Crystal Lake South graduate Dennis Gardeck has become a favorite of Arizona Cardinals' fans with his all-out play and community involvement off the field. Gardeck agreed to a new three-year, $12 million deal with the Cardinals on Monday.

The Crystal Lake community is ready to cheer on Crystal Lake South graduate Trevor Keegan as Michigan plays Georgia in the College Football Playoff semifinals on Friday in Miami.

Here is the All-Fox Valley Conference football team for the fall 2021 season.

Meet the Northwest Herald Fall 2021 All-Area Football Team.

Harlem could not be stopped on the ground and ended its playoff losing streak at nine games with a 64-39 victory over Crystal Lake South. Gators quarterback Justin Kowalak went down firing with 200-plus passing yards in the second half.

Northwest Herald senior sports reporter Joe Stevenson has live coverage from Saturday’s Crystal Lake South vs. Harlem football game here

Here are preview capsules for the eight first-round playoff games involving Northwest Herald teams this weekend.

The offensive numbers are considerably up this season in the Fox Valley Conference, as teams combined scores are a touchdown higher per game than in any of the previous four full seasons. The question is if FVC teams have enough defense to stop opponents now in the postseason, or will they have to just outscore teams?

Here are the first-round matchups for each Northwest Herald area team. Dates and times will be updated when confirmed.