Brady is one of five area head coaches entering his second season this fall and looking to help his team take the next step. (Scott Anderson)With preseason practices for the 2026 season beginning Wednesday, here are five storylines to watch in the NewsTribune/BCR area this fall. The IHSA has expanded the postseason for this fall, giving more teams the chance to qualify for the playoffs. St. Bede and Mendota each had two wins last fall but did not reach the 42 playoff point threshold. Eustice took over a Mendota team that won one game over the two seasons before his arrival and led the Trojans to two wins last season.