With the high school football season right around the corner, the schedules have been announced and there are many interesting match-ups that loom large this season.

Those games open Aug. 28, when Joliet Catholic Academy hosts Montini Catholic in a rematch of last season’s Class 6A state title game, which Montini won in the closing minutes of the contest. It will also be the first game played on the new artificial surface at Memorial Stadium.

The Hilltoppers host longtime rival Providence Catholic, Sept. 3 and then travel to Michigan week three for an out-of-state battle with Muskegon Heights on Sept. 11.

In Joliet’s public schools the varsity sports teams split again and form two teams for the first time in more than a decade.

West will debut at home when it hosts Algonquin at 1 p.m. Aug. 29.

The Tigers will face off with Plainfield South Sept. 3. South wasn’t even around the last time West had a team.

October 1 will pit the two halves of the former Joliet Township, as Joliet West and Central will face each other at Joliet West.

West will renew its rivalry with Lockport Oct. 15, while Central plays the Porters Sept. 24.

For Lockport, their season also opens fast.

After non-conference games with Downers Grove North and Richards, the Porters open conference play at home against Bolingbrook Sept. 11.

A week later, Lockport travels to perennial conference powerhouse Lincoln-Way East.