Friday Night Drive

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 .

Here are team-by-team breakdowns, five players to watch, five can't miss games and Steve Soucie's predictions for the DuKane Conference for the 2026 season. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

Hosts Eddie Carifio and JT Pedelty break down their 2026 Illinois high school football games to watch in the western and southern portions of northern Illinois Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

It's schedule release day for the 2026 IHSA football season. Hosts Steve Soucie and Matt Rodewald break down the games to watch, how the new playoff expansion affects scheduling and much more. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

St. Patrick four-star defensive lineman David Folorunsho, who led the Shamrocks to the CCL/ESCC Purple Division title and the second round of the IHSA Class 5A playoffs in 2025, announced his commitment to Notre Dame on Friday. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

St. Laurence three-star linebacker Sean Rice, who compiled 123 tackles and led the Vikings to the IHSA Class 6A state semifinals during his junior season, announced his commitment to Illinois on Friday. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .