No. 10 Xavier (0-0) at Kennedy (0-0)

Site: Kingston Stadium

Time: 7:15 p.m. (approximately)

Sophomore game: 5 p.m.

Radio: KGYM (1600)

Storyline - The Battle of 42nd Street takes place on the southwest side. The teams split two games last season. Xavier blitzed Kennedy 35-7 in the season opener, but the Cougars claimed an 11-7 win in the playoffs. Both of those games were at Xavier. Both teams again harbor playoff aspirations this season.

Xavier - The Saints have qualified for the playoffs the last five years and that includes a Class 4A championship in 2006. To get there this year the Saints will need huge efforts from a multitude of players without any varsity experience heading into the season. Top players: RB Carter Valentine, sr. (38 yards rushing; 8 receptions for 98 yards and 2 TDs); QB Reggie Schulte, jr. (1st start); DE Kevin Hosch, sr. (23 tackles, 5 for loss); DB Jordan Weber, sr. (31 tackles, 3 interceptions); PK Chad Gilmer, sr. (28-28 PATs, 5-8 FGs).

Kennedy - The Cougars will be trying to avoid the 1-4 start of a year ago that nearly scuttled their playoff hopes by midseason. Kennedy ran off six straight wins, including two in the playoffs, before succumbing to Bettendorf. Like Xavier, the Cougars also graduated a wealth of experience. Top players: RB Trevor Heitland, sr. (119-929, 10 TDs rushing); WR/DB Josh Jahlas, sr. (9 receptions for 116 yards and 1 TD; 93 tackles, 2 interceptions, 2 fumble recoveries); QB Chico Lizarraga, sr. (1st start); LB Prince Kollie, soph. (1st start).

Washington (0-0) at Prairie (0-0)

Site: John Wall Field

Time: 7:15 p.m. (approximately)

Sophomore game: 5 p.m.

Radio: KZIA-HD 2 (kzia.com)

Television: KCRG 9.2 (Mediacom 109, Imon 709)

Storyline - A Washington team that since the start of training camp has lost its starting quarterback and tailback takes on a Prairie team playing its first game under Coach Mike Morrissey. These teams met in last year's opener at Kingston Stadium when Washington scored 34 second-half points en route to a 41-21 win.

Washington - The Warriors are gunning for their fifth straight playoff appearance under Coach Tony Lombardi, but will be without the services of QB A.J. Puk, who quit the team to concentrate on baseball, and RB Will Griffin, who likely will miss at least the first portion if the season after undergoing ankle surgery in fall camp. Finding replacements to work behind a talented line is Washington's immediate concern. Top players: QB Braedon Tovey, sr. (1st start); DB David Tann, sr. (108 tackles, 8 for loss, 3 interceptions, 2 returned for TDs); WR Flynn Heald, sr. (19-208, 2 TDs receiving); OL Storhm Henry, sr.; OL Tyler Burrell, sr.

Prairie - The Hawks were a ground-and-pound group under former coach Craig Jelinek, but Morrissey said he is going to open up the offense and throw the ball more. Whether that translates to wins against one of the toughest scheduled in the state is another matter. Prairie was 2-7 a year ago when it played eight teams that reached the playoffs. The Hawks play the same schedule this season. This is a big one. Top players: QB Jace Hanna (1st start); RB Zach Witte, sr. (107-432, 4 TDs rushing); WR Demetrius Harper, jr. (35-643, 2 TDs receiving).

Marion (0-0) at Mount Vernon (0-0)

Site: Mount Vernon

Time: 7:30 p.m. (approximately)

Sophomore game: 5:15 p.m.

Storyline - Marion has qualified for the state playoffs five of the last seven years and will be gunning for a third straight appearance this season. While this is a non-district game that does not count towards the playoffs, the Indians will be looking to continue their dominance over the Mustangs. Marion has won the last five games in the annual series, the last two by 42-3 scores. The Indians have outscored Mount Vernon 172-13 over the last four games.

Marion - The Lions are 17-5 over the past two seasons and reached the playoffs each year. They thumped the J-Hawks 43-15 last year to ignite a 7-0 start to the season. Top players: RB Colton Storla, sr. (200-1250, 15 TDs rushing); QB Cale Cannoy, sr. (18-78, 2 TDs rushing; no passing); FB/LB Jake McDonald, sr. (31-192, 4 TDs rushing; 128 tackles, 13 for loss); RB/LB Trev Biery, jr. (35-252, 5 TDs rushing; 38 tackles); OL Zach Borens, jr.

Mount Vernon - The J-Hawks have lost 13 straight games dating back to a Sept. 25, 2009, win over Dubuque Senior. They were 0-9 last season, when they were outscored by an average score of 44 to 9. The J-Hawks return 19 players with starting experience. Top players: QB Jacob Timm, sr. (64-128-3-803, 4 TDs passing; 38-22 rushing); RB Marshall Tuerler, jr. (144-513, 2 TDs rushing); RB/DB Conner Shaffer, jr. (37-149 rushing; 8-139, 1 TD receiving; 45 tackles, 3 interceptions); LB Jack Kelleher (19 tackles, 5 interceptions).