The Watseka Warriors and the Milford Bearcats are among area high school football teams getting some pre-season attention as the new season kicks off Friday night.

Wilmington and the Momence Redskins topped local teams in the Illinois High School Football Associated Press preseason polls this week.

The polls are voted on by an Associated Press panel of statewide sportswriters.

Wilmington took the fourth spot in the Class 3A poll. The Wildcats earned 67 points, placing them behind top-rated Aurora Christian, Unity (Tolono) and Newman Central Catholic (Sterling).

Momence also earned a fourth-place position in the Class 2A poll. The Redskins picked up 67 points, which put them behind No. 1 Morrison, Mercer County and Maroa-Forsyth.

Coach Steve Lucas’ Watseka club  picked up a vote in the Class 2A poll.

Other area teams showed up in the Class 4A rankings. Coal City was rated No. 9 in the classification with 31 points, while both Manteno (18 points) and Bishop McNamara (17 points) showed up in the others receiving votes category.

Milford picked up one vote in the Class 1A poll.