Luke Mertens wasn't sure if he'd ever coach again. But when a familiar name asked if he'd become the next football coach at St. Patrick, Mertens knew it'd be a perfect fit.

St. Patrick announced Wednesday that alumnus Luke Mertens will be the school's new football coach. Mertens was previously a head coach at Lakes and Lake Zurich.

For the second week in a row, the Sycamore defense came away with a shutout in the postseason, blanking No. 13 St. Patrick, 14-0, to advance to the Class 5A semifinals for the first time since 2016.

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Sycamore beat St. Patrick 14-0 in the IHSA Class 5A state quarterfinal game Saturday afternoon at Sycamore High School.

Friday Night Drive’s Eddie Carifio has live coverage from Saturday’s St. Patrick vs. Sycamore football game here

The St. Patrick community came together to watch the Shamrocks make program history Friday with a win over Rochelle, sending the Shamrocks to the quarterfinals for the first time.

Kaleb Brown is expected to make his return for St. Rita after missing most of the regular season. Plus notes on St. Ignatius, Marist and a perfect CCL/ESCC start to the playoffs.

The Sterling football team saw its season come to an end with a 44-14 loss to Chicago St. Patrick in the first round of the Class 5AS playoffs on Saturday afternoon at Roscoe Eades Stadium

Sports reporter Dan Woessner has live coverage from Saturday’s St. Patrick vs. Sterling football game here