Belleville East athlete's college dream & other football news

That slight chill in the air means football season is well underway. Whether you are a fan of high school, college, pro ball or all three, here's what's happening in the football arena in the metro-east and beyond:

At Belleville East High School, James Johnson actively pursues his dream of playing college football, with multiple offers lining up. His commitment extends beyond the field to academics, where he maintains a strong GPA, seeking excellence in all endeavors.

At high school football games in metro-east, rigorous safety measures persist. Schools implement policies like clear bags and metal detectors to ensure security, reflecting evolving safety priorities among districts.

Austin Seibert, formerly of the NFL who attended Belleville West High School, retires and shifts focus toward family and new professional goals. Injuries curtailed his playing days, but he now eyes teaching and coaching, embracing a new chapter.

Cahokia High School responded to alcohol allegations by halting football tailgates, pending policy evaluation. A complaint to the Illinois High School Association spurred this action, showing the impact of vigilance in maintaining sport event integrity.

NO. 1: STAR STUDENT, STANDOUT ATHLETE: BELLEVILLE EAST JUNIOR DRAWS NATIONAL ATTENTION

When the first full-ride offer came in, from Ball State, James Johnson “couldn’t believe it.” Now that he’s gotten more offers from bigger-name football schools, the Belleville East junior wide receiver and cornerback acknowledges he won’t be satisfied until the names of the schools get even bigger. | Published September 17, 2025 | Read Full Story by Adrian Dater

Cleveland Browns’ Austin Seibert stands on the field during an NFL football rookie minicamp Friday, May 3, 2019, in Berea, Ohio. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)

NO. 2: BELLEVILLE’S AUSTIN SEIBERT STEPS AWAY FROM NFL, FOCUSED ON FAMILY AND NEW GOALS

Every time Austin Seibert walked through the door of his grandparents’ house during summer breaks from Oklahoma, his grandfather, Paul, always greeted him with, “NFL,” as in, “That’s where you’re going.” Indeed, the former Belleville West star placekicker and punter did make it to the NFL. | Published September 24, 2025 | Read Full Story by Adrian Dater

Families buy tickets to watch a football game at Belleville West last season. Most metro-east high schools, including those in District 201, have adopted added security measures at their stadiums.

NO. 3: CLEAR BAGS, METAL DETECTORS NOW THE NORM AT METRO-EAST HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL GAMES

With high school football season in full swing across the metro-east, school districts are stepping up security to ensure student and spectator safety. | Published October 8, 2025 | Read Full Story by Madison Lammert

Cahokia District 187 Superintendent Curtis McCall Jr. speaks during a public meeting about plans for constructing a new Cahokia High School in the current high school’s gym in Cahokia Heights, Ill., on May 8, 2024. A meeting was also held on May 7. By Joshua Carter

NO. 4: CAHOKIA HIGH SCHOOL CANCELS FOOTBALL TAILGATES AFTER ALCOHOL COMPLAINT

Cahokia High School has canceled its football tailgates until further notice amid allegations that alcohol has been present at the school-sponsored events. | Published October 10, 2025 | Read Full Story by Madison Lammert

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.