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.

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.

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

Meet the 2024 Northwest Herald All-Area football team.

A recap of IHSA football playoff results from the first round and a quick look ahead to second-round matchups for Northwest Herald area teams.

A heavy dose of Landin Benson's running and a stifling defense led Coal CIty to a 41-13 win over Johnsburg in the Class 4A playoffs

Johnsburg faces Coal City in Round 1 of the 2024 Class 4A IHSA football playoffs Friday Night Drive reporter Rob Oesterle will have live updates, scores and news from the game

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Coal City coast past Johnsburg in the first round of the playoffs. Photos by Adam Jomant for Shaw Local News Network.

Sports reporter Joe Aguilar takes a look at the IHSA first-round football matchups for teams in the Northwest Herald area.