Friday Night Drive

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 .

The Plano offense like to run the football, but the wide receiver trio of Ethan Taxis, Caleb Martin and Finley Winter could prove to be a dangerous one this fall. The senior captains will also man the Reapers' starting defense as they look to improve on last year's 1-8 season. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

After adding more than 30 pounds and committing to Notre Dame this offseason, Bolingbrook 5-star recruit Darieon Prescott enters his junior season ready to take the next step. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

The Flanagan-Cornell/Woodland Falcons have a team motto for the 2026 season: “Earned, not given.” Indeed, with the bulk of last year’s leaders gone, this fall’s cast of Falcons will be trying to earn their own place in the successful football co-op's history. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

Mendota won two games last fall after going 1-17 the two seasons prior. This season, the Trojans look to take another step forward in coach Jim Eustice's second season. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

Take a look at the season preview for the Vermilion Valley Conference, including team-by-team outlooks, players to watch and games to watch. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

Week 1 in Illinois high school football is finally here for the 2026 season. Join hosts Steve Soucie and Josh Welge as they preview all of the top games, how the playoff expansion has affected regular-season scheduling, and more. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

While the Dwight Trojans return a handful of key offensive pieces from last season's second straight push to the playoff quarterfinals, ninth-year head coach Luke Standiford we be looking for new players to fill roles. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

In Nick Sterling's second season as head coach, Hall-Putnam County is looking to take a step forward and earn its first postseason berth since 2022. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

Replacing 19 seniors would be a daunting task for any small-school football program. At Seneca, however, it’s simply the next group’s turn to carry on a standard that has become ingrained in the program. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

Princeton enters a new season with a wealth of experienced players determined to leave their mark on the Tigers' program. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

Ryan Wynn largely worked in the shadows of Oswego's run to the Class 8A championship game a season ago. Now a senior with Division I football in his future, the tight end wants to make a splash for a Panthers squad looking to return to the postseason. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

A large group of experienced returners, more established routines and a bigger roster have Bureau Valley seeking improvement in its second year under head coach Pat Elder. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

The Kankakee girls flag football team has named longtime girls basketball assistant Jevon Wesby as the next girls flag football head coach, with the Kankakee sports mainstay ready to take on his first varsity head coaching job. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

Here is a look at the teams in the Southwest Prairie Conference East. Team previews from Rob Oesterle, five players to watch, five games to watch 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 is a look at the teams in the Southwest Prairie Conference West. Team-by-team previews from Rob Oesterle, 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 .

The Streator Bulldogs enter Year 2 of Jay Slone’s tenure as head coach with big goals – both short- and long-term – and, they believe, things trending in the right direction after a 1-8 campaign in 2025. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

With changes being made on both sides of the ball along with veteran players in key spots to lead the way, La Salle-Peru is hoping to improve in head coach JJ Raffelson's second season. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

Behind a potent rushing attack that churned out over 3,500 yards last fall, Providence went 10-4 and reached the IHSA Class 5A state finals. Running back Broden Mackert and quarterback Dominic Vita return for the Celtics, who held their Green and White scrimmage Friday. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

A look at the Kishwaukee River Conference for the 2026 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 .

Cash White was thrown into the fire as a junior —thrust into the quarterback position mid-game after an injury to starter Braden Behringer. Now a senior, White is back under center for Sandwich with a year of hard-won experience and a clear mission – win a conference title. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

The Marquette Crusaders will look to advance to the playoffs for the 14th consecutive season in 2026 under first-year head coach Drake Davis. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

After a 2025 season that proved a learning experience for everyone involved, St. Bede looks to use that trial to its advantage in 2026 as it prepares for Jack Brady’s second year as head coach. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .