Friday Night Drive

A large group of experienced returners, more established routines and a bigger roster have Bureau Valley seeking improvement in its second year under head coach Pat Elder. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

The Kankakee girls flag football team has named longtime girls basketball assistant Jevon Wesby as the next girls flag football head coach, with the Kankakee sports mainstay ready to take on his first varsity head coaching job. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

Here is a look at the teams in the Southwest Prairie Conference East. Team previews from Rob Oesterle, five players to watch, five games to watch 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 is a look at the teams in the Southwest Prairie Conference West. Team-by-team previews from Rob Oesterle, 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 Streator Bulldogs enter Year 2 of Jay Slone’s tenure as head coach with big goals – both short- and long-term – and, they believe, things trending in the right direction after a 1-8 campaign in 2025. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

With changes being made on both sides of the ball along with veteran players in key spots to lead the way, La Salle-Peru is hoping to improve in head coach JJ Raffelson's second season. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

Behind a potent rushing attack that churned out over 3,500 yards last fall, Providence went 10-4 and reached the IHSA Class 5A state finals. Running back Broden Mackert and quarterback Dominic Vita return for the Celtics, who held their Green and White scrimmage Friday. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

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 .