IHSA Football Season Officially Gets Underway in One Week With Start of Practice

The countdown to the official start of high school sports in the area is now down to just one week as the first official football practice is able to be held next Wednesday, August 5. This season marks a new football season calendar being used by the IHSA after the season was moved up one week compared to previous years with the first official games able to be held beginning August 20. Last year teams were able to do a “Week 0” scrimmage which the Vandals did partake in, hosting Carlyle on August 22. As they lead up to the 2026 season, the Vandals are currently in their final team camp week and will be at Centralia for their final joint practice with Marion this Thursday. They will then get to work officially next week to prepare for their Week 1 matchup at home with Carlinville on August 21.