Friday Night Drive

Kankakee rolls into the 2026 season behind senior quarterback Phillip Turner, who head coach Ed Hazelett said is ready to help lead a talented team to another strong year. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

Coming off its first unbeaten regular season in 27 years, Bishop McNamara heads into the 2026 season with high expectations and plenty of talent. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

The Bradley-Bourbonnais football program is looking to follow up a period of recent playoff success while also transitioning into the first season under head coach Joe Kubal. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

Back after suffering its first losing season since 2002, Loyola has reunited with former coach John Holecek and returns several Division I prospects including quarterback Matthew Lee, wide receiver Jordan McKinley and Boston College recruits Will Mettee and Charlie Fowler. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

One girl's social media campaign became reality: Sycamore is hosting its first girls flag football game Tuesday against Cary-Grove. Allison Densberger, who started the push, is starting at QB. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

Despite taking an injury-shortened loss to Christian Life in its first-ever game as a program, Hope Christian is looking forward to continuing to build up the state's newest eight-man football team. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

Peotone started the 2026 IHSA football season in ideal fashion Thursday, traveling north to take on Blue Island Eisenhower program and returning home with a 28-6 victory. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

Join hosts Steve Soucie and Russ Hodges as they preview Week 1 in Illinois high school football in the CCL. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

Join hosts Josh Welge, Matthew McGowan, and Skyler Kisellus as they preview Week 1 of the Illinois high school football season in the western suburbs. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

Ryan Franze lived in three different states, including Texas, growing up. For the past two seasons, the Johnsburg senior has put up Texas-size numbers playing wide receiver for the Skyhawks. He looks to continue his success with a new quarterback this fall. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

Mount Carmel and East St. Louis will square off on Saturday, while St. Rita hosts Providence and Brother Rice travels to face Lincoln-Way East on Friday. Here are all of the notable CCL football matchups for Week 1 of the 2026 season. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

Hosts JT Pedelty and Eddie Carifio preview the Week 1 slate in the western and southern portions of northern Illinois on the Friday Night Drive podcast. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

Dixon will look for players to step into larger roles this season as the Dukes return talent at the skill positions. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

Here is a 2026 season preview of the Mid-Suburban League with team-by-team previews, five players to watch in each division, five can't miss games in each division and Steve Soucie's predicted order of finish. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

Here are previews and picks for every 2026 Week 1 football game from around the Sauk Valley coverage area. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

The IHSA football season kicks off this week. Here's a preview of each game in the McHenry County area for Week 1. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

So much for easing into the regular season. A number of big time clashes are set for the opening week of the season. Steve Soucie looks at the top games of Week 1. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

After three consecutive state semifinal exits, St. Francis broke through last season and claimed its first championship since 2008. Back with Division I talent and a blend of returning players and transfers, the Spartans are shooting for back-to-back titles. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

A look at the Week 1 matchups for the La Salle-Peru, Princeton, St. Bede, Hall-Putnam County, Mendota, Bureau Valley and Amboy co-op football teams. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

Here are the first Illinois Media Poll of the IHSA football season which was released Wednesday for all eight classes. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

Madden Larsen takes the field Friday against DeKalb as Sycamore's new starting quarterback. But months before that first snap, his teammates already had his back. And now he has theirs. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

The Herald-News IHSA football preview for Week 1, featuring key showdowns across the greater Joliet and Morris area. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

Get ready for Week 1 of the 2026 season with previews and picks for all the games around the Kane County coverage area. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

Week 1 of the 2026 IHSA football season comes early this year, with Seneca, FCW, Dwight, Sandwich and Streator all on the road, while Ottawa and Marquette start out on their home fields. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

Here is a look at the Illinois 8-Man Football Association teams within our Friday Night Drive footprint, including West Carroll, Polo, St. Anne, Flanagan-Cornell/Woodland, Amboy/LaMoille/Ohio, Milford/Cissna Park, Milledgeville, Hiawatha, Ashton-Franklin Center and Alden-Hebron. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .