Friday Night Drive

Dixon will look for players to step into larger roles this season as the Dukes return talent at the skill positions. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

Here is a 2026 season preview of the Mid-Suburban League with team-by-team previews, five players to watch in each division, five can't miss games in each division 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 previews and picks for every 2026 Week 1 football game from around the Sauk Valley coverage area. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

The IHSA football season kicks off this week. Here's a preview of each game in the McHenry County area for Week 1. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

So much for easing into the regular season. A number of big time clashes are set for the opening week of the season. Steve Soucie looks at the top games of Week 1. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

After three consecutive state semifinal exits, St. Francis broke through last season and claimed its first championship since 2008. Back with Division I talent and a blend of returning players and transfers, the Spartans are shooting for back-to-back titles. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

A look at the Week 1 matchups for the La Salle-Peru, Princeton, St. Bede, Hall-Putnam County, Mendota, Bureau Valley and Amboy co-op football teams. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

Here are the first Illinois Media Poll of the IHSA football season which was released Wednesday for all eight classes. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

Madden Larsen takes the field Friday against DeKalb as Sycamore's new starting quarterback. But months before that first snap, his teammates already had his back. And now he has theirs. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

The Herald-News IHSA football preview for Week 1, featuring key showdowns across the greater Joliet and Morris area. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

Get ready for Week 1 of the 2026 season with previews and picks for all the games around the Kane County coverage area. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

Week 1 of the 2026 IHSA football season comes early this year, with Seneca, FCW, Dwight, Sandwich and Streator all on the road, while Ottawa and Marquette start out on their home fields. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

Here is a look at the Illinois 8-Man Football Association teams within our Friday Night Drive footprint, including West Carroll, Polo, St. Anne, Flanagan-Cornell/Woodland, Amboy/LaMoille/Ohio, Milford/Cissna Park, Milledgeville, Hiawatha, Ashton-Franklin Center and Alden-Hebron. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

Here are Week 1 football previews for teams from the Daily Journal area. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

Here are previews and picks for all the 2026 Week 1 football games from around the Suburban Life area. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

The Sterling football team hopes its returning talent and experience leads to even more success this season. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

Fenwick knocked off Nazareth and East St. Louis to claim the IHSA Class 6A state title last season. While the Friars graduated most of their starters, returning players like Iowa recruit Jake Thies are ready to lead the team on another playoff run this fall. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

The new playoff format instituted by the IHSA was sure to make this yearly project look a lot different this year than in years past. And that proved to be a massive understatement. Here are Steve Soucie's first playoff projections of the season. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

Here are previews and picks for all the Week 1 football games around the Record Newspapers coverage area. 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 Western Big 6 Conference. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

Newman's Matthew Blackert and Rylan Alvarado return to lead the backfield, while a fast and physical defense also looks to be a strength for the Comets this season. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

Here is a 2026 preview of the West Suburban Silver including Joshua Welge's team-by-team breakdowns, 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 .

Owen Matela is 6-foot-6 with a basketball player's frame—his dad played college ball at Bowling Green and overseas in Belgium, where Owen was born. But the Lyons senior chose football – and the Miami (Ohio) commit is just scratching the surface to his potential in the sport. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

Preseason polls are often little more than educated guesswork, but its hard to argue with the top two teams in the inaugural Friday Night Drive Power Rankings. Check out the preseason rankings here. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

Here is a preview of the West Suburban Gold with team-by-team breakdowns, 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 .