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 Podcasts
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Friday Night Drive Power Rankings: Mount Carmel finishes where it started
1:02
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1:02Mount Carmel finished the same place it started the season in the No. 1 spot of the Friday Night Drive Power Rankings. Check out the final rankings here. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.By Shaw Local News Network
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2025 Daily Chronicle Football Player of the Year: DeKalb’s Davon Grant
4:30
4:30
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4:30Davon Grant will leave DeKalb as the most prolific receiver in school history. He heads to the University of Illinois as the all-time leader in receptions and receiving yards and is the Daily Chronicle 2025 Football Player of the Year. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.…
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Lincoln-Way East QB Jonas Williams named Illinois Gatorade Football Player of the Year
2:12
2:12
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2:12Jonas Williams, a USC commit and one of the top quarterbacks in the country, was named Gatorade Player of the Year. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.By Shaw Local News Network
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St. Francis senior Zach Washington doesn’t waver after coaching change, signs with Michigan State
6:07
6:07
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6:07St. Francis senior Zach Washington, an All-CCL/ESCC honoree who helped the Spartans win their first IHSA state football championship since 2008, has signed to continue his career at Michigan State. "I think I can grab any 50-50 ball that I get my hands on." Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--353…
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Here's our 2025 All-BCR Football Team, representing players from Bureau Valley, Hall, LaMoille, Princeton and St. Bede. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.By Shaw Local News Network
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Daily Chronicle 2025 Football Player of the Year: DeKalb’s Davon Grant
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4:30Davon Grant will leave DeKalb as the most prolific receiver in school history. He heads to the University of Illinois as the all-time leader in receptions and receiving yards and is the Daily Chronicle 2025 Football Player of the Year. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.…
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From a couple of NIU commits at quarterback to dynamic players in the secondary, we look at the best football players in DeKalb County with the Daily Chronicle 2025 All-Area Football Team. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.By Shaw Local News Network
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Podcast: IHSA Class 8A-5A state title games in review
35:52
35:52
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35:52Join hosts Matt Rodewald and Steve Soucie as they recap the Illinois high school football state championship games for Class 8A-5A. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.By Shaw Local News Network
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2025 Early Signing Day: CCL/ESCC football players make college decisions
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2:34
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2:34Wednesday marked the beginning of the 2025 Early Signing Day Period for NCAA Division I football. Here is a list of CCL/ESCC players who will be playing Division I FBS and FCS football next year. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.…
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Oswego, even in defeat, puts a fitting capper on memorable run: ‘We showed them what we are’
6:12
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6:12Oswego junior linebacker Cam Loghmani walked into the postgame interview room carrying the Class 8A runner-up trophy, and briefly put it in the center of a table. He could indeed hold it high. The Panthers, in defeat, put a fitting capper on a memorable run to the Class 8A final. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/…
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Mount Carmel inches away from Oswego to win Class 8A title
4:26
4:26
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4:26There was almost no flashiness in the final game of the IHSA football season as Mount Carmel and Oswego found themselves embroiled in a defensive struggle with the Caravan claiming their 17th state title with a 20-3 win. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.…
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Brother Rice shuts out St. Rita, wins first IHSA state title since 1981
6:47
6:47
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6:47Kameron McGee recorded 4 TFLs and 2 sacks, Brayden Parks had 3.5 TFLs and Javeyon Lockett totaled 10 tackles as Brother Rice shut out St. Rita 16-0 to win the IHSA 7A state football championship at NIU on Wednesday. McGee: "I think we have the best defense in the country." Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-…
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Brother Rice defeats St. Rita to win IHSA 7A state football championship
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2:45
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2:45Instant Gamer: C.J. Gray accounted for 2 touchdowns as Brother Rice shut out St. Rita 16-0 to win the IHSA 7A state championship at NIU's Huskie Stadium on Wednesday evening. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.By Shaw Local News Network
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Oswego East junior Danielle Stone is the Record Newspapers Girls Flag Football Player of the Year
5:50
5:50
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5:50Oswego East junior quarterback Danielle Stone, who led the Wolves to Southwest Prairie Conference and regional titles, is the Record Newspapers girls flag football Player of the Year. Read more about her in this interview. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.…
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Willowbrook senior Marli Smrz is the Suburban Life Girls Flag Football Player of the Year
4:04
4:04
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4:04Willowbrook senior Marli Smrz, who threw for over 3,600 yards and 72 touchdowns in leading the Warriors to a 22-1 record and third place in the state, is the Suburban Life girls flag football Player of the Year. Read more about her in this Q&A interview. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--353409…
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‘I’m going to make the play’: Marist’s Stephen Brown commits to NC State
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5:18Marist 6-foot-7 wide receiver Stephen Brown, a two-sport standout with Division I football and basketball offers, has committed to play football at NC State. Brown, whose father Andre played at Miami (FL) and in the NFL, caught 63 passes for 1,035 yards and 10 TDs at Marist. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/frida…
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Fenwick makes the big plays it needs to knock off East St. Louis and win Class 6A title
4:56
4:56
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4:56Fenwick 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.…
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St. Francis, on Brock Phillip’s fifth TD run in final seconds, beats Providence in Class 5A final thriller
6:45
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6:45St. 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…
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St. Ignatius beats Morgan Park, wins second consecutive Prep Bowl
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4:26
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4:26Robbie 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.…
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IHSA Class 4A-1A state title games review, and 8A-5A preview
36:04
36:04
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36:04Join 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.…
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Class 7A/8A football finals to be held Wednesday at Northern Illinois after snow postponed title games
3:09
3:09
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3:09The 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.By Shaw Local News Network
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Football: 2025 All-Interstate 8 Conference team announced
3:37
3:37
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3:37Morris'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--3…
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2025 Northwest Herald Girls Flag Football Player of the Year: Huntley’s Aubrina Adamik
4:29
4:29
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4:29Huntley 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.…
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Montini races past Rochester in Class 4A final for eighth state title, completes undefeated season
5:58
5:58
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5:58Israel 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-nig…
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Byron hangs on to claim thrilling win over Tolono Unity in Class 3A final
4:08
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4:08Byron'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-nigh…
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Wilmington wins Class 2A state football title in dominant fashion over Maroa-Forsyth
5:24
5:24
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5:24Wilmington 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.By Shaw Local News Network
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IHSA postpones Saturday football title games as Illinois State closes campus due to incoming snowstorm
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2:32According 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.…
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Aiden Wild scores 5 touchdowns, Lena-Winslow routs Brown County for first title since 2022
3:25
3:25
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3:25Lena-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/fri…
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Oswego coach Brian Cooney played on a state champion, now he leads his alma mater into Class 8A final
5:11
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5:11Oswego 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/fr…
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IHSA Class 8A state preview: Mount Carmel vs. Oswego
5:09
5:09
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5:09Mount 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.By Shaw Local News Network
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IHSA Class 7A state preview: St. Rita vs. Brother Rice
5:41
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5:41It'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.…
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Dario Milivojevic, a ‘Swiss army knife’ for St. Francis, enjoying breakout in final high school season
6:37
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6:37Dario 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.By Shaw Local News Network
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Wilmington’s success built on foundation up front
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4:34As 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.By Shaw Local News Network
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Montini’s Angelo DeSensi once had NBA dreams. Now the 6-foot-5 senior left tackle anchors 13-0 Broncos’ O-line
4:29
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4:29Montini'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--35…
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Three Rivers announces all-conference football: NewsTribune sports briefs
2:34
2:34
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2:34The 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.By Shaw Local News Network
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Outsiders may be surprised, but Providence is playing like it belongs ahead of state championship
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4:52Providence 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.By Shaw Local News Network
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IHSA Class 6A state preview: Fenwick vs. East St. Louis
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4:45
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4:45It'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.…
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CCL/ESCC Week 13 Notebook: Mount Carmel, Montini look to complete perfect seasons with state titles
5:34
5:34
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5:34The 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…
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Podcast: IHSA football state title game previews
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52:35Join hosts Steve Soucie, Russ Hodges and Josh Welge as they preview the Illinois high school football state championship games. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.By Shaw Local News Network
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Oswego defensive tackle Gianni Casurella, fueled by doubt, helps anchor dominant defense: ‘A fire in my soul’
5:02
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5:02Gianni Casurella does not need to be reminded that Oswego is the surprise participant in this Saturday’s Class 8A final. Doubt is his fuel. "A fire in my soul every day." Oswego's senior defensive tackle is a huge reason behind that defense's dominance during the playoff run. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/frid…
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IHSA Class 5A state preview: St. Francis vs. Providence
4:42
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4:42A rare regular season rematch in the state title game has emerged here as St. Francis will challenge Providence once again after the Spartans beat the Celtics in Week 5. Steve Soucie previews Saturday's Class 5A title game. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.…
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IHSA Class 2A state championship preview capsule
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1:48Wilmington will look to win its third state title in the last five years and fourth in program history when the Wildcats face Maroa-Forsyth in Friday's IHSA Class 2A state championship. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.By Shaw Local News Network
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IHSA Class 4A state preview: Montini vs. Rochester
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5:06Two schools that aren't exactly strangers to state title games grapple here as Montini who is making its 11th championship game appearance faces off against Rochester who has 10. Steve Soucie previews Friday's Class 4A title game. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.…
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IHSA Class 3A state preview: Byron vs. Tolono Unity
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5:02Byron has tried successfully to simply power its way through all of its postseason foes, Tolono Unity seems to be trying to just simply post a ton of points. Which one will win out? Steve Soucie previews Friday's Class 3A title game. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.…
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IHSA Class 2A state preview: Wilmington vs. Maroa-Forsyth
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4:58Can anyone stop the Wilmington freight train? State championship game regular Maroa-Forysth seems poised to give it its best shot. Steve Soucie previews Friday's Class 2A title game between Wilmington and Maroa-Forsyth. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/friday-night-drive--3534096/support.…
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