Kael Ryan rushed for 173 yards and three touchdowns, including the game-winner in overtime, to lead the Sterling Golden Warriors to a 34-28 win over Quincy on the road in the Western Big 6 on Friday night.

As the Rock Falls Rockets try to build the football program under Kevin Parker, there’s one thing the fourth-year head coach has learned to appreciate more than anything else: his players’ versatility.

Sterling hits the road for the fourth time in five weeks with a visit to Quincy, while Dixon and Newman return home looking for league wins. Rock Falls takes a trip to take on Class 3A defending champion Byron.

In the Big Northern Conference, there are no weeks off. The Rock Falls Rockets are finding that out firsthand.After losses to Stillman Valley, Winnebago, Rockford Lutheran and Genoa-Kingston the last four weeks, defending Class 3A state champion Byron is on tap this Friday night.

Coming off a tough loss last week at home, Genoa-Kingston was chomping at the bit to get back on the field in Week 5. The Cogs took control from the start Friday night at Hinders Field, beating Rock Falls 58-6 after completely dominating the first half.

Friday Night Drive editor Ty Reynolds has live updates from Friday night’s Week 5 game between Genoa-Kingston and Rock Falls.

Sterling returns to Roscoe Eades for its first home game since Week 1, while Rock Falls hosts Genoa-Kingston, and Dixon and Newman both hit the road for conference games Friday night.

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The Rockets take on the Cogs during their homecoming game Friday, Sept. 23, 2022.

Another week, another tough opponent for the Rock Falls Rockets. Genoa-Kingston comes to Hinders Field on Friday night, the fourth straight team with a .500 record or better on the Rockets’ schedule.