The high school football season gets going this week with the first week of fall practices.

Normal West High School is going to be leaning on a lot of depth this fall. Coach Nate Finchum says their season started with a slow buildup this summer. It was a different approach for the Wildcats.

For Normal West, depth will be one of its strengths, and while that can be a challenge to make sure everyone gets their touches and their reps, Coach Finchum also notes it can be a positive if they find themselves battling injuries.

While the Wildcats had a slow buildup throughout the offseason, Coach Finchum indicates these first few weeks are going to be about getting back to basics.

To get back to the postseason, Coach Finchum says his Wildcats will have to have strong efforts from their defense. On the offensive side of the football, Normal West will need to take care of the football and find a way to make sure their playmakers stay involved.

Normal West opens the season on Aug. 29, taking on Peoria Notre Dame.