July 17, 2025 • 29 mins
Friday Night Drive's Josh Welge and Joel Boenitz discuss what the IHSA football schedule will look like in the western suburbs for the 2025 season, games they are looking forward to, and more.
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Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
Hello everybody, and welcome back to the Western Suburbs or
Friday Night Drive Western Suburbs Podcasts. This is Josh Welge.
I'm here with Joe Bennett's Joel. It's July seventeenth. We're
taking this on a Thursday afternoon. It's I believe if
Edgie Tim is accurate, it's forty three days until the
(00:21):
first football Friday. He counts it down. We're about six
weeks away. How are you feeling. We're getting pretty close.
Speaker 2 (00:29):
Yeah, I mean it's it's feeling a lot more like
football season. I mean we're seeing a lot of seven
on seven's happening. I mean, you know, last week I
was at Battle of the Big Butts obviously one of
the bigger seven on seven events that happens here in Illinois.
So it's really feeling like, you know, football season is
really coming alive now.
Speaker 1 (00:51):
So yeah, really times we can only hope that this
season will be as exciting as last season that ended
with you know, I think we had local teams and
in every every game of the last day of the
season last year, So hopefully it'll be just like that.
And uh, you know, it's I know it's in July
but UH, we're kind of reaching a point in the
(01:11):
counter that becomes kind of a you know, where it
starts to get a little bit realistic that season's coming.
The the I just say releases the the official schedule
for for football UH on on Friday, UH and US
at Friday Night Drive. We are gonna have wall to
wall coverage on that. We're gonna have week by week
(01:33):
UH breakdowns for every market that we cover of the
games that we're looking forward to. Steve Susie has a
couple analysis pieces lined up that I was able to
read this morning, so that's going to be pretty exciting.
And then UH, it's gonna be four podcasts coming people's
way if if they're into the podcast game. Joel and
I of course taping Susan and I doing kind of
(01:54):
an overview type piece podcast. And then Susan Mason Schweizer
from our uh, you know, kank Key newspaper they they
jumped on for a podcast about that neck of the woods.
And then j T Penalty, Eddie Griffel and San Ramirez
with their South and West podcast looking at the Calb
County and UH and and SOCC suck in South Valley
(02:17):
area and the Illinois valleys, So a lot of stuff
coming your way if you're into football in July Friday
night drive his place to go. So but but yeah, no,
we just wanted to uh Joe today. Wanted to maybe
first start off by looking at some of the you know,
kind of new matchups, uh, particularly early in the year
(02:37):
that kind of excited me and excited as you as
we as we looked at him, and we kind of
had a little bit of sneak preview we have. You know.
The the thing is that the official release is tomorrow
on Friday, but the schedules are kind of out there,
so you kind of know what games are going on,
it's just you know, not the official official is tomorrow,
(02:58):
so we we do a pretty good yeah about what's
going on. But uh, but yeah, I mean, uh, you know,
I'm gonna start uh week one. Or's some really you know,
interesting kind of new matchups that I saw and one
of the ones that really that that Sus told me.
It kind of came together very last minute in the
last month or so of the the offseason, as teams
(03:19):
were scrambling to phil openings. Lion's township is going to
be at Joey at Catholic Week one. Uh I saw
that and I think I texted Sue's like, Ooh, I
mean Lion's Township a team that they won the Western
Westernbourban Silver last year, they reached the Class eight A
quarterfinals and they are continuing to emerge as a threat
(03:42):
in eight A and obviously the Westbourbon Silver that they
won last year. Then they're going down to Joel Yet
to play Joey a Catholic of course, the defending Class
five A runner up. Really good tradition there, and just
not only two really good programs, but two really good conferences.
You know, not gonna right off the bad in Week one.
So that's gonna be a really fun one to watch.
(04:04):
But Joe, I know there there's a couple ones that
you're looking at. One specifically that I could think.
Speaker 2 (04:08):
Of, Yeah, yeah, the big one for me that I've
been keeped my eye out for is Saint Charles North
heading down to Minooka. Obviously North Stars past couple of years,
they've played their Week one game against Palatine, and those
games that were always really fun to watch because they
always came down to the you know, last second players,
(04:31):
it felt like, But I mean Minooka obviously eight and
three last season. I mean, you know, they're coming off
a pretty solid season in the Southwest Prairie. So it's
gonna be really interesting to see, you know, if that
Week one game against the team like Minooka stands up
to you know, how their Week ones had been in
(04:51):
the previous seasons against Palatine. Obviously, I'm a little upset
that I think or that I never got to see
a game like that, but I'm sure, you know, obviously
Charles north is returning a lot of good players. Obviously
they did lose their for your starting quarterback and Ethan Plumb,
but they are still you know, having guys like Ring
he'd come back, who's now committed to Northwestern. So I'm
(05:13):
really excited to see how that game is gonna, you know,
pan out to start off the season for them.
Speaker 1 (05:18):
Yeah. Kind of interesting in that the Duquesne Conference and
the Southwest Prairie Conference are matching up in that Week
one game. They're also matching up in Week two in
a different game. Geneva going to Oswego. That was another
one that I saw. I'm like, oh, it's kind of
a it's kind of a fun one. A Swego's actually
playing in April Central Week one, and then they have
Geneva coming there. And you know, both of those teams,
(05:40):
I mean, Oswego was nine and er last season in
the regular season, got to the second round of the playoffs. Geneva,
as we know, reached the state championship game. Those teams,
both teams that they're gonna get have a little bit
of different look this year. I mean, Geneva, you know
graduates talent Taylor, Tony Jahino, Oswego. I think they returned
like maybe four or five starters total, but they did
(06:00):
a lot of success to lower levels. So yeah, that
that'd be a that'd be a good one early on
in the season.
Speaker 2 (06:06):
Yeah, it seems like it's gonna be about of two
kind of rebuilding programs this year because obviously, you know,
you kind of mentioned us we Go only returning like
four or five starters. Geneva their offense is only returning
three starters of you know, their star studded cast from
last season. Uh, their defense a little bit less to
have to build back up. But you know, it's gonna
(06:30):
be kind of interesting to see, you know, how much
you know the younger guys that are going to be
stepping up this season. It's gonna be interesting to see
how they step up, you know, before they head into
conference play.
Speaker 1 (06:43):
So yeah, any other kind of new games that you
see on the schedule that that that that jump out
to you before we kind of deep dive into the
week by week.
Speaker 2 (06:53):
Yeah. One, I thought that was interesting, kind of looking
a similar DUKEUN conference that somebody that you cover a
lot more, Wheaton North obviously last year, they're two non
conference games against Providence Catholic and Lockport. Those literally came
down to the wire, both of them decided by the
last play against two pre quality teams. They're gonna have
(07:15):
a very similar non conference schedule. They're facing off against
Simeon in week one and then Stevenson in week two.
Stevenson obviously went ten to two last year, Simeon seven
and four, you know, both really high quality programs that
they're going to face off against before heading into Duking
conference play. And I think considering how young they were
for the most part, you know, last season, especially on offense,
(07:38):
it's gonna be interesting to see how those guys face
off against teams like Sidney and Stevenson this year.
Speaker 1 (07:45):
Yeah. Yeah, you know, one more game that I did
notice this morning when I was kind of just kind
of combing over things, is Ice Catholic is playing Woodstock
North in Week two. I see Catholic. Obviously, they missed
the playoffs last year, which they had not. It's been
a long time since they they have missed the playoff
got probably a decade or something. And I mean, obviously
they want to stay titles and whatnot. They're playing Woodstock North.
(08:06):
Who you know, maybe some people in the suburbs might
not realize they had a really good year last year.
They won eight games, they got to the second round
of the playoffs. I believe they have their best player,
David Rendecker fallback coming back. So I think they're going
to be a team to watch in the Kishwaukee River.
We'll see how they do against Icy Catholic. I feel that.
So maybe a little bit of a you know, step
(08:27):
up in class a little bit to play a team
from the CCL, but definitely a matchup. I think it's
Week two that I did notice, and I'm like, oh,
that's kind of it's kind of interesting, you know, I
wonder how they found each other. I mean, they're they're
kind of like in different areas. But I mean teams,
you know, sometimes matchups come together late in the offseason.
I mean, I know, like there's some teams that are
still looking for games a few weeks. I know, Montini
(08:49):
the defending three eight champion, they won it as far
as I know right now, I think Loyola is week
two doesn't have an opponent right now. So I mean
we're sitting here in July seventeenth. You know, well, we'll
see what happens with that. But but yeah, that Icy
Catholic Whitstack North game in week two, I believe was
another one that stood out. So yeah, we wanted to
(09:10):
to kind of look at a week by week and
you know, maybe each of us can give a shout
out to a game that we're kind of looking forward
to each week. You know, I'll start at week one, Joel,
What is there a game that kind of like jumps
off the page to you or it's like, wow, I
can't wait to see that one.
Speaker 2 (09:24):
I think the big one, uh, you know, kind of
considering you know, the historic programs that are facing off
and kind of a game that they provided last year.
Batavian Glenbard West is a is always gonna be one
of those games that you know, I was gonna be like, oh,
I kind of want to see how this goes. Obviously,
Glenbard West is coming off of, you know, a shocking
season where they didn't make it into the playoffs, so
(09:48):
I'm sure they're probably gonna want to get off on
the right foot against a team like Batavia and obviously
Bulldogs last year made it all the way to the
state title game before losing to Mount Carmel. I know
they're they're returning a lot of fun offensive weapons. Some
may be in different positions from what I hear, So
you know, I'm gonna be really interested to see, you know,
(10:11):
kind of how that kind of stats up in that
Week one matchup there. So that one's definitely caught my
eye for sure.
Speaker 1 (10:18):
Yeah, Glenbard West hosted Batavia last year and Deshaun Field
the first time. I think those programs have played each
other at least since their current head coaches have been there,
and they've been there for a little while between Dennis
Puron and Chad Hetlett. But I know Batavia won that game.
It's kind of a close game, even though Batavia controlled
the game, but kind of set an unfortunate tone for
(10:39):
Glenbard West because they started the season zero and four
and they were really battling back the rest of the
year and they almost they almost kind of snuck in
the back door, but they didn't quite get there. So
they want to get off to a better start of
the year. But man, it will not be easy because
they go to Batavia and then they played Joliant Catholic
week two, so hello, the first week season before they
(10:59):
go into the conference. So but yeah, no, that's you
and I both, I mean we saw Glenbard West TAVI
week one. He're like, yeah, that's that's That's definitely one
of the better ones. Uh. In week one, another game
that I'm looking forward to, not only because I think
it might be a good game, but because it's gonna
be maybe the first game played in the state this year,
and that's Saint Francis Is going to Gateley Stadium on
(11:22):
Thursday night. They're playing Kenwood, who Ken's had a lot
of really good, high end talent the last few years.
They maybe slipped maybe a touch, but I mean, you
never really know what they have coming. I do know
that Saint Francis had has a lot of talent they
have one of the best receiving cores in the state,
led by Zach Washington. It's going to Michigan State. You know,
(11:44):
their entire offensive linebacks. So but they they have a
brutal schedule. I think you and I have both thought
about it. So man, they they really want to get
that win right off the bat. But again, Thursday night.
I remember when I taught to coach McMillan and I
asked him about the schedule. He's like, they were playing Thursday.
I'm like, thank I think my first word in was
thank you or thanks because you know, that's the chance
(12:05):
for us to see some football before before right Friday
rolls around. So yeah, that should be a good one.
Week two. What are what are some of Is there
a game that kind of stands out to you?
Speaker 2 (12:15):
Yeah? I mean, you know, last year this game was
kind of a blowout in my eyes or both not
in my eyes, I saw it firsthand. But this year,
I think it's going to be really interesting, you know,
especially considering some of the talent that the losing team
has added to their side. I'm talking about Batavia and
South Elgin. I mean, obviously South Elgin has Gavin Bueler,
(12:36):
coming in now Colorado commit uh, you know, coming in
at tie end for them, So that adds a lot
to you know, that potent offense. And I think also
on top of that, Patavia lost a lot on the
defensive side to graduation. I mean talking about Chase Osborne,
who was you know, literally everywhere almost every single game
(12:57):
for them, you know, Josh Cally also in the backfield.
You know, they lost a lot up front as well.
So I think it's gonna be really interesting to see.
You know, it's gonna be a big test for that
new defense, you know, heading into this game, and I
think it's gonna be really interesting to see, you know,
kind of how that dynamic is, especially facing off against
somebody as talented on the field as Gavin Eeler.
Speaker 1 (13:17):
So yeah, well you mentioned South Elgin coming out of
the Upstate Eight. Another matchup I'm looking forward to is
week two. Is two other very good teams from that league.
It's Glenbard East and West Arora. They I believe they
won their respective divisions in the conference. Last year. They
did play West Arora beat them kind of handling by
a few touchdowns. But I mean it's two of the
(13:40):
teams that are gonna be the best in that league.
I expect both to get to the playoffs. They both
went last year. I think Westroer went nine and zero
during the regular season. I think they both might have
reached the second round of playoffs. But that'll be a
nice little game, you know early in the year kind
of gets an idea about where those teams are at
Week three.
Speaker 2 (13:58):
What do you think the Week three I think it's
the matchup that decided part of the Duking Conference last
year at St. Charles North versus Geneva. They're going to
be heading to you know St. Charles North for this game. Obviously,
two kind of different programs heading into this. I mean,
obviously we kind of mentioned it. Geneva was gonna be
on the rebuilding side on the offense.
Speaker 1 (14:19):
Meanwhile St.
Speaker 2 (14:20):
Charles North on the other side, they're returning a good
majority of their offense besides of course Ethan Plump, but
from what I hear, they have plenty of options in
the back or in that Backeld bill in that position.
So you know, it's gonna be really interesting to see,
you know, what the dynamic is going to be between
these two returning co Duking Conference champions so you know,
(14:40):
I'm really interested to see how this game pans out.
Speaker 1 (14:43):
So I'm gonna cheat for a week three and I'm
gonna pick two games because one of them, one of
them is you know, wow, wow wow. Is Mount Carmel
playing Nazareth and Nazareth. Mount Carmel defending seven eight champs
mount or Nazareth defending five eight champs. They're both going
to be you know, moved up a class this year
to eight A and six A assuming they reached the playoffs.
(15:04):
But but obviously two of the you know, just the
two of the great programs in the state. Nazareth did
graduate a lot of really good seniors from last year's team,
but man, I mean, I still expect to be good.
Mount Carmel, Mike, Mike Goodness. They have so many like
high major Division one recruits in that team. It's really
scary the talent that they've assembled for this team on
(15:27):
this team this year. So those two teams are playing
Mount Carmel on and Nazareth. Coincidentally, I saw on the schedule.
I believe it's Nazareth's only home game in the first
five weeks of the season, so they're gonna be on
a road quite a bit, starting with their going to
Kankakey week one, so that should be a matchup that
everybody's attention is going to be on. And then the
other one, you know, at least in Sandwich Plano, all
(15:50):
the attention is gonna be there is Sandwich and Plano
meeting up, those two teams, those two schools and Metal
on the football field since eighteen ninety seven. Pretty big
game in those towns, and usually a pretty good game
as well. Sandwich has beat in the last couple of years.
But man, it's a rivalry that I think it's like
fifty seven to fifty three all time, so it's really close.
(16:11):
But you know, everybody in those communities is going to
be keeping a close eye on that one. So some
good ones there Week four. What do you think?
Speaker 2 (16:20):
I think a big one that you got to look
at for Week four is obviously Saint Francis versus Saint Rita.
I mean two returning you know, semi or state semifinal teams.
Obviously Saint Francis in five A, uh, Saint Rita in
seven A this or last year. I mean, you know,
two quality programs are facing off against each other again.
(16:40):
I think it's going to be really you know, interesting,
and it might be a little bit closer this year,
so I think it's gonna be a good matchup.
Speaker 1 (16:48):
I feel like you could pick a Saint Francis game
probably eight out of the nine weeks. I mean, they're
just crazy good, are crazy tough, whichever way you want
to call it. But that should be a good one.
One Another one in the c C L E SEC
that I got my eye on is Fenwick playing at Montini. Montini,
of course the defending Quest three A state champions, but
(17:10):
Fenwick was the last team to beat them. Uh Mantini
won the last ten games they played, including the playoffs,
but Fenwick beat them. It was a good one too.
It's thirteen to ten, low scoring game. Fenwick had a
really good defense last year. We'll see what they look
like this year. But but but that should be a
really good one. It's one of Montini's probably, you know,
games that I'm kind of watching in their schedule, like
(17:34):
the last years. I feel like if Montini can just
survive the regular season and get to five wins or
maybe six wins, then they're gonna be a tough out
once the playoff starts. But but that should be a
really good one. Fenwick and Montini Week four, Week five?
What games are on your map?
Speaker 2 (17:52):
Well, Week five, I think, uh, you know, kind of
sticking with the Code D King Conference champion matchups, I
think got to go with Saint Charles North and Batavia.
They get I think, you know, both of those offenses
have a lot of returning talent, and I think that's gonna,
you know, show on the field. Last year game was
(18:13):
super fun. It didn't look close for the most part
or on paper, but I mean it required a very
big effort from Nathan wentwell for Batavia to pull off
that victory. I mean five second half touchdown or rushing
touchdowns for him. He honestly could have had a six
if they didn't put Grayson Kelly in for that play.
(18:34):
But yeah, no, I think, you know, this is going
to be once again a really good game with two
really talented offenses. And yeah, there's a chance that this
is going to determine who wins the Duke in Conference
in my opinion, So I think he's given fun.
Speaker 1 (18:51):
Yeah, no, that should be a lot of fun again.
I got there's a couple that I'm looking at for
Week five. I start with again Nazareth. They're going to
Joey Catholic. I mean, it speaks for itself. These are
two teams that have played for the state title the
last two years and five A and NADS have beat
them both times. They beat them last year in the
regular season. Two all of them were very close games,
(19:13):
so that one should be a lot of fun. Another
really good matchup. I mean, you could probably pick three
or four games every week in the C C L E.
S CC that that are really good games. But that
is definitely one that I'm looking at. And the other
one out there in Kendall County area, Yorkville is playing Oswego.
You know, neighboring towns, kind of close rivals, friendly type rivals,
(19:34):
but you know Oswego got them last year, Yorkville got
them the two previous years. Yorkville another team that's had
a lot of success the last decade, but they missed
the playoffs at four and five last year, so they're
gonna be looking to get back and that'll be one
of the games that they certainly have circle on their calendar.
So so that should be a really fun h you know,
week five matchup. Week six, we're already into October, or
(19:56):
at least close to it. Maybe lads some times.
Speaker 2 (19:59):
Yeah, for sure. Well, Week six is obviously a rivalry
matchup week for Duking Conference, So I think I think
it's fair to talk talk about one of the longest
standing rivalries in the state of Illinois, Patavia and Geneva.
I mean, obviously, last year Geneva broke their thirteen year
losing streak to Dennis Piron and Batavia. But you know,
(20:24):
obviously we've kind of mentioned it. They're a little bit
you know, on the rebuilding side. By week six, they
should definitely have a better idea of what their or
their identity on offense and defense. Tavia should be the
exact same way. But I think this is going to
be a really interesting matchup once again. I mean, you know,
it's you know, the two years that Geneva lost heading
(20:46):
into their win, they were relatively close, and I think
this is gonna be another game that you know, it's
gonna be a little bit more closer than you know,
people expected to be. So I'm excited.
Speaker 1 (20:57):
Yeah, we're definitely talking a different type of tone with
that matchup after Geneva was you know, finally able to
beat him last year and then you know, took them
momentum all the way to the to the state championship game.
But I will say, you know, last year, in Week six,
I had never heard of Michael vander Luigarran and by
the end, by the end of the year, I was like,
I want Michael vander Luicgarrant in my fantasy football team. So,
(21:20):
I mean, he really he really made a name for himself,
and I think he's gonna make a name for himself
again this year. But yeah, no, that's that's definitely a
matchup that everybody is gonna have their eye on. Is
that Week six game you mentioned.
Speaker 2 (21:33):
He's actually gonna have name plate the entire time.
Speaker 1 (21:36):
So right, right right. Obviously you mentioned that sort of
Rivalriec and the Ducane another good one. Wheaton Warrenville South,
Wheaton North, you know, another kind of uh, you know,
there's some rivalries and I feel like teams like hate
each other. I think with that matchup, they just like
respect each other. I mean, they like up together and stuff,
and they probably played a lot of youth football together
(21:59):
and stuff. I just think that it's just a good
rivalry that the community kind of gets around. And Wheaton
North is another program. I mean, I mean, they went
state just few years ago, but they were four and
five last year and and miss the playoffs, and Wheaton
South was able to beat them, and you know they're
gonna be, you know, coming back. But I mean I think,
I mean, they might be contenders in the Ducaine, but
(22:19):
the way the Dukene is and as competitive is, they're
probably gonna be in that situation coming in a game
like three and two or something like that and needing
a win and obviously a big game like that. So
that's that one should be a lot of fun. Week
six again the Ducaine Conference sort of rivalry week Week seven?
What do you think Week seven?
Speaker 2 (22:39):
I think the big one for me, you know, talking
about a team that you know, we just kind of
touched on Moorneville South and we are in Saint Charles North.
I mean, you know, last year that game went all
the way to or all the way down to the
buzzer for the most part, and I think, you know,
the year before that game went into overtime. But yeah,
(22:59):
those are two teams. I think they're the only two
teams in the duke In conference that lost multi year
starters at quarterback. Is so, you know, kind of like
what I mentioned week seven, they should have a better
idea of their identity on offense, especially you know, in
that quarterback position. But I think it's going to be
really interesting to see, you know, if they can live
up to the standard that they've you know, kind of
(23:20):
produced in the last two games or in the last
two years, and you know, bring another highlight game. But
I also have another one to touch on in the
Duking Conference, another one that went into overtime last year,
you know, Saint Charles East in Lake Park. I think
that might also be an interesting game. Saint Charles East
has a really talented wide receiver room this year that's
(23:44):
experienced for you know, a good majority of it. So
I think they're going to be really interesting in that mindset.
And then Lake Park obviously, past couple of years, they've
been one game away from making into the playoffs. They
were four and five. Last year they shocked Eaton North
and kept them out of the playoffs by being them
in Week nine. You know, I think they're also returning
(24:05):
a lot of good talent on offense, and I think
it should be interesting to see, you know, if either
of those schemes are like really close to potentially making
it to the playoffs if that win can kind of
kind of pull them for those final two games there.
Speaker 1 (24:18):
Mm hm, so a couple of games and I'm looking
at Week seven one of them York and Downers Grow North,
two of the best teams in the West Suburban Silvery
York obviously reached the Class eight eight state championship game
last year. They made the semifinals with two previous years,
and I mean, I think they're they're at the point
there than their program that this is not just a
one or two year thing. They got a rolling now,
(24:40):
I mean, and I think they're gonna be really good again.
And downs Grow North. I mean, my goodness. When you
have three kids that are committed to the Big Ten
and a quarterback at tight end and an offensive alignment,
that's a pretty good place to start with. With Owen
Lance to Will Val at tight end going to to
Illinois and then uh so Lucky I believe his last name,
(25:01):
I forget the first name. He's an off with some
lineman going to Purdue. But that'll be one of the
better games in a West Suburban silver this year. York
and Downers going North and then the other one Oswega Monooka,
and I feel like the last probably ten years in
the Southwest period, that's gonna in the Western Division. That's
like maybe one of the games to watch, and I
think it will be again. Minooka has probably as much
(25:22):
talent or at least experience back in that league as
anyone and as we go, the road to the title
that league usually goes through Oswego. So that's gonna be
another game in Week seven. And I'm watching, we get
what game stands out to you.
Speaker 2 (25:37):
I think the big one for me is Wheaton North
in Geneva. I think that's gonna be the big one.
Geneva's gonna be hangover to Wheaton for that game. You know,
last year, these two teams based off Wheaton North looked
like they had a chance to han Geneva, you know,
their first losses this season, but some unfortunate plays that
(25:57):
happened in the red zone with less than a minute
left to Geneva holly on for the win. I think
it's gonna be really interesting. And I think considering how
late it is in the season and how you know,
kind of questionable, you know, these two teams might be
there may be a chance that this might be a
game that determines if there's a chance that they can
make it to the playoffs. They're not, So I think
(26:18):
this is going to be a really interesting matchup for
both of these teams.
Speaker 1 (26:22):
Uh. For me, I think I got to go with
the Swego sweg East Crosstown rivalie games twenty first time
that these two teams have played each other. Asweegos won
eighteen of the first twenty games. They got them last year,
which which kept our sweg of East out of the
playoffs and also finish off a nine and zero regular season.
So again, I mean that it's a matchup that the
(26:42):
community looks forward to every year. Obviously Oswegos had the
upper hand for the most part, but in the last
like five years, asweg of East has won two of
the games. So asweg of East is gonna be a
team that's looking to get back to the playoffs they've
missed the last two years if they were kind of
a regular for the decades previous to that. But but yeah,
I mean that that's always a game that you kind
(27:03):
of circle on the calendar, and you know it being
that that late in the season, I'm sure the significance
will be pretty high. Week nine.
Speaker 2 (27:10):
What do you think, Josh, I think we both know
what game we're gonna be one. Yeah, we're gonna pa
the same game. We're gonna We're gonna pick Saint Francis
versus NA Nazareth again. So yeah, yeah.
Speaker 1 (27:25):
I mean that's the game. I mean, well, you know
that they both they've played each other the last two
years in a regular season and in the playoffs. They
won't this year with Nazareth moving up to six A,
but but yeah, I'm sure there'll be quite a few
fireworks in that game. You know. What do you think
about that one?
Speaker 2 (27:43):
I mean, maybe just a few that that that's my guess.
I mean, obviously, you know, last few years, Saint Francis
beat Nazareth in the regular season and then lost to
them in the playoffs. But I mean, obviously we've kind
of touched on it. Saint Francis has one of the
best receiving cores in the state. I mean, you know,
Nazareth is always or is always you know, a really
(28:07):
good program when it comes to that. So I think
it's gonna be you know, once again, it's gonna be
a really fun matchup with a lot of fireworks and
you know, maybe some not nice things will be said
in the game between the two teams.
Speaker 1 (28:19):
I think there's a little bit of edge to that
Ribbaly maybe just a little bit a bit of an
edge to that robbery. So yeah, a lot to look
forward to. You know, this has been a lot of
fun breaking it down again. Uh, everybody out there, check
out all the other podcasts that we have coming this week.
Check out the content. You know, we obviously the season
(28:40):
is fast approaching, will be publishing our Friday Night Drive
preview magazine coming out in August, so you know, take it.
Check out that one as well well. Full previews coming,
and then once the season starts, we'll be back at
it with previews features. Joe and I will be breaking
it down every week with other podcasts as well. Uh
sus to be back with Matt Rotovald on their on
(29:01):
their Friday Night Live Friday Night show. So a lot
of good stuff coming, Joe. Before we get out of here,
any parting parting comments.
Speaker 2 (29:11):
Excited to see you guys getting six weeks.
Speaker 1 (29:14):
Very very excited again for Joe Bennett's This is Josh Welge.
Everyone have a good weekend. We'll see you soon.
Hello everybody, and welcome back to the Western Suburbs or
Friday Night Drive Western Suburbs Podcasts. This is Josh Welge.
I'm here with Joe Bennett's Joel. It's July seventeenth. We're
taking this on a Thursday afternoon. It's I believe if
Edgie Tim is accurate, it's forty three days until the
(00:21):
first football Friday. He counts it down. We're about six
weeks away. How are you feeling. We're getting pretty close.
Speaker 2 (00:29):
Yeah, I mean it's it's feeling a lot more like
football season. I mean we're seeing a lot of seven
on seven's happening. I mean, you know, last week I
was at Battle of the Big Butts obviously one of
the bigger seven on seven events that happens here in Illinois.
So it's really feeling like, you know, football season is
really coming alive now.
Speaker 1 (00:51):
So yeah, really times we can only hope that this
season will be as exciting as last season that ended
with you know, I think we had local teams and
in every every game of the last day of the
season last year, So hopefully it'll be just like that.
And uh, you know, it's I know it's in July
but UH, we're kind of reaching a point in the
(01:11):
counter that becomes kind of a you know, where it
starts to get a little bit realistic that season's coming.
The the I just say releases the the official schedule
for for football UH on on Friday, UH and US
at Friday Night Drive. We are gonna have wall to
wall coverage on that. We're gonna have week by week
(01:33):
UH breakdowns for every market that we cover of the
games that we're looking forward to. Steve Susie has a
couple analysis pieces lined up that I was able to
read this morning, so that's going to be pretty exciting.
And then UH, it's gonna be four podcasts coming people's
way if if they're into the podcast game. Joel and
I of course taping Susan and I doing kind of
(01:54):
an overview type piece podcast. And then Susan Mason Schweizer
from our uh, you know, kank Key newspaper they they
jumped on for a podcast about that neck of the woods.
And then j T Penalty, Eddie Griffel and San Ramirez
with their South and West podcast looking at the Calb
County and UH and and SOCC suck in South Valley
(02:17):
area and the Illinois valleys, So a lot of stuff
coming your way if you're into football in July Friday
night drive his place to go. So but but yeah, no,
we just wanted to uh Joe today. Wanted to maybe
first start off by looking at some of the you know,
kind of new matchups, uh, particularly early in the year
(02:37):
that kind of excited me and excited as you as
we as we looked at him, and we kind of
had a little bit of sneak preview we have. You know.
The the thing is that the official release is tomorrow
on Friday, but the schedules are kind of out there,
so you kind of know what games are going on,
it's just you know, not the official official is tomorrow,
(02:58):
so we we do a pretty good yeah about what's
going on. But uh, but yeah, I mean, uh, you know,
I'm gonna start uh week one. Or's some really you know,
interesting kind of new matchups that I saw and one
of the ones that really that that Sus told me.
It kind of came together very last minute in the
last month or so of the the offseason, as teams
(03:19):
were scrambling to phil openings. Lion's township is going to
be at Joey at Catholic Week one. Uh I saw
that and I think I texted Sue's like, Ooh, I
mean Lion's Township a team that they won the Western
Westernbourban Silver last year, they reached the Class eight A
quarterfinals and they are continuing to emerge as a threat
(03:42):
in eight A and obviously the Westbourbon Silver that they
won last year. Then they're going down to Joel Yet
to play Joey a Catholic of course, the defending Class
five A runner up. Really good tradition there, and just
not only two really good programs, but two really good conferences.
You know, not gonna right off the bad in Week one.
So that's gonna be a really fun one to watch.
(04:04):
But Joe, I know there there's a couple ones that
you're looking at. One specifically that I could think.
Speaker 2 (04:08):
Of, Yeah, yeah, the big one for me that I've
been keeped my eye out for is Saint Charles North
heading down to Minooka. Obviously North Stars past couple of years,
they've played their Week one game against Palatine, and those
games that were always really fun to watch because they
always came down to the you know, last second players,
(04:31):
it felt like, But I mean Minooka obviously eight and
three last season. I mean, you know, they're coming off
a pretty solid season in the Southwest Prairie. So it's
gonna be really interesting to see, you know, if that
Week one game against the team like Minooka stands up
to you know, how their Week ones had been in
(04:51):
the previous seasons against Palatine. Obviously, I'm a little upset
that I think or that I never got to see
a game like that, but I'm sure, you know, obviously
Charles north is returning a lot of good players. Obviously
they did lose their for your starting quarterback and Ethan Plumb,
but they are still you know, having guys like Ring
he'd come back, who's now committed to Northwestern. So I'm
(05:13):
really excited to see how that game is gonna, you know,
pan out to start off the season for them.
Speaker 1 (05:18):
Yeah. Kind of interesting in that the Duquesne Conference and
the Southwest Prairie Conference are matching up in that Week
one game. They're also matching up in Week two in
a different game. Geneva going to Oswego. That was another
one that I saw. I'm like, oh, it's kind of
a it's kind of a fun one. A Swego's actually
playing in April Central Week one, and then they have
Geneva coming there. And you know, both of those teams,
(05:40):
I mean, Oswego was nine and er last season in
the regular season, got to the second round of the playoffs. Geneva,
as we know, reached the state championship game. Those teams,
both teams that they're gonna get have a little bit
of different look this year. I mean, Geneva, you know
graduates talent Taylor, Tony Jahino, Oswego. I think they returned
like maybe four or five starters total, but they did
(06:00):
a lot of success to lower levels. So yeah, that
that'd be a that'd be a good one early on
in the season.
Speaker 2 (06:06):
Yeah, it seems like it's gonna be about of two
kind of rebuilding programs this year because obviously, you know,
you kind of mentioned us we Go only returning like
four or five starters. Geneva their offense is only returning
three starters of you know, their star studded cast from
last season. Uh, their defense a little bit less to
have to build back up. But you know, it's gonna
(06:30):
be kind of interesting to see, you know, how much
you know the younger guys that are going to be
stepping up this season. It's gonna be interesting to see
how they step up, you know, before they head into
conference play.
Speaker 1 (06:43):
So yeah, any other kind of new games that you
see on the schedule that that that that jump out
to you before we kind of deep dive into the
week by week.
Speaker 2 (06:53):
Yeah. One, I thought that was interesting, kind of looking
a similar DUKEUN conference that somebody that you cover a
lot more, Wheaton North obviously last year, they're two non
conference games against Providence Catholic and Lockport. Those literally came
down to the wire, both of them decided by the
last play against two pre quality teams. They're gonna have
(07:15):
a very similar non conference schedule. They're facing off against
Simeon in week one and then Stevenson in week two.
Stevenson obviously went ten to two last year, Simeon seven
and four, you know, both really high quality programs that
they're going to face off against before heading into Duking
conference play. And I think considering how young they were
for the most part, you know, last season, especially on offense,
(07:38):
it's gonna be interesting to see how those guys face
off against teams like Sidney and Stevenson this year.
Speaker 1 (07:45):
Yeah. Yeah, you know, one more game that I did
notice this morning when I was kind of just kind
of combing over things, is Ice Catholic is playing Woodstock
North in Week two. I see Catholic. Obviously, they missed
the playoffs last year, which they had not. It's been
a long time since they they have missed the playoff
got probably a decade or something. And I mean, obviously
they want to stay titles and whatnot. They're playing Woodstock North.
(08:06):
Who you know, maybe some people in the suburbs might
not realize they had a really good year last year.
They won eight games, they got to the second round
of the playoffs. I believe they have their best player,
David Rendecker fallback coming back. So I think they're going
to be a team to watch in the Kishwaukee River.
We'll see how they do against Icy Catholic. I feel that.
So maybe a little bit of a you know, step
(08:27):
up in class a little bit to play a team
from the CCL, but definitely a matchup. I think it's
Week two that I did notice, and I'm like, oh,
that's kind of it's kind of interesting, you know, I
wonder how they found each other. I mean, they're they're
kind of like in different areas. But I mean teams,
you know, sometimes matchups come together late in the offseason.
I mean, I know, like there's some teams that are
still looking for games a few weeks. I know, Montini
(08:49):
the defending three eight champion, they won it as far
as I know right now, I think Loyola is week
two doesn't have an opponent right now. So I mean
we're sitting here in July seventeenth. You know, well, we'll
see what happens with that. But but yeah, that Icy
Catholic Whitstack North game in week two, I believe was
another one that stood out. So yeah, we wanted to
(09:10):
to kind of look at a week by week and
you know, maybe each of us can give a shout
out to a game that we're kind of looking forward
to each week. You know, I'll start at week one, Joel,
What is there a game that kind of like jumps
off the page to you or it's like, wow, I
can't wait to see that one.
Speaker 2 (09:24):
I think the big one, uh, you know, kind of
considering you know, the historic programs that are facing off
and kind of a game that they provided last year.
Batavian Glenbard West is a is always gonna be one
of those games that you know, I was gonna be like, oh,
I kind of want to see how this goes. Obviously,
Glenbard West is coming off of, you know, a shocking
season where they didn't make it into the playoffs, so
(09:48):
I'm sure they're probably gonna want to get off on
the right foot against a team like Batavia and obviously
Bulldogs last year made it all the way to the
state title game before losing to Mount Carmel. I know
they're they're returning a lot of fun offensive weapons. Some
may be in different positions from what I hear, So
you know, I'm gonna be really interested to see, you know,
(10:11):
kind of how that kind of stats up in that
Week one matchup there. So that one's definitely caught my
eye for sure.
Speaker 1 (10:18):
Yeah, Glenbard West hosted Batavia last year and Deshaun Field
the first time. I think those programs have played each
other at least since their current head coaches have been there,
and they've been there for a little while between Dennis
Puron and Chad Hetlett. But I know Batavia won that game.
It's kind of a close game, even though Batavia controlled
the game, but kind of set an unfortunate tone for
(10:39):
Glenbard West because they started the season zero and four
and they were really battling back the rest of the
year and they almost they almost kind of snuck in
the back door, but they didn't quite get there. So
they want to get off to a better start of
the year. But man, it will not be easy because
they go to Batavia and then they played Joliant Catholic
week two, so hello, the first week season before they
(10:59):
go into the conference. So but yeah, no, that's you
and I both, I mean we saw Glenbard West TAVI
week one. He're like, yeah, that's that's That's definitely one
of the better ones. Uh. In week one, another game
that I'm looking forward to, not only because I think
it might be a good game, but because it's gonna
be maybe the first game played in the state this year,
and that's Saint Francis Is going to Gateley Stadium on
(11:22):
Thursday night. They're playing Kenwood, who Ken's had a lot
of really good, high end talent the last few years.
They maybe slipped maybe a touch, but I mean, you
never really know what they have coming. I do know
that Saint Francis had has a lot of talent they
have one of the best receiving cores in the state,
led by Zach Washington. It's going to Michigan State. You know,
(11:44):
their entire offensive linebacks. So but they they have a
brutal schedule. I think you and I have both thought
about it. So man, they they really want to get
that win right off the bat. But again, Thursday night.
I remember when I taught to coach McMillan and I
asked him about the schedule. He's like, they were playing Thursday.
I'm like, thank I think my first word in was
thank you or thanks because you know, that's the chance
(12:05):
for us to see some football before before right Friday
rolls around. So yeah, that should be a good one.
Week two. What are what are some of Is there
a game that kind of stands out to you?
Speaker 2 (12:15):
Yeah? I mean, you know, last year this game was
kind of a blowout in my eyes or both not
in my eyes, I saw it firsthand. But this year,
I think it's going to be really interesting, you know,
especially considering some of the talent that the losing team
has added to their side. I'm talking about Batavia and
South Elgin. I mean, obviously South Elgin has Gavin Bueler,
(12:36):
coming in now Colorado commit uh, you know, coming in
at tie end for them, So that adds a lot
to you know, that potent offense. And I think also
on top of that, Patavia lost a lot on the
defensive side to graduation. I mean talking about Chase Osborne,
who was you know, literally everywhere almost every single game
(12:57):
for them, you know, Josh Cally also in the backfield.
You know, they lost a lot up front as well.
So I think it's gonna be really interesting to see.
You know, it's gonna be a big test for that
new defense, you know, heading into this game, and I
think it's gonna be really interesting to see, you know,
kind of how that dynamic is, especially facing off against
somebody as talented on the field as Gavin Eeler.
Speaker 1 (13:17):
So yeah, well you mentioned South Elgin coming out of
the Upstate Eight. Another matchup I'm looking forward to is
week two. Is two other very good teams from that league.
It's Glenbard East and West Arora. They I believe they
won their respective divisions in the conference. Last year. They
did play West Arora beat them kind of handling by
a few touchdowns. But I mean it's two of the
(13:40):
teams that are gonna be the best in that league.
I expect both to get to the playoffs. They both
went last year. I think Westroer went nine and zero
during the regular season. I think they both might have
reached the second round of playoffs. But that'll be a
nice little game, you know early in the year kind
of gets an idea about where those teams are at
Week three.
Speaker 2 (13:58):
What do you think the Week three I think it's
the matchup that decided part of the Duking Conference last
year at St. Charles North versus Geneva. They're going to
be heading to you know St. Charles North for this game. Obviously,
two kind of different programs heading into this. I mean,
obviously we kind of mentioned it. Geneva was gonna be
on the rebuilding side on the offense.
Speaker 1 (14:19):
Meanwhile St.
Speaker 2 (14:20):
Charles North on the other side, they're returning a good
majority of their offense besides of course Ethan Plump, but
from what I hear, they have plenty of options in
the back or in that Backeld bill in that position.
So you know, it's gonna be really interesting to see,
you know, what the dynamic is going to be between
these two returning co Duking Conference champions so you know,
(14:40):
I'm really interested to see how this game pans out.
Speaker 1 (14:43):
So I'm gonna cheat for a week three and I'm
gonna pick two games because one of them, one of
them is you know, wow, wow wow. Is Mount Carmel
playing Nazareth and Nazareth. Mount Carmel defending seven eight champs
mount or Nazareth defending five eight champs. They're both going
to be you know, moved up a class this year
to eight A and six A assuming they reached the playoffs.
(15:04):
But but obviously two of the you know, just the
two of the great programs in the state. Nazareth did
graduate a lot of really good seniors from last year's team,
but man, I mean, I still expect to be good.
Mount Carmel, Mike, Mike Goodness. They have so many like
high major Division one recruits in that team. It's really
scary the talent that they've assembled for this team on
(15:27):
this team this year. So those two teams are playing
Mount Carmel on and Nazareth. Coincidentally, I saw on the schedule.
I believe it's Nazareth's only home game in the first
five weeks of the season, so they're gonna be on
a road quite a bit, starting with their going to
Kankakey week one, so that should be a matchup that
everybody's attention is going to be on. And then the
other one, you know, at least in Sandwich Plano, all
(15:50):
the attention is gonna be there is Sandwich and Plano
meeting up, those two teams, those two schools and Metal
on the football field since eighteen ninety seven. Pretty big
game in those towns, and usually a pretty good game
as well. Sandwich has beat in the last couple of years.
But man, it's a rivalry that I think it's like
fifty seven to fifty three all time, so it's really close.
(16:11):
But you know, everybody in those communities is going to
be keeping a close eye on that one. So some
good ones there Week four. What do you think?
Speaker 2 (16:20):
I think a big one that you got to look
at for Week four is obviously Saint Francis versus Saint Rita.
I mean two returning you know, semi or state semifinal teams.
Obviously Saint Francis in five A, uh, Saint Rita in
seven A this or last year. I mean, you know,
two quality programs are facing off against each other again.
(16:40):
I think it's going to be really you know, interesting,
and it might be a little bit closer this year,
so I think it's gonna be a good matchup.
Speaker 1 (16:48):
I feel like you could pick a Saint Francis game
probably eight out of the nine weeks. I mean, they're
just crazy good, are crazy tough, whichever way you want
to call it. But that should be a good one.
One Another one in the c C L E SEC
that I got my eye on is Fenwick playing at Montini. Montini,
of course the defending Quest three A state champions, but
(17:10):
Fenwick was the last team to beat them. Uh Mantini
won the last ten games they played, including the playoffs,
but Fenwick beat them. It was a good one too.
It's thirteen to ten, low scoring game. Fenwick had a
really good defense last year. We'll see what they look
like this year. But but but that should be a
really good one. It's one of Montini's probably, you know,
games that I'm kind of watching in their schedule, like
(17:34):
the last years. I feel like if Montini can just
survive the regular season and get to five wins or
maybe six wins, then they're gonna be a tough out
once the playoff starts. But but that should be a
really good one. Fenwick and Montini Week four, Week five?
What games are on your map?
Speaker 2 (17:52):
Well, Week five, I think, uh, you know, kind of
sticking with the Code D King Conference champion matchups, I
think got to go with Saint Charles North and Batavia.
They get I think, you know, both of those offenses
have a lot of returning talent, and I think that's gonna,
you know, show on the field. Last year game was
(18:13):
super fun. It didn't look close for the most part
or on paper, but I mean it required a very
big effort from Nathan wentwell for Batavia to pull off
that victory. I mean five second half touchdown or rushing
touchdowns for him. He honestly could have had a six
if they didn't put Grayson Kelly in for that play.
(18:34):
But yeah, no, I think, you know, this is going
to be once again a really good game with two
really talented offenses. And yeah, there's a chance that this
is going to determine who wins the Duke in Conference
in my opinion, So I think he's given fun.
Speaker 1 (18:51):
Yeah, no, that should be a lot of fun again.
I got there's a couple that I'm looking at for
Week five. I start with again Nazareth. They're going to
Joey Catholic. I mean, it speaks for itself. These are
two teams that have played for the state title the
last two years and five A and NADS have beat
them both times. They beat them last year in the
regular season. Two all of them were very close games,
(19:13):
so that one should be a lot of fun. Another
really good matchup. I mean, you could probably pick three
or four games every week in the C C L E.
S CC that that are really good games. But that
is definitely one that I'm looking at. And the other
one out there in Kendall County area, Yorkville is playing Oswego.
You know, neighboring towns, kind of close rivals, friendly type rivals,
(19:34):
but you know Oswego got them last year, Yorkville got
them the two previous years. Yorkville another team that's had
a lot of success the last decade, but they missed
the playoffs at four and five last year, so they're
gonna be looking to get back and that'll be one
of the games that they certainly have circle on their calendar.
So so that should be a really fun h you know,
week five matchup. Week six, we're already into October, or
(19:56):
at least close to it. Maybe lads some times.
Speaker 2 (19:59):
Yeah, for sure. Well, Week six is obviously a rivalry
matchup week for Duking Conference, So I think I think
it's fair to talk talk about one of the longest
standing rivalries in the state of Illinois, Patavia and Geneva.
I mean, obviously, last year Geneva broke their thirteen year
losing streak to Dennis Piron and Batavia. But you know,
(20:24):
obviously we've kind of mentioned it. They're a little bit
you know, on the rebuilding side. By week six, they
should definitely have a better idea of what their or
their identity on offense and defense. Tavia should be the
exact same way. But I think this is going to
be a really interesting matchup once again. I mean, you know,
it's you know, the two years that Geneva lost heading
(20:46):
into their win, they were relatively close, and I think
this is gonna be another game that you know, it's
gonna be a little bit more closer than you know,
people expected to be. So I'm excited.
Speaker 1 (20:57):
Yeah, we're definitely talking a different type of tone with
that matchup after Geneva was you know, finally able to
beat him last year and then you know, took them
momentum all the way to the to the state championship game.
But I will say, you know, last year, in Week six,
I had never heard of Michael vander Luigarran and by
the end, by the end of the year, I was like,
I want Michael vander Luicgarrant in my fantasy football team. So,
(21:20):
I mean, he really he really made a name for himself,
and I think he's gonna make a name for himself
again this year. But yeah, no, that's that's definitely a
matchup that everybody is gonna have their eye on. Is
that Week six game you mentioned.
Speaker 2 (21:33):
He's actually gonna have name plate the entire time.
Speaker 1 (21:36):
So right, right right. Obviously you mentioned that sort of
Rivalriec and the Ducane another good one. Wheaton Warrenville South,
Wheaton North, you know, another kind of uh, you know,
there's some rivalries and I feel like teams like hate
each other. I think with that matchup, they just like
respect each other. I mean, they like up together and stuff,
and they probably played a lot of youth football together
(21:59):
and stuff. I just think that it's just a good
rivalry that the community kind of gets around. And Wheaton
North is another program. I mean, I mean, they went
state just few years ago, but they were four and
five last year and and miss the playoffs, and Wheaton
South was able to beat them, and you know they're
gonna be, you know, coming back. But I mean I think,
I mean, they might be contenders in the Ducaine, but
(22:19):
the way the Dukene is and as competitive is, they're
probably gonna be in that situation coming in a game
like three and two or something like that and needing
a win and obviously a big game like that. So
that's that one should be a lot of fun. Week
six again the Ducaine Conference sort of rivalry week Week seven?
What do you think Week seven?
Speaker 2 (22:39):
I think the big one for me, you know, talking
about a team that you know, we just kind of
touched on Moorneville South and we are in Saint Charles North.
I mean, you know, last year that game went all
the way to or all the way down to the
buzzer for the most part, and I think, you know,
the year before that game went into overtime. But yeah,
(22:59):
those are two teams. I think they're the only two
teams in the duke In conference that lost multi year
starters at quarterback. Is so, you know, kind of like
what I mentioned week seven, they should have a better
idea of their identity on offense, especially you know, in
that quarterback position. But I think it's going to be
really interesting to see, you know, if they can live
up to the standard that they've you know, kind of
(23:20):
produced in the last two games or in the last
two years, and you know, bring another highlight game. But
I also have another one to touch on in the
Duking Conference, another one that went into overtime last year,
you know, Saint Charles East in Lake Park. I think
that might also be an interesting game. Saint Charles East
has a really talented wide receiver room this year that's
(23:44):
experienced for you know, a good majority of it. So
I think they're going to be really interesting in that mindset.
And then Lake Park obviously, past couple of years, they've
been one game away from making into the playoffs. They
were four and five. Last year they shocked Eaton North
and kept them out of the playoffs by being them
in Week nine. You know, I think they're also returning
(24:05):
a lot of good talent on offense, and I think
it should be interesting to see, you know, if either
of those schemes are like really close to potentially making
it to the playoffs if that win can kind of
kind of pull them for those final two games there.
Speaker 1 (24:18):
Mm hm, so a couple of games and I'm looking
at Week seven one of them York and Downers Grow North,
two of the best teams in the West Suburban Silvery
York obviously reached the Class eight eight state championship game
last year. They made the semifinals with two previous years,
and I mean, I think they're they're at the point
there than their program that this is not just a
one or two year thing. They got a rolling now,
(24:40):
I mean, and I think they're gonna be really good again.
And downs Grow North. I mean, my goodness. When you
have three kids that are committed to the Big Ten
and a quarterback at tight end and an offensive alignment,
that's a pretty good place to start with. With Owen
Lance to Will Val at tight end going to to
Illinois and then uh so Lucky I believe his last name,
(25:01):
I forget the first name. He's an off with some
lineman going to Purdue. But that'll be one of the
better games in a West Suburban silver this year. York
and Downers going North and then the other one Oswega Monooka,
and I feel like the last probably ten years in
the Southwest period, that's gonna in the Western Division. That's
like maybe one of the games to watch, and I
think it will be again. Minooka has probably as much
(25:22):
talent or at least experience back in that league as
anyone and as we go, the road to the title
that league usually goes through Oswego. So that's gonna be
another game in Week seven. And I'm watching, we get
what game stands out to you.
Speaker 2 (25:37):
I think the big one for me is Wheaton North
in Geneva. I think that's gonna be the big one.
Geneva's gonna be hangover to Wheaton for that game. You know,
last year, these two teams based off Wheaton North looked
like they had a chance to han Geneva, you know,
their first losses this season, but some unfortunate plays that
(25:57):
happened in the red zone with less than a minute
left to Geneva holly on for the win. I think
it's gonna be really interesting. And I think considering how
late it is in the season and how you know,
kind of questionable, you know, these two teams might be
there may be a chance that this might be a
game that determines if there's a chance that they can
make it to the playoffs. They're not, So I think
(26:18):
this is going to be a really interesting matchup for
both of these teams.
Speaker 1 (26:22):
Uh. For me, I think I got to go with
the Swego sweg East Crosstown rivalie games twenty first time
that these two teams have played each other. Asweegos won
eighteen of the first twenty games. They got them last year,
which which kept our sweg of East out of the
playoffs and also finish off a nine and zero regular season.
So again, I mean that it's a matchup that the
(26:42):
community looks forward to every year. Obviously Oswegos had the
upper hand for the most part, but in the last
like five years, asweg of East has won two of
the games. So asweg of East is gonna be a
team that's looking to get back to the playoffs they've
missed the last two years if they were kind of
a regular for the decades previous to that. But but yeah,
I mean that that's always a game that you kind
(27:03):
of circle on the calendar, and you know it being
that that late in the season, I'm sure the significance
will be pretty high. Week nine.
Speaker 2 (27:10):
What do you think, Josh, I think we both know
what game we're gonna be one. Yeah, we're gonna pa
the same game. We're gonna We're gonna pick Saint Francis
versus NA Nazareth again. So yeah, yeah.
Speaker 1 (27:25):
I mean that's the game. I mean, well, you know
that they both they've played each other the last two
years in a regular season and in the playoffs. They
won't this year with Nazareth moving up to six A,
but but yeah, I'm sure there'll be quite a few
fireworks in that game. You know. What do you think
about that one?
Speaker 2 (27:43):
I mean, maybe just a few that that that's my guess.
I mean, obviously, you know, last few years, Saint Francis
beat Nazareth in the regular season and then lost to
them in the playoffs. But I mean, obviously we've kind
of touched on it. Saint Francis has one of the
best receiving cores in the state. I mean, you know,
Nazareth is always or is always you know, a really
(28:07):
good program when it comes to that. So I think
it's gonna be you know, once again, it's gonna be
a really fun matchup with a lot of fireworks and
you know, maybe some not nice things will be said
in the game between the two teams.
Speaker 1 (28:19):
I think there's a little bit of edge to that
Ribbaly maybe just a little bit a bit of an
edge to that robbery. So yeah, a lot to look
forward to. You know, this has been a lot of
fun breaking it down again. Uh, everybody out there, check
out all the other podcasts that we have coming this week.
Check out the content. You know, we obviously the season
(28:40):
is fast approaching, will be publishing our Friday Night Drive
preview magazine coming out in August, so you know, take it.
Check out that one as well well. Full previews coming,
and then once the season starts, we'll be back at
it with previews features. Joe and I will be breaking
it down every week with other podcasts as well. Uh
sus to be back with Matt Rotovald on their on
(29:01):
their Friday Night Live Friday Night show. So a lot
of good stuff coming, Joe. Before we get out of here,
any parting parting comments.
Speaker 2 (29:11):
Excited to see you guys getting six weeks.
Speaker 1 (29:14):
Very very excited again for Joe Bennett's This is Josh Welge.
Everyone have a good weekend. We'll see you soon.
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