Shaw Local News Network

Friday Night Drive

News EN ↓ 1000 episodes

We have a simple mission at Friday Night Drive: produce in-depth quality high school football coverage for Illinois high school football fans. It’s our goal every day with our award-winning writers and editors to give our listeners high quality coverage of the teams, players and issues they care about in high school football. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

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Shaw Local News Network

Episodes

Fenwick makes the big plays it needs to knock off East St. Louis and win Class 6A title 03.12.2025 4:56

Fenwick took advantage of nearly every opportunity sent its way on Tuesday night and despite losing nearly every statistical category, they won the stat that mattered in a 38-28 win over East St. Louis in the Class 6A title game. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

St. Francis, on Brock Phillip’s fifth TD run in final seconds, beats Providence in Class 5A final thriller 03.12.2025 6:45

St. Francis senior quarterback Brock Phillip took in a 1-yard touchdown run on fourth and goal with 11 seconds left, as the Spartans rallied past Providence 39-35 in Tuesday's Class 5A championship game at Illinois State in the first-ever IHSA game played in December. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

St. Francis, on Brock Phillip’s fifth TD run in final seconds, beats Providence in Class 5A final thriller 03.12.2025 4:23

St. Ignatius beats Morgan Park, wins second consecutive Prep Bowl 02.12.2025 4:27

Robbie Connor rushed for 96 yards and 3 touchdowns, Charlie Klass added 2 rushing touchdowns and Reid Hites threw for a touchdown as St. Ignatius took down Morgan Park 40-12 to win its second straight Prep Bowl. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

St. Ignatius beats Morgan Park, wins second consecutive Prep Bowl 02.12.2025 4:26

IHSA Class 4A-1A state title games review, and 8A-5A preview 01.12.2025 36:04

Join hosts Matt Rodewald and Steve Souce as they break down the Class 4A-1A Illinois high school football state title games, talk about the weather postponements, and preview the Class 8A-5A state title games. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

Class 7A/8A football finals to be held Wednesday at Northern Illinois after snow postponed title games 30.11.2025 3:09

The Class 7A/8A state football title games have been rescheduled for Wednesday afternoon and evening at Northern Illinois University Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

Football: 2025 All-Interstate 8 Conference team announced 29.11.2025 3:37

Morris's Caeden Curran (Offensive POTY), Mick Smith (Defensive POTY) and Kaneland's Jake Buckley (Lineman of the Year) are among the Interstate 8's All-Conference players for the 2025 season. Below are all of this year's winners, including Honorable Mentions. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

2025 Northwest Herald Girls Flag Football Player of the Year: Huntley’s Aubrina Adamik 29.11.2025 4:29

Huntley senior Aubrina Adamik, who recorded over 2,200 receiving yards and scored 35 total touchdowns while adding 18 interceptions, is the 2025 Northwest Herald Girls Flag Football Player of the Year. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

Montini races past Rochester in Class 4A final for eighth state title, completes undefeated season 29.11.2025 5:58

Israel Abrams threw four touchdown passes, two on long ones to Luca Florio, and Montini beat Rochester 47-33 in the Class 4A state final for its second straight state title, eighth overall, and completed the program's second undefeated season with its 24th straight win. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

Montini races past Rochester in Class 4A final for eighth state title, completes undefeated season 29.11.2025 5:02

Byron hangs on to claim thrilling win over Tolono Unity in Class 3A final 29.11.2025 4:08

Byron's Caden Considine rushed for a Class 3A championship game record 367 yards, one of many finals records to fall, but the Tigers needed a defensive stop in the final seconds to turn away Tolono Unity 56-50 in a Class 3A championship game thriller at Illinois State. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

Wilmington wins Class 2A state football title in dominant fashion over Maroa-Forsyth 28.11.2025 5:24

Wilmington won its third state title in the last five years and fourth in program history after downing Maroa-Forsyth 42-6 in the IHSA Class 2A State championship game on Saturday Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

IHSA postpones Saturday football title games as Illinois State closes campus due to incoming snowstorm 28.11.2025 2:32

According to sources, the Illinois High School Association has postponed Saturday's slate of football games at the state finals. There is currently no official word on when or where the games will be played Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

Aiden Wild scores 5 touchdowns, Lena-Winslow routs Brown County for first title since 2022 28.11.2025 3:25

Lena-Winslow was making its sixth consecutive Class 1A title game appearance, but had fallen in its last two championship games. The Panthers must have decided they didn't much care for the runner-up vibe though as they dominated their way to a 58-13 victory over Brown County. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

Oswego coach Brian Cooney played on a state champion, now he leads his alma mater into Class 8A final 28.11.2025 5:11

Oswego coach Brian Cooney was a senior linebacker on the 1992 state championship team, that school's first, and was on the coaching staff for the 2003 champions. Now he's leading his alma mater into the Class 8A championship game against Mount Carmel. "It mirrors a little bit." Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

IHSA Class 8A state preview: Mount Carmel vs. Oswego 27.11.2025 5:09

Mount Carmel was an expected team in the Class 8A final, its opponent however, Oswego, would classify as a surprise. Steve Soucie previews Saturday's Class 8A title game. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

IHSA Class 7A state preview: St. Rita vs. Brother Rice 26.11.2025 5:41

It's an all CCL/ESCC final in Class 7A where favored Brother Rice has run through the field with fervor while St. Rita is the only team still playing that had four regular season losses. Steve Soucie previews Saturday's Class 7A title game. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

Dario Milivojevic, a ‘Swiss army knife’ for St. Francis, enjoying breakout in final high school season 26.11.2025 6:37

Dario Milivojevic has not been afraid to do anything for St. Francis. And with one win separating the team from a state title, he's ready to do it one last time. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

Wilmington’s success built on foundation up front 26.11.2025 4:34

As the Wilmington offense enters Friday's IHSA Class 2A State championship game red hot, it's the offensive line where the Wildcats set the tone in their signature double-wing offense. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

Montini’s Angelo DeSensi once had NBA dreams. Now the 6-foot-5 senior left tackle anchors 13-0 Broncos’ O-line 26.11.2025 4:29

Montini's Angelo DeSensi grew up on the Chicago Bulls, and once had NBA dreams. Now the 6-foot-5, 280-pound senior left tackle and ace student is the anchor of the unbeaten Broncos' offensive line as they go for the program's eighth state title Friday night. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

Three Rivers announces all-conference football: NewsTribune sports briefs 26.11.2025 2:34

The Three Rivers announced its all-conference football team and L-P's Aubrey Duttlinger and Kelsey Frederick earned all-state honors in volleyball. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

Outsiders may be surprised, but Providence is playing like it belongs ahead of state championship 26.11.2025 4:52

Providence Catholic won only four games last year, losing in the regular season finale to keep the Celtics out of the postseason. A year later, they're playing in the state championship game. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

IHSA Class 6A state preview: Fenwick vs. East St. Louis 26.11.2025 4:45

It's not surprise to see East St. Louis in the state title game and most expected a CCL/ESCC team to be battling them. There is one, but it probably isn't the team most though it would be. Steve Soucie previews Saturday's Class 6A title game. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .

CCL/ESCC Week 13 Notebook: Mount Carmel, Montini look to complete perfect seasons with state titles 26.11.2025 5:34

The two remaining undefeated CCL/ESCC programs, Mount Carmel and Montini, will look to complete their perfect seasons during the IHSA state championship games this weekend. Montini will face Rochester in 4A on Friday night. Mount Carmel will battle Oswego in 8A on Saturday. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support .