Northern Illinois Big 12 East football preview

Updated: August 20, 2011 7:18PM

NORTHERN ILLINOIS BIG 12 EAST

Outlook: Defending champion Kaneland loses nearly every starter off its semifinal team while Morris brings back more than half of its starters. Sycamore and Rochelle are improving.

Top five players Ht. Wt. Yr.

QB Ryan Bartels, Sycamore 6-4 210 Sr.

DL Sam Capello, Sycamore 6-1 205 Sr.

WR Quinn Buschbacher, Kaneland 5-10 175 Sr.

DL Jimmy Pelnarsh, Morris 6-3 270 Sr.

QB Austin Feeney, Morris 5-11 165 Sr.

Quote: “It is a very balanced league. Overall team health will determine if we are capable of winning the conference.” — Sycamore coach Joe Ryan.

Did you know? Hall of Fame coach Karl Hoinkes, who won state titles at Oswego in 1992 and 2003, returns to the sidelines for Yorkville.

Predicted finish: Morris, Sycamore, Kaneland, DeKalb, Rochelle, Yorkville.

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