Friday Night Drive

Hosts Russ Hodges and Steve Soucie preview how CCL teams will do in the first round of the 2026 IHSA football playoffs and more on the latest podcast. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

Steve Soucie breaks down the Round of 32 of the 2026 IHSA Class 1A Playoffs with his picks for each game. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support . This episode includes AI-generated content.

How will defending state champions fare in the first round? Will CCL teams build on a dominant opening-round showing? Which CCL teams have the most favorable first-round draws? Here are storylines to watch in the first round of the 2026 IHSA football playoffs. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support . This episode includes AI-generat...

Sycamore and Genoa-Kingston look to build off opening-round playoff wins, while Hiawatha and Kaneland play their first playoff games this week. We look at playoff matchups for all four remaining DeKalb County schools. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support . This episode includes AI-generated content.

Nazareth senior lineman Christian Malachuk, a four-year starter about to put on a varsity uniform for the 52nd time, is preparing for a long road trip to Dunlap and another potential title run. That, Wheaton Warrenville South to renew acquaintances with Joliet Catholic and more. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support . This episode...

Amid running back injuries, West Aurora showcased its depth and improvisation in playoff victory. Aurora Central Catholic continues its success amid growing participation numbers, and a healthier Marmion proves the CCL's talent level in the Kane County football notebook. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support . This episode includes...

Join hosts Josh Welge, Skyler Kisellus and Matt McGowan as they preview the first round of the IHSA football playoffs in the western suburbs. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

The La Salle-Peru and Princeton football teams hope to 'clean things up' before their next playoff games, the opening round games featured more than 30 upsets by two, three or four-win teams and more in the NewsTribune/BCR football notebook. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support . This episode includes AI-generated content.

Providence's Dominic Vita, Marist's Jake Fleming, Joliet Catholic's Da'Sani Smart and Marmion's Henry Miller are just some of the standout performers from CCL teams during the opening round of the 2026 IHSA football playoffs. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support . This episode includes AI-generated content.

Due to the bye week effecting most of the top teams in the state there was no movement in the Friday Night Drive Power Rankings. Here are the complete Friday Night Drive Power Rankings. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support . This episode includes AI-generated content.

Join hosts Steve Soucie and Matt Rodewald as they go Inside the Huddle and review what they saw during the opening round of the Illinois high school football playoffs. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

Burlington Central's football team was once 2-2 but has won five of its past six games. The Rockets won a home playoff game for the third year in a row Friday night. Plus, news on Marian Central and Crystal Lake South in the Northwest Herald football notebook. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support . This episode includes AI-generat...

Is your team at home or on the road for its next playoff game? Pick your school in any IHSA class from 1A to 8A to see who hosts every round of the 2026 Illinois high school football playoffs, and why. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support . This episode includes AI-generated content.

Sycamore and Genoa-Kingston picked up postseason victories on Friday, while Hiawatha won its regular-season finale. All three have playoff games this week, along with Kaneland. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support . This episode includes AI-generated content.

A total of 20 Chicago Catholic League football teams are playing in the first round of the 2026 IHSA playoffs. Here are previews for each of the first-round games involving CCL teams. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support . This episode includes AI-generated content.

No one knew what to expect in the weekend that would determine the makeup up of the 384-team playoff field. What we got was chaos. Steve Soucie takes a look at what we learned in Week 9. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support . This episode includes AI-generated content.

After having an opening-round bye due to another stellar season, Coal City and Wilmington will make their playoff debuts Friday. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support . This episode includes AI-generated content.

CCL football teams combined for a 12-1 record in 13 IHSA opening-round playoff games this weekend. Here are results, stats and scoring plays from each of the games involving CCL teams. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support . This episode includes AI-generated content.

Momence took a loss to defending state champion Lena-Winslow in the IHSA Class 1A opening round while both Milford/Cissna Park and St. Anne/Donovan wrapped the 8-man football regular season with wins in the Daily Journal area football roundup for Week 10. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support . This episode includes AI-generated co...

Vote for the Friday Night Drive Team of the Week for the opening round of the 2026 playoffs! Choose your favorite school and submit your vote by 8 p.m. Monday Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support . This episode includes AI-generated content.

With his season on the line, Tyler Lacke went for 10 catches, 165 yards and two touchdowns to lead Hampshire in a 37-34 overtime loss to DePaul Prep during IHSA Class 7A opening-round playoff football action Saturday. The Rams won on Emmett McCue's 30-yard overtime field goal. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support . This episode in...

The Princeton football team traveled more than two hours into Chicago and came away with a 64-20 win over South Shore in a Class 3A opening round playoff game Saturday. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support . This episode includes AI-generated content.

Led by three passing touchdowns and three rushing touchdowns from quarterback Logan Bufford and six takeaways on defense, the Manteno football ran away with a 62-7 win over Mendota in the Class 3A opening round Saturday for the program's first playoff win since 2016. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support . This episode includes AI-...

Marian Central senior Mike Schmid ran 29 times for 317 yards and five TDs to lead Marian Central to a Class 3A opening-round playoff win against Kewanee. Prairie Ridge beat Comer for its third straight win, and more in the McHenry County football roundup. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support . This episode includes AI-generated co...

Providence relished the opportunity to atone for some Week 9 mistakes in its opening round playoff game with Mount Vernon as it scored 49 points in the first half and rolled to a Class 5A opening round win. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support . This episode includes AI-generated content.