Friday Night Drive

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 .

Jaiden Lee is Genoa-Kingston's new starting QB — and his teammates can't wait. "He's been waiting for this opportunity for a while now," Blake Ides said. The Cogs are ready to build on last year's breakout passing season. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

Jackson Little is ready. The Kaneland senior linebacker-turned-running back thinks the Knights' new QB can be better than last year's all-state starter. He's locked in at Minnesota-Duluth. The season starts Aug. 21. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

The Ottawa Pirates and first-year head coach Jared Mundt will be looking to push in a winning direction after finishing 3-6 in 2025. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

Either Crete-Monee or Kankakee has won the Southland seven years in a row, but plenty of hungry teams will look to change that up this fall. Here are team previews, 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 Illinois High School Association (IHSA) has placed Mount Carmel’s football program on probation for the remainder of the season and suspended coach Jordan Lynch for two practices after determining the team practiced in full pads earlier than state rules allow. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

Once unsure what his athletic future held, Mount Carmel wide receiver Quentin Burrell has blossomed into one of the top players in the country. Now a senior, he'll look to bring the Caravan their fifth consecutive IHSA state football championship this fall. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

Cam Loghmani took a winding road to find his position—youth football, pandemic break, quarterback, defensive back—before a coach spotted him at freshman summer camp and moved him to linebacker. Now he's a returning starter with 80 tackles and a state finals loss to avenge. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

Here's a preseason look at the South Suburban Blue Conference. Team-by-team previews, 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 .

Twin brothers Henry and Hank Sakalas, both rising seniors and collegiate football prospects, are preparing for bigger roles at Nazareth this coming fall. Henry Sakalas is a Michigan State recruit, while Hank Sakalas has multiple Division II offers. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

The Rochelle Hubs are back at practice gearing up for the 2026 football season. Rochelle, which went 6-4 and landed six All-Interstate 8 Conference players a year ago, is seeking its sixth consecutive playoff appearance under coach Kyle Kissack. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

Brody Guthrie spent last year watching. Now he's ready to lead. Kaneland's new starting QB is stepping into the role after learning from Division I-bound Jalen Carter. 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 Interstate 8. 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 Northwest Upstate Illini Conference. Lena-Winslow coach Ric Arand enters his 30th season with five of his seven state titles coming since 2017. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

The Morrison football team hopes for continued growth this season as underclassmen continue to gain experience. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

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 .