Shaw Local
Schools | Friday Night Drive
Junior running back Brandon Johnson Jr. and sophomore linebacker Jack Schapendonk were each instrumental in St. Rita's run to the IHSA Class 7A state finals in the fall. The two will be key players to watch as the Mustangs prepare for 2026.
Montini four-star junior quarterback Israel Abrams announced his commitment to Miami (FL) during a broadcast of The Pat McAfee Show Friday afternoon. Abrams threw for 4,072 yards and 40 touchdowns in 2025, leading Montini to the IHSA Class 4A state title.
Friday Night Drive is highlighting some of the top returning players at each position for the 2026 IHSA football season. Here are 10 of the top returning offensive linemen to watch as the season approaches.
Fenwick junior Jake Thies announced his commitment to Iowa on Saturday. An All-CCL/ESCC selection in 2025, Thies rushed for over 1,100 yards, recorded nearly 60 tackles and helped lead the Friars to an IHSA 6A state title.
A standout wrestler, Montini junior lineman Gavin Ericson-Staton has emerged as a three-star prospect and will be a top player for the Broncos in 2026. Blake Pohlman, a MaxPreps Freshman All-American, is a player to watch on defense.
Junior linebacker Derrick Pomatto became a two-way threat for Joliet Catholic in 2025, rushing for three touchdowns after taking on the role halfway through the season. Pomatto will be a player to watch as the Hilltoppers look to bounce back from a rare losing season.
After helping St. Laurence reach the 6A semifinals, Sean Rice holds a dozen offers from Division I programs. The junior linebacker/tight end will be a key returning player for the Vikings, who have several seniors planning to play collegiately.
After 15 seasons as the head coach at his alma mater, Bradley-Bourbonnais' Mike Kohl has resigned. He will remain as the school's athletic director.
Grant Foes has always had ambitions to become a head football coach one day. That dream has been put on fast forward. Foes, 23, a 2021 Princeton High School graduate and former Tiger standout, has been named as the new head coach at Kokomo High School in Indiana.
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