Upon its dissolution, it comprised ten teams (eight schools competing independently and two athletic co-operatives) located in the northwest and north-central portions of the state.
[1] The Big Rivers was a successful smaller-school football conference, having produced state championships in five of the past nine seasons.
The inaugural Mississippi Division consisted of former Three Rivers schools Morrison, Newman, Riverdale, Fulton, Erie, and Prophetstown.
Erie and Prophetstown consolidated their football programs, leaving an open spot in the Mississippi Division which was filled by Amboy.
The Spring Valley Hall Red Devils replaced Marquette in the Big Rivers' final season as a football-only, stand-alone conference.
Newman Central Catholic won the league's first state crown by defeating Carthage 21-7 in 2A, while Bureau Valley lost to Driscoll in 3A.
The North division includes Amboy-La Moille, Bureau Valley, Erie-Prophetstown, Fulton, Morrison, Newman Central Catholic, and Riverdale.
The decision to create a geographical North-South alignment was based upon a desire to maintain existing rivalries and minimize travel times.