Mississippi Valley Conference football capsules

Following is a look at the six teams which make up the Mississippi Valley Conference. The Highland Bulldogs won the league title a year ago with a perfect 5-0 record and advanced to the Class 4A state semiifnals before losing to eventual state champion Rochester.

Perennial playoff contder Triad also earned a postseason berth a year ago.

Following is a brief look at the teams and top players in the MVC heading into the ‘18 season.

Civic Memorial Eagles

Coach: Mike Parmentier (3rd season, 6-13)

2017 record: 1-8, 0-5 in the MVC

2018 opener: Aug. 24, Marquette, 7 p.m.

Key players returning: QB: Noah Turbyfil (15-of-31, 185 yards 1 TD; RB: Nick Walker (22 carries, 123 yards); LB: Chandler Powell (41 tackles, 24 solos);

Highland Bulldogs

Coach: Jim Warnecke (8th year, 54-22)

2017 Record: 12-1, 5-0 in the MVC

Playoffs: Lost to Rochester 31-14 in Class 4A semifnals

2018 opener: Aug. 24 at Alton, 7 p.m.

Key players returning: QB-DB: Jack Etter, WR: Sam LaPorta (64 receptions, 1,300 yards, 20 TD’s), RB: Brady Feldman (142 carries, 1,209 yards, 23 TD’s, 36 receptions, 609 yards, 9 TD’;s); WR: Jacob Willis (22 receptions, 364 yards 4 TD’s); OL: Trevor Zobrist, OL: Payton Cave

Jersey Panthers

Coach: Ric Johns (1st year)

2017 record: 4-5, 2-3 in the MVC

2018 opener: Aug. 24, Granite City, 7 p.m.

Key players returning: RB: Kurt Hall (79 attempts, 708 yards, 6 TD’s); WR: Matt Jackson (19 receptions, 215 yards)

Mascoutah Indians

Coach: Josh Lee (3rd year, 4-14)

2017 Record 3-6, 2-3 in the MVC

2018 opener: Aug. 24, Columbia, 7 p.m.

Key players returning: QB Devon Ross (71 of 132 for 938 yards, 10 TD’s, 2 Int.); RB: Devin Willis (52 carries, 308 yards, 4 TD’s); WR: Malik Green WR-DB (13 receptions, 187 yards , 2 TD’s, 35 tackles)

Triad Knights

Coach: Paul Bassler, (21st year, 122-81)

2017 record: 8-2, 4-1 in the MVC

Playoffs: Lost to Peoria Richwoods 15-13 in first round Class 5A game

2018 opener: Aug. 24 at Mattoon, 7 p.m.

Key Players returning: RB: Amaziah Luslk (21 carries, 124 yards, 2 TD’s); RB: Luke Foreman (27 carries, 239 yards,) RB: Devin Towns (439 yards, 1 TD)

Waterloo Bulldogs

Coach: Dan Rose (19th year, 85-87)

2017 record: 4-5, 2-3 in the MVC

2018 opener: Aug. 24, at Herrin, 7 p.m.

Key players returing: RB: Dalton Viglasky (142 carries, 1,015 yards, 15 TD’s); QB: Graham Baker (52 of 99 for 685 yards, 8 TD;’s 5 Int))>