Steve Soucie

The Lockport boys basketball team is trying to teach itself a valuable lesson and while it hasn't stuck yet the learning process still hasn't cost them a loss yet as it fended off a hard charging Lincoln-Way West squad for a 69-61 victory Friday night.

A healthy crowd of supporters came out to celebrate Lockport's Class 8A football state championship squad. Lockport won the school's third state championship in the sport with a 24-6 victory over Maine South on Saturday night.

A wild championship weekend actually created more questions than answers in regards to the final Friday Night Drive Power Rankings of the season.

After having the first postseason culmination since 2019 at Northern Illinois University over the weekend, the events that transpired reminded everyone why the weekend is one of the best of the year for high school football fans.

Will County brought home three state football championships this weekend with Wilmington (Class 2A), Joliet Catholic (Class 4A) and Lockport (Class 8A) claiming the big prize.

Lockport's defense has been on a seek-and-destroy mission all season. The Porters got their final target in their sights and didn't miss on Saturday night.

Joliet Catholic finished its season exactly where most expected it would: hoisting a state record 15th state championship trophy.

Coach Jeff Reents has been running the double-wing offense for all of his 29 years at the helm of the Wilmington program. His players conducted a master class in the offense Friday in a Class 2A state championship win over Nashville.

Steve Soucie previews Saturday's Class 5A title game between Lockport and Maine South.

Steve Soucie previews Saturday's Class 7A title game between Wheaton North and St. Rita.

Steve Soucie previews Saturday's Class 6A title game between East St. Louis and Cary-Grove.

Steve Soucie previews Saturday's Class 5A title game between Fenwick and Kankakee.

Steve Soucie previews Friday's Class 4A title game between Joliet Catholic and Sacred Heart-Griffin.

Steve Soucie previews Friday's Class 3A title game between Byron and Tolono Unity.

Steve Soucie previews Friday's Class 2A title game between Wilmington and Nashville.