Woodstock North’s Parker Halihan was not immediately sold on the pitch to play quarterback. But the former wingback grew into the position, and last year led the Thunder to the most wins in program history. Now he's one of 19 starters back for first-year coach Jeremiah Homuth.

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.

After leading Woodstock North's football program to a school-record eight wins, including one in the playoffs, Matt Polnow has resigned as head coach.

Meet the 2024 Northwest Herald All-Area football team.

Jake Cestone hauled in three touchdown receptions, and Garrett Reese intercepted a pass to power Nazareth to a 42-20 victory in LaGrange Park.

It was largely an opening round in Class 5A where the favorites moved to the second round, but the next round should provide some very intriguing matchups. Steve Soucie breaks down the second round of the 2024 IHSA Class 5A playoffs.

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

Defending Class 6A state champion Cary-Grove will be without junior fullback Logan Abrams for the rest of the playoffs, Prairie Ridge welcomed back senior FB Jack Finn, Woodstock North celebrated a historic win, and more in this week's Northwest Herald football notes.