Preview: The Hitters (9-2, 2025 WSC Champs) open the 2026 season on the road with a marquee matchup against the Lockport Porters (9-4 in 2025). The Porters are coming off a deep postseason run that ended in the 8A State Semifinals, highlighted by a dominant 35-0 shutout against second-seeded Barrington in the quarterfinals. The Hitters' potent offense—headlined by returning star tight end Brady Johnson (a Northwestern commit), quarterback A.J. Rayford, and running back Bryce Ellens—faces a massive opening test against a stingy Lockport defense that surrendered just 11 points per game during their 2025 playoff stretch.