Friday Night Drive

Amboy has won the last three I8FA state titles, but last year is in the past for the Clippers. Running back Jose Lopez is among Amboy's key returners and coach Scott Payne said Lopez is healthy after getting injured during wrestling season. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

The 2026 IHSA football season is fast approaching. Here is our season preview for the CCL Orange Division, which includes Carmel, Fenwick, Providence and St. Ignatius. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

IC Catholic Prep junior Grant Bowen has seen his recruitment soar, with 33 offers including Alabama, Notre Dame and Ohio State. But that's for tomorrow. In the present, Bowen still burns about last year's quarterfinal loss to Byron. 'To see them win state, it left a bad taste.' Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

Bureau Valley will benefit more than any team with the creation of the three divisions in the new Lincoln Land Conference for the merger of the Lincoln Trail and Prairie Land. The Storm will now be paired with schools much closer in size and distance in the North Division. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

Almost a year removed from suffering a severe head injury that required multiple brain surgeries, Rochelle's Dylan Manning continues to progress with his health. He returned to the football field as a volunteer coach this summer and intends to remain involved this coming season. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

Can Cary-Grove win another regional title? Will Huntley defend its FVC championship? How will Burlington Central and Woodstock co-op fare in their inaugural seasons? Here are five storylines to watch in McHenry County for the 2026 girls flag football season. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

With weapons all over the field, hopes are high for the Hiawatha football team heading into the 2026 season. Will the fastest team Kenny McPeek has ever coach be able to run past opponents and into a second straight playoff berth? Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

West Carroll football hopes to continue to build upon its success in 8-man after the Thunder reached the I8FA quarterfinals in their first two seasons. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

The 2026 IHSA football season is fast approaching. Here is our season preview for the CCL White Division, which includes DePaul Prep, IC Catholic Prep, Joliet Catholic and St. Laurence. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

Joliet Central has not reached the football playoffs since 1976, a streak the Steelmen are looking to end this fall. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

Fulton coach Patrick Lower is set for his 20th season leading the Steamers. He is just three wins shy of 100 career coaching wins at Fulton. 'Since 1968, Fulton has only had four head football coaches, and to me, that’s one of the proudest things about our program.' Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

Geneva senior running back Nelson Wendell is too competitive for just one sport. And after missing most of last football season to injury, he's ready to prove himself. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

Chad Hetlet has coached his share of elite athletes in his two decades at Glenbard West. He’s never had a quarterback like AJ Rayford. Rayford, in his second year, is set to lead an offense headlined by two Northwestern commits. 'He will be the best quarterback we have ever had.' Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

Javier Hernandez caught Jim Eustice's attention immediately as a leader when Eustice took over at Mendota last year. This fall, Hernandez is a senior and will once again lead a Trojan team looking to improve on last year's 2-7 record. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

Yorkville coach Dan McGuire says it's pretty rare for a team to return one of its strongest units largely intact, but that's exactly what the Foxes have. Bryce Baxa, James Sapp Jr. and Mark Smith III are back on the defensive line after contributing to last year's playoff run. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

With the season nine days away, here are five football players to watch in Bureau County this fall. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

La Salle-Peru, Princeton, St. Bede, Bureau Valley, Mendota and Fieldcrest are holding meet the team/scrimmage nights. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

He shares a name with one superstar athlete, but senior quarterback LeBron Carrington reminds DeKalb football teammate Jamarie Lymon of another one much more relevant to his own sport. "There’s really not more to say besides him being a young Lamar Jackson.” Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

The sting of last season’s ending hasn’t gone away at Bolingbrook. If anything, the Raiders have spent the past nine months using it as fuel. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

New Hampshire football coach Braden Foster has been busy building and solidifying relationships since his hire in February. Foster, whose Whip-Purs open the season Friday, Aug. 21 at Huntley, is getting married in November. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

There will be a lot of unfamiliar faces looking to make their mark on Milledgeville football this fall. The lone returning starter is junior quarterback Kyson Francis, now entering his third year under center. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

Jack Ponto isn't the biggest linebacker on the field, but Oswego East coach Tyson LeBlanc says the senior "flips a switch" when he steps between the white lines. Last year, Ponto led the Wolves with 73 tackles. Now he's mentoring younger players and chasing a deeper playoff run. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

St. Bede returns four starters on the offensive line this season. "It all stems from the O line. A good O line leads to a good team, so if we all work together and have a good drive for the team, I think we’ll be very successful," junior Luke Fess said. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

"I like the bye week. It's a good thing to push for." Sycamore football's Peter Gehrig on the Spartans' new target under the IHSA's revamped playoff system. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

A look at the Fox Valley Conference for the 2025 season, including team-by-team preview capsules, players to watch, five can't miss games and Steve Soucie's predicted order of finish. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .