First-year McHenry football coach Colt Nero has surrounded himself with veteran coaches, including two who will be his offensive and defensive coordinators. Like Nero, they happen to be graduates of Fox Valley Conference rival Crystal Lake South.

Prairie Ridge traveled to Grant for a scrimmage on Thursday, July 17, 2025, at Grant High School in Fox Lake.

Youth flag football players learn skills during the Chicago Bears Mini Monsters Flag Football Camp on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at McCracken Field in McHenry.

Over 200 high schools in Illinois are expected to have girls flag football teams this year as the sport's popularity continues to rise. "There’s no shortage of opportunities."

A year after sharing duties at quarterback with two seniors, Crystal Lake South junior Michael Silvius is ready to be the Gators' full-time starter at quarterback and help turn around their fortunes.

Hampshire's football team is emphasizing teamwork and culture ahead of the 2025 football season. The Whip-Purs continued to put in the work at a recent 7-on-7 practice held at Kaneland.

Marengo defensive end Brady Kentgen enters his fourth varsity season with big goals for his senior season. Marengo will rely on a physical defense as it tries to build on last year's 5-5 record.

Woodstock North’s Parker Halihan was not immediately sold on the pitch to play quarterback. But the former wingback grew into the position, and last year led the Thunder to the most wins in program history. Now he's one of 19 starters back for first-year coach Jeremiah Homuth.

Richmond-Burton's Hunter Carley grew up playing 8-man football in Michigan. Now, the Rockets junior is one of the top running backs in the Kishwaukee River Conference. "He's never satisfied."

Junior Carson Rowe and sophomore Malik Carter have spent the summer battling for the starting quarterback position at Huntley. And while it's so far unclear who has the advantage on the field, both have established themselves as leaders off of it.

Johnsburg's Carter Block broke out in a big way a year ago. The quarterback led all Kishwaukee River Conference players in passing yards and spent the offseason getting bigger and smarter for his last season as the Skyhawks look to build on a 6-4 record.

Crystal Lake Central's senior football players have embraced their roles as new coach Matt MacCrindle takes over program.

The Illinois High School Association released its state-wide 2025 football schedule on Friday. Filling nine-game schedules proved challenging for some of the state's elite programs.

What looks different for the new high school football season? With the IHSA football schedules now out, Steve Soucie looks at the differences for the new campaign.

The IHSA released football schedules for the 2025 season, and Week 1 features a matchup between the past two Fox Valley Conference champions, as Prairie Ridge will visit Cary-Grove. Check out the top games to watch each week in McHenry County.

Steve Soucie and Josh Welge preview the 2025 IHSA high school football schedule, including games to watch and more in the latest Friday Night Drive podcast

Crystal Lake Central and Richmond-Burton take part in a 7-on-7 football practice Monday, July 14, 2025, at Richmond-Burton High School, with teams from Grayslake North and Mundelein.

In the 25th annual “Battle of the Big Butts” Lineman Challenge, host West Aurora walked away with top team honors among 24 teams after winning three team events for the second consecutive season.

Here are six Northwest-Herald football players poised for big 2025 seasons.

History tends to repeat itself in regards to the IHSA Football Playoffs, but the new enrollment numbers could lead to a bracket that looks a lot different in the next postseason chase. Here is Steve Soucie's 2025 IHSA football preseason playoff projection.