The report says Coal City is aiming to build on the best season in program history. In 2025, the team claimed its first regional and sectional titles, then finished third in its first state finals appearance. The returning core includes senior goalkeeper Carter Nicholson, whom the report says conceded 14 goals in 28 games, along with experienced players Dylan Fatlan, Creed Macaluso and Owen Peterson. Leading scorer Carter Hollis is also expected back.
That continuity gives Coal City a foundation, but the report notes that the Illinois Central Eight race included several strong rivals, including Manteno, Peotone and Herscher.
Cissna Park is coming off a state title and, according to the report, finished last season 40-1. The program loses a senior class that compiled 143 wins and 17 losses over four years, but setters Mady Marcott and Ella Schluter return, as does defensive leader Kendyl Neukomm. Marina Day, who recorded 114 kills and 34 blocks last season, is another key piece.
In golf, the report says Bishop McNamara ended a seven-year wait for an All-City title before winning its first regional since 2010. Nolan Andrews, Braylon Ricketts and Preston Payne are among the returning leaders.
The report also expects Manteno to bring back every runner who competed at state last season. That group’s return gives the girls cross-country team a chance to build on a breakthrough for the school.
As the season begins, the first test for each program will be translating last year’s success into another strong campaign. Coal City’s early conference clashes should offer a quick measure of whether its historic run can continue.