The Vandals will start the season ranked in the top 10 in Class 3A football. In the Pre-Season poll put out by the Associated Press, the Vandals come in at #8, receiving a total of 34 points. The Vandals are 1 of 2 South Central Conference teams who are ranked, as Carlinville is #6 in the poll, and the Cavaliers also received one first place vote. Byron is ranked #1, Williamsville #2 in the Class 3A pre-season poll.