Friday Night Drive

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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 abo…

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    • Feb 25, 2026 LATEST EPISODE
    • daily NEW EPISODES
    • 13m AVG DURATION
    • 1,529 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Friday Night Drive

    Super Bowl champion James White ready to lead Benet football: ‘I'm excited to be at this level'

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 25, 2026 6:02


    A three-time Big Ten champion at Wisconsin and a three-time Super Bowl winner with the New England Patriots, former NFL veteran James White is ready to embark on his next chapter as Benet's next head football coach.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.

    Super Bowl champion James White ready to lead Benet football: ‘I'm excited to be at this level'

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 24, 2026 5:55 Transcription Available


    A three-time Big Ten champion at Wisconsin and a three-time Super Bowl winner with the New England Patriots, former NFL veteran James White is ready to embark on his next chapter as Benet's next head football coach.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.

    St. Bede's Ruby Michaels to play flag football for Benedictine University

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 19, 2026 2:28 Transcription Available


    Ruby Michaels started playing flag football in the third grade and went into youth tackle in the eighth grade. She then played four years for the Bruins throughout high school. The 5-foot-1 dynamo will continue her football career on the flag football team at BenedictineBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.

    St. Bede's Ruby Michaels to play flag football for Benedictine University

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 19, 2026 2:28 Transcription Available


    Ruby Michaels started playing flag football in the third ground and went into youth tackle in the eighth grade. She then played four years for the Bruins throughout high school. The 5-foot-1 dynamo will continue her football career on the flag football team at BenedictineBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.

    CCL/ESCC football notes: Nazareth's Chris Kasky, Luke Injaychock gaining offers from Power 4 schools

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 16, 2026 5:35 Transcription Available


    Nazareth juniors Chris Kasky and Luke Injaychock have picked up several offers from Power 4 schools since the conclusion of the 2025 season. Trenton Walker, a senior and three-star prospect, has signed to play at Murray State.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.

    IHSA members vote to move up start of 2026 preseason

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 13, 2026 2:13 Transcription Available


    The IHSA announced Friday that member schools voted to approve a proposal impacting the start date of the 2026 football season and the number of practices required per player to compete in the first contest.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.

    Morris High School's mascot is now the Warriors after 6-1 school board vote

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 10, 2026 1:44 Transcription Available


    The Morris Community High School Board voted on a new mascot Monday night, deciding the fate of a bid to rename the school mascot to the Warriors.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.

    Byron's Caden Considine signs with Illinois on full-ride scholarship: ‘It's a dream come true'

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 9, 2026 6:15 Transcription Available


    Byron's Caden Considine, a two-time state champion and All-State player, as well as the son of former NFL defensive back Sean Considine, has earned a full-ride scholarship to continue his football career at Illinois.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.

    Byron's Caden Considine signs with Illinois on full-ride scholarship: ‘It's a dream come true'

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 9, 2026 6:15 Transcription Available


    Byron's Caden Considine, a two-time state champion and All-State player, as well as the son of former NFL defensive back Sean Considine, has earned a full-ride scholarship to continue his football career at Illinois.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.

    Princeton's Rhett Pearson, Common Green commit to Aurora University

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 9, 2026 2:06 Transcription Available


    Princeton's Rhett Pearson, a senior lineman, and Common Green, a senior linebacker, have given their verbal commitments to Aurora University. They will join former Princeton teammate Arthur Burden, who will be a sophomore at Aurora.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.

    A star in the playoffs, Fenwick's Jake Thies enjoys breakout junior season, picks up multiple Power 4 offers

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 6, 2026 5:44 Transcription Available


    Fenwick's Jake Thies, a two-way standout whose massive postseason helped the Friars knock off East St. Louis in the IHSA 6A state championship, has planted himself on the map as a Power 4 prospect.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.

    Glenbard West's Brady Johnson, son of a Rose Bowl co-captain, commits to dad's alma mater Northwestern

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 5, 2026 2:58 Transcription Available


    Glenbard West junior tight end Brady Johnson, whose dad Rob Johnson was a standout lineman and co-captain for Northwestern's 1995 Big Ten champions that played in the 1996 Rose Bowl, made his verbal commitment to Northwestern on Wednesday.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.

    Big-play threat Grant Bowen emerges as two-way star for IC Catholic Prep, sees recruitment take off

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 4, 2026 6:08 Transcription Available


    IC Catholic Prep sophomore Grant Bowen, son of former NFL player Matt Bowen, has picked up over a dozen Power 4 offers since the season ended. A standout linebacker and receiver, Bowen was named an All-State and All-CCL/ESCC player in 2025.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.

    Jack of all trades, St. Francis' James McGrath shines on defense, sees recruitment heat up with Oklahoma offer

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 2, 2026 5:33 Transcription Available


    St. Francis junior James McGrath, an All-CCL/ESCC player who helped the Spartans win the Class 5A state championship, recently received a Division I offer from Oklahoma. A two-sport standout, McGrath is preparing for a bigger role as a senior.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.

    Jack of all trades, St. Francis' James McGrath shines on defense, sees recruitment heat up with Oklahoma offer

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 2, 2026 5:33 Transcription Available


    St. Francis junior James McGrath, an All-CCL/ESCC player who helped the Spartans win the Class 5A state championship, recently received a Division I offer from Oklahoma. A two-sport standout, McGrath is preparing for a bigger role as a senior.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.

    Rochelle's Roman Villalobos commits to Division III power North Central: ‘It felt like the right choice'

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 27, 2026 5:31 Transcription Available


    Rochelle senior Roman Villalobos, an IHSFCA All-State running back with over 2,800 career rushing yards, has committed to play football at North Central College. "I've wanted to go to North Central since I was a little kid."Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.

    Coaches from Bureau County believe all cards should have been on the table for the expansion proposal

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 27, 2026 5:49 Transcription Available


    IHSA member schools voted in favor of expansion for the state football playoffs, adding 128 teams to the postseason this fall by a statewide vote of member schools in December by a tally of 377-252, But the schools who voted later found there was a little catch.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.

    Football coaches believe all cards should have been on the table for the expansion proposal

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 27, 2026 5:49 Transcription Available


    IHSA member schools voted in favor of expansion for the state football playoffs, adding 128 teams to the postseason this fall by a statewide vote of member schools in December by a tally of 377-252, But the schools who voted later found there was a little catch.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.

    Carmel quarterback Trae Taylor transferring to Millard South in Omaha

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 21, 2026 1:49 Transcription Available


    Carmel junior quarterback and Nebraska recruit Trae Taylor announced that he will transfer to Millard South High School in Omaha for his senior football season. Taylor threw for 3,571 yards and 38 touchdowns with 12 rushing touchdowns in 2025.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.

    CCL/ESCC football players receive 2025 MaxPreps All-American honors

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 20, 2026 4:05 Transcription Available


    Several CCL/ESCC athletes, including FND Defensive Player of the Year Kameron McGee and FND Offensive Player of the Year Israel Abrams, were selected to the 2025 MaxPreps All-American Teams.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.

    Kankakee area athletes, coaches make impact on 2025-26 college football season

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 20, 2026 3:53 Transcription Available


    From aiding Illinois State's run to the FCS National Championship game to earning spots on all-conference teams for the SEC and Big Ten, several Kankakee County area football figures made their mark on the 2025-26 college football season.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.

    Rochelle's Dylan Manning undergoes successful cranioplasty, continues to recover from October head injury

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 17, 2026 5:10 Transcription Available


    Rochelle's Dylan Manning, who collapsed on the sideline after suffering a severe head injury during the team's varsity football game at Morris on Oct. 3, recently underwent a successful cranioplasty and is home from Loyola Medical Center.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.

    Richmond-Burton's Blake Livdahl stays positive after tearing ACL

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 17, 2026 4:29 Transcription Available


    Richmond-Burton junior Blake Livdahl, an all-state linebacker who helped lead the Rockets to the Class 3A semifinals, has had his wrestling season come to an end after tearing his right ACL. He was a state runner-up wrester as a sophomore.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.

    Benet speedster Luke Doyle commits to Lafayette College: ‘I'm usually one of the fastest guys on the field'

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 16, 2026 4:55 Transcription Available


    Benet senior wide receiver Luke Doyle, a two-time All-CCL/ESCC player and the 2025 CCL/ESCC Purple Offensive Player of the Year, has committed to play football at Division I FCS Lafayette College.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.

    Benet speedster Luke Doyle commits to Lafayette College: ‘I'm usually one of the fastest guys on the field'

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 16, 2026 4:52


    Benet senior wide receiver Luke Doyle, a two-time All-CCL/ESCC player and the 2025 CCL/ESCC Purple Offensive Player of the Year, has committed to play football at Division I FCS Lafayette College.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.

    IHSA calls special board meeting to look at adjusting football season start date

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 15, 2026 2:04 Transcription Available


    After a recent passed proposal to expand the football playoffs and extend the season by a week changed the preseason calendar, the IHSA has called a special board meeting to consider moving the start of preseason practice back to accommodate for more time to prepare.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.

    IHSA calls special board meeting to look at adjusting football season start date

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 15, 2026 2:11 Transcription Available


    After a recent passed proposal to expand the football playoffs and extend the season by a week changed the preseason calendar, the IHSA has called a special board meeting to consider moving the start of preseason practice back to accommodate for more time to prepare.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.

    Dixon names Brad Winterland new football coach

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 15, 2026 3:25 Transcription Available


    Dixon High School announced on Wednesday night that assistant Brad Winterland has been hired as its new head football coach.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.

    Dixon names Brad Winterland new football coach

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 15, 2026 3:25 Transcription Available


    Dixon High School announced on Wednesday night that assistant Brad Winterland has been hired as its new head football coach.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.

    Bureau County collegiate football players go bowling

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 9, 2026 6:08 Transcription Available


    Four Bureau County's collegiate football players went bowling at the end of season - Spring Valley's Mac Resetich (Illinois) and Princeton's Noah LaPorte (Northwestern), Teegan Davis (Iowa) and Drew Harp (North Central College).Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.

    Bureau County collegiate football players go bowling

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 9, 2026 6:10 Transcription Available


    Four Bureau County's collegiate football players went bowling at the end of season - Spring Valley's Mac Resetich (Illinois) and Princeton's Noah LaPorte (Northwestern), Teegan Davis (Iowa) and Drew Harp (North Central College).Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.

    Stillman Valley Head Football Coach Mike Lalor steps away after 28 seasons

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 8, 2026 1:54 Transcription Available


    Stillman Valley's Mike Lalor is stepping away as head football coach after 28 years.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.

    Stillman Valley Head Football Coach Mike Lalor steps away after 28 seasons

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 8, 2026 1:50 Transcription Available


    Stillman Valley's Mike Lalor is stepping away as head football coach after 28 years.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.

    Dixon football coach Jared Shaner resigns after successful run

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 7, 2026 2:21 Transcription Available


    Dixon's Jared Shaner felt like it was time to step down after a successful run leading the Dukes' football team.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.

    Dixon football coach Jared Shaner resigns after successful run

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 7, 2026 2:21


    Dixon's Jared Shaner felt like it was time to step down after a successful run leading the Dukes' football team.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.

    Oswego's Brian Cooney selected to coach in Navy All-American Bowl

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 5, 2026 1:01 Transcription Available


    Oswego football coach Brian Cooney, who helped lead the Panthers to the Class 8A state championship game this past fall, has been selected to coach in the prestigious Navy All-American Bowl on Jan. 10 in San Antonio.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.

    CCL/ESCC football: Here are top Class of 2028 prospects to watch

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 5, 2026 5:45 Transcription Available


    With the 2025-26 Early Signing Period over, we're taking a brief look at some of the top 2028 prospects in the Chicago Catholic League/East Suburban Catholic Conference. Here are some notable prospects to watch for as the 2025-26 offseason progresses.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.

    CCL/ESCC football: Here are top Class of 2028 prospects to watch

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 5, 2026 5:45 Transcription Available


    With the 2025-26 Early Signing Period over, we're taking a brief look at some of the top 2028 prospects in the Chicago Catholic League/East Suburban Catholic Conference. Here are some notable prospects to watch for as the 2025-26 offseason progresses.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.

    Ex-St. Francis star QB, Geneva native Tommy Rittenhouse set to lead Illinois State into FCS title game

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 3, 2026 3:42 Transcription Available


    St. Francis grad Tommy Rittenhouse came back from throwing five picks to throw two touchdown passes in the final three minutes and lead Illinois State in a colossal upset of No. 1 North Dakota State. Two wins later, Rittenhouse is set to lead the Redbirds into the FCS title game.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.

    Ex-St. Francis star QB, Geneva native Tommy Rittenhouse set to lead Illinois State into FCS title game

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 3, 2026 3:43 Transcription Available


    St. Francis grad Tommy Rittenhouse came back from throwing five picks to throw two touchdown passes in the final three minutes and lead Illinois State in a colossal upset of No. 1 North Dakota State. Two wins later, Rittenhouse is set to lead the Redbirds into the FCS title game.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.

    Manteno football coach, former Iroquois West coach RJ Haines to be inducted into IHSFCA Hall of Fame

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 3, 2026 5:13 Transcription Available


    RJ Haines, a core of the Kankakee area football coaching scene for more than two decades, is a part of the upcoming Illinois High School Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame class.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.

    Charlie Waca: A motivator, cultivator of young talent, minds

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 30, 2025 8:27 Transcription Available


    There is one thing you will find behind every winning head coach and successful football program: a good assistant coach who is loyal and dedicated to the head coach and the mission of the team. For 38 years, for nine different head coaches, Charlie Waca was that assistant coach.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.

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