Sterling opens Western Big 6 Conference play against Moline, Dixon hosts Rock Falls, Newman hosts E-P on Saturday and more, including picks and what to watch for in this week's Sauk Valley football previews.

A group of 23 new teams worked their way into the projection this week. Where do they fit? And how did they change the projected classification breaks for all eight classes. Steve Soucie breaks down how the playoff field projects after the second week of games.

Despite the loss, Dixon running back Landon Knigge got plenty of props from Bryon after rushing for 204 yards. Newman got to 2-0, Sterling rolled at home, Rock Falls showed fight and more in this week's Sauk Valley football notes.

Sterling started strong and made plenty of plays defensively in a 47-0 win over Chicago Urban Prep in Friday's home opener

Gallery

The Lions of Urban Prep traveled to Sterling to take on the Warriors at Prescott Memorial Field at Roscoe Eades Stadium, September 5, 2025.

Dixon's massive game at No. 1 Byron highlights the 15 matchups in the Sauk Valley area in Week 2. Newman heads to Mendota, Sterling has a nonconference home game, Rock Falls hosts North Boone and more this Friday.

Newman's Evan Bushman made key throws in a big win over Princeton, Dixon rolled at Rockford, Milledgeville stepped up in a big win over Amboy and more in this week's Sauk Valley football notes.

Sterling fell at Metamora, Oregon's Cooper Johnson had 192 yards rushing and three TDs in a win, Draven Zier had five touchdowns and more in Friday's Sauk Valley football roundup.

Here is a look at the Week 1 football matchups in the Sauk Valley area.