legendary coaching career. Their matchups are known as the "Leonard Bowl."

Local communities often identify closely with their high school football teams through traditions like Homecoming parades and week-long celebrations involving alumni reunions. Long-standing rivalries such as those between Arcola and Tuscola date back generations; their annual game is called the "Cola Wars."

In the Mid-Illini Conference near Peoria, Metamora and Washington's rivalry is highly anticipated each year with packed stands and an atmosphere that many consider the highlight of their year.

City-based rivalries also hold significance; for example Quincy Senior versus Quincy Notre Dame brings together public and Catholic schools in Quincy for a community celebration despite their remote location requiring extensive travel for other games.

Despite yearly changes across Illinois and nationwide, the tradition of Friday Night Lights remains strong throughout Illinois communities this fall season.

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