11-on-11 preseason scrimmages are new to high school football in Illinois this year.

Last December, Illinois High School Association member schools approved a proposal to create "Week 0" scrimmages, which take place the weekend before the first games of the season. This year's preseason contests will be held this Friday and Saturday says Mercer County High School athletic director Dustin Murray.

The scrimmages have to follow specific guidelines – a maximum of 48 total plays are allowed split into four separate 12-play segments. There are no special teams snaps and IHSA officials must be used.

Regular season games begin next Friday.