North Stars can learn some lessons from loss
St. Charles North got an up-close look Saturday at what it takes to be a state championship contender. Simply put, the North Stars hadn't seen a team of Glenbard West's caliber this season prior to their Class 7A state quarterfinal contest against the Hilltoppers.

Off and running
It wasn't exactly business as usual for several area boys basketball teams as practices tipped off all around the state Monday. New coaches were calling the shots at Larkin, Burlington Central and Elgin Academy. Meanwhile, St. Charles North's first practice was held up because of the success of that school's football team.

North Stars playoff march a long time coming
A look back at the 2009 Courier-News high school football preview offers a reminder why I pegged St. Charles North as the area's top team this fall. You see, the North Stars had big-time aspirations from the start, as coach Mark Gould made clear in a comment he made back in August.

Return to playoffs likely for Storm, Wave
And then there was one. That's all that's left of the area football contingent going into the second round of the state football playoffs after St. Edward, South Elgin, St. Charles East and Huntley all saw their seasons end last weekend.

Joy, heartbreak strike in Elgin during Week 9
Erik Jacobsen: Sometimes an entire football season comes down to one or two plays, and that was certainly the case for St. Edward and Larkin on Friday.