Friday Night Drive

Follow Friday Night Drive
Share on
Copy link to clipboard

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…

Shaw Media

Donate to Friday Night Drive


    • Dec 23, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • daily NEW EPISODES
    • 13m AVG DURATION
    • 1,487 EPISODES


    More podcasts from Shaw Media

    Search for episodes from Friday Night Drive with a specific topic:

    Latest episodes from Friday Night Drive

    Friday Night Drive's 2025 Team of the Year

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 23, 2025 11:43 Transcription Available


    Here is the 2025 Friday Night Drive Team of the Year.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.

    2025 Kane County Chronicle Football All-Area team

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 23, 2025 10:55 Transcription Available


    Here is the 2025 Kane County Chronicle All-Area football team.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.

    2025 Kane County Chronicle Football All-Area team

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 23, 2025 10:51 Transcription Available


    Here is the 2025 Kane County Chronicle All-Area football team.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.

    St. Francis senior lineman Jaylen Torres is the 2025 Kane County Chronicle football Player of the Year

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 23, 2025 4:43 Transcription Available


    St. Francis two-way lineman Jaylen Torres, who controlled both sides of the line of scrimmage and helped the team to its first state title since 2008, is the Kane County Chronicle football Player of the Year.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.

    2025 Friday Night Drive Offensive Player of the Year: Montini's Israel Abrams

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 23, 2025 6:45 Transcription Available


    Montini junior quarterback Israel Abrams, who threw for over 4,000 yards and 40 touchdowns and led the Broncos to a 14-0 record and the Class 4A state championship, is the 2025 Friday Night Drive Offensive Player of the Year.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.

    Friday Night Drive's 2025 Team of the Year

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 23, 2025 11:46 Transcription Available


    Here is the 2025 Friday Night Drive Team of the Year.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.

    Suburban Life-area coaches react to IHSA football playoff expansion: ‘It is a net positive'

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2025 6:19 Transcription Available


    As the IHSA announced an expansion of the football playoffs starting next season, Suburban Life-area coaches offered their reactions. "I'm excited about the opportunities our kids might get. It is a net positive for us."Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.

    Notebook: Princeton's Charlie Waca to be inducted into the IHSFCA Hall of Fame

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2025 2:53 Transcription Available


    Charlie Waca, a longtime assistant with four decades on Bureau County area sidelines, will be inducted into the Illinois Football Coaches Association Hall Fame in the Class of 2026.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.

    2025 Friday Night Drive Defensive Player of the Year: Brother Rice's Kameron McGee

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2025 6:04 Transcription Available


    Brother Rice sophomore defensive lineman Kameron McGee, a five-star prospect who recorded 21 TFLs and 10.5 sacks while guiding the Crusaders to an IHSA 7A state championship this season, is the 2025 Friday Night Drive Defensive Player of the Year.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.

    Presenting the 2025 Herald-News All-Area Football Team

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 18, 2025 10:34 Transcription Available


    Here are the best of the best on the gridiron in the Herald-News area for the 2025 season.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.

    Herald-News Football Player of the Year: Lincoln-Way East QB Jonas Williams

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 18, 2025 4:58 Transcription Available


    USC-bound quarterback Jonas Williams of Lincoln-Way East became the IHSA's all-time leader in passing yards and passing touchdowns. Williams is the 2025 Herald-News Football Player of the Year.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.

    ‘I want to bring the juice': Brother Rice's King Liggins signs with Illinois

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 18, 2025 5:31 Transcription Available


    Brother Rice defensive lineman King Liggins, a two-time All-CCL/ESCC player who helped the Crusaders finish 13-1 and win the IHSA 7A state championship this season, has signed to continue his football career at Illinois. "I feel like I can motivate the guys around me..."Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.

    Suburban Life-area coaches react to IHSA football playoff expansion: ‘It is a net positive'

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 18, 2025 6:19 Transcription Available


    As the IHSA announced an expansion of the football playoffs starting next season, Suburban Life-area coaches offered their reactions. "I'm excited about the opportunities our kids might get. It is a net positive for us."Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.

    Zach Weigel named as head football coach at Sherrard

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 18, 2025 3:37 Transcription Available


    Zach Weigel was approved as the new head football coach at Sherrard High School at Wednesday's school board meeting. Currently a teacher at Davenport Central High School, Weigel brings a wealth of coaching experience across multiple levels.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.

    Scheduling relief or false hope? IHSA playoff expansion divides local schools

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 18, 2025 5:09 Transcription Available


    IHSA schools split on Proposal 19: Sycamore backs expanded playoffs, Genoa-Kingston resists, DeKalb sees new hope. Scheduling relief or more lopsided games? Local ADs weigh the trade-offs.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.

    Kendall County football coaches react to IHSA playoff expansion: ‘More kids get chance to play one more game'

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 17, 2025 6:26 Transcription Available


    A day after the IHSA announced that a proposal had passed to expand the football playoffs by 128 teams, Kendall County-area coaches reacted to the news. "More kids get a chance to play high school football one extra week.”Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.

    Kendall County football coaches react to IHSA playoff expansion: ‘More kids get chance to play one more game'

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 17, 2025 6:26 Transcription Available


    A day after the IHSA announced that a proposal had passed to expand the football playoffs by 128 teams, Kendall County-area coaches reacted to the news. "More kids get a chance to play high school football one extra week.”Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.

    Presenting the 2025 Times All-Area Football Team

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 17, 2025 9:44 Transcription Available


    Forty-four of the top football players from Seneca, Marquette, Fieldcrest, Ottawa, Streator, FCW and Sandwich, here is the 2025 Times All-Area Football Team.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.

    Seneca's Cam Shriey is the 2025 Times Football Player of the Year

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 17, 2025 4:25 Transcription Available


    After stepping into the featured back role for the best football team in the area, Seneca senior Cam Shriey is the 2025 Times Football Player of the Year.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.

    Rob Stover named Sycamore football coach

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 17, 2025 2:13 Transcription Available


    The Sycamore School District 427 Board on Wednesday announced that Rob Stover will follow Joe Ryan as the head coach of the Spartan football team.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.

    McHenry County coaches react to IHSA football playoff expansion

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 16, 2025 3:46 Transcription Available


    The IHSA announced Tuesday that the state football playoffs will be expanding from 256 to 384 teams starting in 2026. The Northwest Herald reached out to several local coaches, and here are their reactions.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.

    Podcast: IHSA expands football playoffs: Why, and what happens now?

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 16, 2025 48:10 Transcription Available


    Join hosts Steve Soucie and Matt Rodewald as they review the IHSA expansion of the high school football playoffs.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.

    IHSA football playoffs expanded with passage of Proposal 19

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 16, 2025 4:42 Transcription Available


    IHSA Proposal 19 was passed by a majority of member schools in an IHSA schoolwide vote. Its implementation will increase the number of playoff qualifiers from 256 teams to 384 teams.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.

    IHSA football playoffs expanded with passage of Proposal 19

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 16, 2025 4:41 Transcription Available


    IHSA Proposal 19 was passed by a majority of member schools in an IHSA schoolwide vote. Its implementation will increase the number of playoff qualifiers from 256 teams to 384 teams.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.

    Bureau County area schools voice views on Proposal 19 for playoffs expansion

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 15, 2025 8:15 Transcription Available


    Of the 16 Bureau County area schools to respond about the IHSA's Proposal 19 calling for football playoffs expansion, six said they are voting in favor of it, while nine voted against it, with one school voting “no opinion.”Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.

    2025 Northwest Herald Football All-Area team

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 13, 2025 18:32 Transcription Available


    Meet the 2025 Northwest Herald All-Area football team.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.

    football northwest herald
    2025 Northwest Herald Football Player of the Year: Prairie Ridge's Luke Vanderwiel

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 13, 2025 6:10 Transcription Available


    A Day 1 varsity starter as a running back his freshman year, Prairie Ridge senior Luke Vanderwiel developed into an all-state quarterback. He is the 2025 Northwest Herald Football Player of the Year after leading the Wolves to an undefeated regular season.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.

    2025 Northwest Herald Football Coach of the Year: Richmond-Burton's Mike Noll

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 13, 2025 5:55 Transcription Available


    Richmond-Burton's Mike Noll won his 300th game and led the Rockets to within one win of a state championship game berth. Noll is the 2025 Northwest Herald Football Coach of the Year.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.

    2025 Daily Journal Football Player of the Year: Bradley-Bourbonnais' Lyzale Edmon

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 13, 2025 3:58 Transcription Available


    One of the most decorated offensive, defensive and special teams players in Bradley-Bourbonnais history, Lyzale Edmon is the 2025 Daily Journal's Football Player of the Year.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.

    2025 Daily Journal All-Area Football Team

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 13, 2025 13:58 Transcription Available


    Take a look at the players selected for the 2025 Daily Journal All-Area Football Team.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.

    Friday Night Drive's 2025 All-CCL/ESCC Team

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 12, 2025 20:36 Transcription Available


    Here is Friday Night Drive's 2025 All-CCL/ESCC football team, with players from all 24 member programs.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.

    Here is the 2025 Record Newspapers All-Area football team

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 12, 2025 6:43 Transcription Available


    Here is the 2025 Record Newspapers All-Area football team.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.

    Here is the 2025 Record Newspapers All-Area football team

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 12, 2025 6:43 Transcription Available


    Here is the 2025 Record Newspapers All-Area football team.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.

    Here is the 2025 Record Newspapers All-Area football team

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 12, 2025 6:43 Transcription Available


    Here is the 2025 Record Newspapers All-Area football team.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.

    Kankakee graduate Keagan Trost named first-team All-SEC at Missouri to lead local college standouts

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 11, 2025 2:09 Transcription Available


    Keagen Trost, a 2019 Kankakee graduate, was named a first-team All-SEC offensive lineman earlier this week after a standout season as Missouri's right tackle. His former Kays teammate Jyaire Hill and Manteno native Josh Gesky received All-Big Ten recognition.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.

    Here is the 2025 Suburban Life All-Area football team

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 11, 2025 9:09 Transcription Available


    Here is the 2025 Suburban Life All-Area football team.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.

    Oswego senior defensive back/receiver Mariano Velasco is the Record Newspapers Player of the Year

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 11, 2025 5:31 Transcription Available


    Oswego senior defensive back/receiver Mariano Velasco, who caught nine touchdown passes and also had six interceptions, four returned for touchdowns, in helping lead the Panthers to the Class 8A state championship, is the Record Newspapers Player of the Year.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.

    Montini junior quarterback Israel Abrams is the Suburban Life Player of the Year

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 11, 2025 6:25 Transcription Available


    Montini junior quarterback Israel Abrams, who threw for over 4,000 yards and 40 touchdowns in leading the Broncos to a 14-0 season and second straight state championship, is the Suburban Life Player of the Year.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.

    ‘It just felt right': Benet's Pat New retires after 16 years as head coach

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 11, 2025 6:49 Transcription Available


    Pat New, a Benet alum who won 92 games and made 10 IHSA playoff appearances as the school's head football coach, is retiring after 16 seasons. "It was difficult at first... but I knew that I made the right decision.”Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.

    Here is the 2025 Record Newspapers All-Area football team

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 11, 2025 6:33 Transcription Available


    Here is the 2025 Record Newspapers All-Area football team.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.

    2025 NewsTribune Football All-Area Team

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 11, 2025 8:47 Transcription Available


    A look at the top football players in the NewsTribune area for the 2025 season.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.

    A look at how Proposal 19 to expand field from 256 to 384 teams could reshape football playoffs

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 10, 2025 3:49 Transcription Available


    Proposal 19 is on the ballot with a submission that proposes that the playoff field be expanded by 16 teams in each classification with a total of 384 teams qualifying for the postseason. Steve Soucie's uses 2025 data to project what the format could look like.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.

    Claim Friday Night Drive

    In order to claim this podcast we'll send an email to with a verification link. Simply click the link and you will be able to edit tags, request a refresh, and other features to take control of your podcast page!

    Claim Cancel