Friday Night Drive

Crystal Lake South's Yeidan Ramirez scored a go-ahead, 61-yard touchdown in the third quarter, and the Gators upset Prairie Ridge 22-8 in the teams' Fox Valley Conference opener. It was South's first win over Prairie Ridge since 2012. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

Senior Tommy McCracken kicked a 33-yard field goal with 4:55 left and the Lincoln-Way East defense held the rest of the way as the Griffins beat defending Class 7A champion Brother Rice 22-21 on Friday. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

The time it took Bennett Konkey to return the opening kickoff to the end zone were the only seconds Geneva did not lead Libertyville in an eventual 28-14 home victory. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

Defending Class 2A state champions Wilmington got its 2026 season underway with a 16-7 win over Bishop McNamara, with a pair of first-quarter touchdowns from Dan Van Duyne getting things going. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

McHenry started strong and then came through late in posting a 19-13 victory over Crystal Lake Central. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

Broden Mackert and Brayden McKay each ran for two touchdowns as Providence overcame a late second half surge from St. Rita to beat the Mustangs 28-21 on Friday. Jaxson Hutton had two sacks for Providence and John Fennell threw two touchdown passes to TJ Burgos for St. Rita. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

High school football scores from around Illinois for Week 1 of the 2026 season: Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

As quarterback and slot receiver on offense and the two starting cornerbacks on defense, Micah and Malachi Lee are looking to lead Bishop McNamara to another playoff appearance this fall, and then some. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

Here are team-by-team previews of the Daily Journal area's girls flag football teams from the 2026 Daily Journal football preview tab. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

Here are team-by-team previews of the Daily Journal area's Illinois 8-Man Football Association teams from the 2026 Daily Journal football preview tab. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

Here are team-by-team previews of the Daily Journal area's Vermilion Valley Conference football teams from the 2026 Daily Journal football preview tab. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

Kankakee head coach Ed Hazelett will not be with the team for its season opener in Edwardsville on Friday night due to what interim athletic director Chris Pickett described as a personal issue. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

Here are team-by-team previews of the Daily Journal area's Illinois Central Eight Conference football teams from the 2026 Daily Journal football preview tab. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

Kankakee rolls into the 2026 season behind senior quarterback Phillip Turner, who head coach Ed Hazelett said is ready to help lead a talented team to another strong year. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

Coming off its first unbeaten regular season in 27 years, Bishop McNamara heads into the 2026 season with high expectations and plenty of talent. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

The Bradley-Bourbonnais football program is looking to follow up a period of recent playoff success while also transitioning into the first season under head coach Joe Kubal. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

Back after suffering its first losing season since 2002, Loyola has reunited with former coach John Holecek and returns several Division I prospects including quarterback Matthew Lee, wide receiver Jordan McKinley and Boston College recruits Will Mettee and Charlie Fowler. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

One girl's social media campaign became reality: Sycamore is hosting its first girls flag football game Tuesday against Cary-Grove. Allison Densberger, who started the push, is starting at QB. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

Despite taking an injury-shortened loss to Christian Life in its first-ever game as a program, Hope Christian is looking forward to continuing to build up the state's newest eight-man football team. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

Peotone started the 2026 IHSA football season in ideal fashion Thursday, traveling north to take on Blue Island Eisenhower program and returning home with a 28-6 victory. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

Join hosts Steve Soucie and Russ Hodges as they preview Week 1 in Illinois high school football in the CCL. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

Join hosts Josh Welge, Matthew McGowan, and Skyler Kisellus as they preview Week 1 of the Illinois high school football season in the western suburbs. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

Ryan Franze lived in three different states, including Texas, growing up. For the past two seasons, the Johnsburg senior has put up Texas-size numbers playing wide receiver for the Skyhawks. He looks to continue his success with a new quarterback this fall. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

Mount Carmel and East St. Louis will square off on Saturday, while St. Rita hosts Providence and Brother Rice travels to face Lincoln-Way East on Friday. Here are all of the notable CCL football matchups for Week 1 of the 2026 season. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

Hosts JT Pedelty and Eddie Carifio preview the Week 1 slate in the western and southern portions of northern Illinois on the Friday Night Drive podcast. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .