Friday Night Drive

Here are Week 1 football previews for teams from the Daily Journal area. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

Here are previews and picks for all the 2026 Week 1 football games from around the Suburban Life area. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

The Sterling football team hopes its returning talent and experience leads to even more success this season. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

Fenwick knocked off Nazareth and East St. Louis to claim the IHSA Class 6A state title last season. While the Friars graduated most of their starters, returning players like Iowa recruit Jake Thies are ready to lead the team on another playoff run this fall. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

The new playoff format instituted by the IHSA was sure to make this yearly project look a lot different this year than in years past. And that proved to be a massive understatement. Here are Steve Soucie's first playoff projections of the season. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

Here are previews and picks for all the Week 1 football games around the Record Newspapers coverage area. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

Here are team-by-team breakdowns, five players to watch, five can't miss games and Steve Soucie's predictions for the Western Big 6 Conference. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

Newman's Matthew Blackert and Rylan Alvarado return to lead the backfield, while a fast and physical defense also looks to be a strength for the Comets this season. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

Here is a 2026 preview of the West Suburban Silver including Joshua Welge's team-by-team breakdowns, five 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 .

Owen Matela is 6-foot-6 with a basketball player's frame—his dad played college ball at Bowling Green and overseas in Belgium, where Owen was born. But the Lyons senior chose football – and the Miami (Ohio) commit is just scratching the surface to his potential in the sport. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

Preseason polls are often little more than educated guesswork, but its hard to argue with the top two teams in the inaugural Friday Night Drive Power Rankings. Check out the preseason rankings here. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

Here is a preview of the West Suburban Gold with team-by-team breakdowns, five 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 .

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

Here is a 2026 season preview of the Upstate Eight East including Joshua Welge's team-by-team breakdowns, five players to watch, five can't miss matchups and Steve Soucie's predicted order of finish. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

Batavia senior wide receiver Darin Ashiru still eyes goals for his final high school season. Western Michigan awaits, but not before a 1,000-yard year and a state title. "I'm looking at everything as a stepping stone..." Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

Dixon's Jagger Kemp brings leadership, efficiency and swagger as the Dukes' quarterback. Kemp has plenty of confidence in himself and his teammates heading into his senior season. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

Senior offensive lineman Jamarie Lymon is hoping the DeKalb football team is going to back to the run game, and with it a return to some good old fashioned smashmouth football. “I’m excited to destroy some guys this year, man." Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

An overtime loss to Fenwick in the Class 6A semifinals last fall ended Nazareth's quest for a fourth consecutive state championship. Now, the Roadrunners are back, rich with Division I talent and reloading for another deep postseason run this fall. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

Mark Molinari believes his quarterback, Downers Grove South junior James Sobkowiak, has a future as a Division I athlete. He’s just not sure what sport. A kid with a 6-foot-3 frame and golden arm, Sobkowiak started all 10 games as a sophomore. He's also a star baseball player. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

St. Charles East junior Liam Barrett is far from complacent. With 10 Division I offers to his name, the offensive lineman stands out among his teammates not just with his height, but his passion and motivated leadership. "I'm just ready to dominate." Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

The Ashton-Franklin Center football team is looking to stay competitive for four quarters in coach Josh Stone's second year. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

Running back Jonathan Ward, a 2016 Bishop McNamara grad and six-year NFL veteran, signed a free-agent contract with the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday, reuniting him with an organization that signed him to its practice squad last season. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

Mount Carmel held its annual Brown vs. White scrimmages at Barda-Dowling Stadium on Thursday evening. The Caravan, who went 14-0 and won the IHSA Class 8A state title last season, are seeking their fifth consecutive state title under coach Jordan Lynch. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

Rock Falls football coach Dave Chavira hopes the program can take another step forward in the second year of its overhaul. An expanded playoff field provides another source of motivation. The Rockets have not reached the playoffs since 1992. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

Here is a preview of the DuPage Valley Conference. Team-by-team previews from Eddie Carifio, five 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 .