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IC Catholic Prep sophomore Grant Bowen, son of former NFL player Matt Bowen, has picked up over a dozen Power 4 offers since the season ended.
A standout linebacker and receiver, Bowen was named an All-State and All-CCL/ESCC player in 2025.
A standout linebacker and receiver, Bowen was named an All-State and All-CCL/ESCC player in 2025.
Big-play threat Grant Bowen emerges as two-way star for IC Catholic Prep, sees recruitment take off
IC Catholic Prep sophomore Grant Bowen, son of former NFL player Matt Bowen, has picked up over a dozen Power 4 offers since the season ended.
A standout linebacker and receiver, Bowen was named an All-State and All-CCL/ESCC player in 2025.
www.shawlocal.com
February 4, 2026 at 9:04 PM
IC Catholic Prep sophomore Grant Bowen, son of former NFL player Matt Bowen, has picked up over a dozen Power 4 offers since the season ended.
A standout linebacker and receiver, Bowen was named an All-State and All-CCL/ESCC player in 2025.
A standout linebacker and receiver, Bowen was named an All-State and All-CCL/ESCC player in 2025.
St. Francis junior James McGrath, an All-CCL/ESCC player who helped the Spartans win the Class 5A state championship, recently received a Division I offer from Oklahoma.
A two-sport standout, McGrath is preparing for a bigger role as a senior.
A two-sport standout, McGrath is preparing for a bigger role as a senior.
Jack of all trades, St. Francis’ James McGrath shines on defense, sees recruitment heat up with Oklahoma offer
St. Francis junior James McGrath, an All-CCL/ESCC player who helped the Spartans win the Class 5A state championship, recently received a Division I offer from Oklahoma.
A two-sport standout, McGrath is preparing for a bigger role as a senior.
www.shawlocal.com
February 2, 2026 at 7:48 PM
St. Francis junior James McGrath, an All-CCL/ESCC player who helped the Spartans win the Class 5A state championship, recently received a Division I offer from Oklahoma.
A two-sport standout, McGrath is preparing for a bigger role as a senior.
A two-sport standout, McGrath is preparing for a bigger role as a senior.
The New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks will face off against each other in Super Bowl LX and there will be plenty of Illinois connections. Here is a list of players and coaches participating in the Super Bowl who have a connection to Illinois or the Chicago Bears.
Here are the players, coaches in Super Bowl LX with Illinois, Chicago Bears connections
The New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks will face off against each other in Super Bowl LX and there will be plenty of Illinois connections. Here is a list of players and coaches participating in the Super Bowl who have a connection to Illinois or the Chicago Bears.
www.shawlocal.com
January 31, 2026 at 12:00 PM
The New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks will face off against each other in Super Bowl LX and there will be plenty of Illinois connections. Here is a list of players and coaches participating in the Super Bowl who have a connection to Illinois or the Chicago Bears.
Rochelle senior Roman Villalobos, an IHSFCA All-State running back with over 2,800 career rushing yards, has committed to play football at North Central College.
"I've wanted to go to North Central since I was a little kid."
"I've wanted to go to North Central since I was a little kid."
Rochelle’s Roman Villalobos commits to Division III power North Central: ‘It felt like the right choice’
Rochelle senior Roman Villalobos, an IHSFCA All-State running back with over 2,800 career rushing yards, has committed to play football at North Central College.
"I've wanted to go to North Central since I was a little kid."
www.shawlocal.com
January 27, 2026 at 5:02 PM
Rochelle senior Roman Villalobos, an IHSFCA All-State running back with over 2,800 career rushing yards, has committed to play football at North Central College.
"I've wanted to go to North Central since I was a little kid."
"I've wanted to go to North Central since I was a little kid."
IHSA member schools voted in favor of expansion for the state football playoffs, adding 128 teams to the postseason this fall by a statewide vote of member schools in December by a tally of 377-252, But the schools who voted later found there was a little catch.
Football coaches believe all cards should have been on the table for the expansion proposal
IHSA member schools voted in favor of expansion for the state football playoffs, adding 128 teams to the postseason this fall by a statewide vote of member schools in December by a tally of 377-252, But the schools who voted later found there was a little catch.
www.shawlocal.com
January 27, 2026 at 1:42 AM
IHSA member schools voted in favor of expansion for the state football playoffs, adding 128 teams to the postseason this fall by a statewide vote of member schools in December by a tally of 377-252, But the schools who voted later found there was a little catch.
Wilmington head coach Jeff Reents has spent the last three decades building the Wildcats into one of the state's premier football programs, and after winning his fourth state title in 2025, he is the Daily Journal Male Sports Citizen of the Year.
Daily Journal Male Sports Citizen of the Year 2025: Jeff Reents
Wilmington head coach Jeff Reents has spent the last three decades building the Wildcats into one of the state's premier football programs, and after winning his fourth state title in 2025, he is the Daily Journal Male Sports Citizen of the Year.
www.shawlocal.com
January 24, 2026 at 3:02 PM
Wilmington head coach Jeff Reents has spent the last three decades building the Wildcats into one of the state's premier football programs, and after winning his fourth state title in 2025, he is the Daily Journal Male Sports Citizen of the Year.
Carmel junior quarterback and Nebraska recruit Trae Taylor announced that he will transfer to Millard South High School in Omaha for his senior football season.
Taylor threw for 3,571 yards and 38 touchdowns with 12 rushing touchdowns in 2025.
Taylor threw for 3,571 yards and 38 touchdowns with 12 rushing touchdowns in 2025.
Carmel quarterback Trae Taylor transferring to Millard South in Omaha
Carmel junior quarterback and Nebraska recruit Trae Taylor announced that he will transfer to Millard South High School in Omaha for his senior football season.
Taylor threw for 3,571 yards and 38 touchdowns with 12 rushing touchdowns in 2025.
www.shawlocal.com
January 21, 2026 at 5:26 PM
Carmel junior quarterback and Nebraska recruit Trae Taylor announced that he will transfer to Millard South High School in Omaha for his senior football season.
Taylor threw for 3,571 yards and 38 touchdowns with 12 rushing touchdowns in 2025.
Taylor threw for 3,571 yards and 38 touchdowns with 12 rushing touchdowns in 2025.
Several CCL/ESCC athletes, including FND Defensive Player of the Year Kameron McGee and FND Offensive Player of the Year Israel Abrams, were selected to the 2025 MaxPreps All-American Teams.
CCL/ESCC football players receive 2025 MaxPreps All-American honors
Several CCL/ESCC athletes, including FND Defensive Player of the Year Kameron McGee and FND Offensive Player of the Year Israel Abrams, were selected to the 2025 MaxPreps All-American Teams.
www.shawlocal.com
January 20, 2026 at 6:12 PM
Several CCL/ESCC athletes, including FND Defensive Player of the Year Kameron McGee and FND Offensive Player of the Year Israel Abrams, were selected to the 2025 MaxPreps All-American Teams.
From aiding Illinois State’s run to the FCS National Championship game to earning spots on all-conference teams for the SEC and Big Ten, several Kankakee County area football figures made their mark on the 2025-26 college football season.
Kankakee area athletes, coaches make impact on 2025-26 college football season
From aiding Illinois State’s run to the FCS National Championship game to earning spots on all-conference teams for the SEC and Big Ten, several Kankakee County area football figures made their mark on the 2025-26 college football season.
www.shawlocal.com
January 20, 2026 at 6:02 PM
From aiding Illinois State’s run to the FCS National Championship game to earning spots on all-conference teams for the SEC and Big Ten, several Kankakee County area football figures made their mark on the 2025-26 college football season.
Rochelle's Dylan Manning, who collapsed on the sideline after suffering a severe head injury during the team's varsity football game at Morris on Oct. 3, recently underwent a successful cranioplasty and is home from Loyola Medical Center.
Rochelle’s Dylan Manning undergoes successful cranioplasty, continues to recover from October head injury
Rochelle's Dylan Manning, who collapsed on the sideline after suffering a severe head injury during the team's varsity football game at Morris on Oct. 3, recently underwent a successful cranioplasty and is home from Loyola Medical Center.
www.shawlocal.com
January 17, 2026 at 8:54 PM
Rochelle's Dylan Manning, who collapsed on the sideline after suffering a severe head injury during the team's varsity football game at Morris on Oct. 3, recently underwent a successful cranioplasty and is home from Loyola Medical Center.
Benet senior wide receiver Luke Doyle, a two-time All-CCL/ESCC player and the 2025 CCL/ESCC Purple Offensive Player of the Year, has committed to play football at Division I FCS Lafayette College.
Benet speedster Luke Doyle commits to Lafayette College: ‘I’m usually one of the fastest guys on the field’
Benet senior wide receiver Luke Doyle, a two-time All-CCL/ESCC player and the 2025 CCL/ESCC Purple Offensive Player of the Year, has committed to play football at Division I FCS Lafayette College.
www.shawlocal.com
January 16, 2026 at 8:22 PM
Benet senior wide receiver Luke Doyle, a two-time All-CCL/ESCC player and the 2025 CCL/ESCC Purple Offensive Player of the Year, has committed to play football at Division I FCS Lafayette College.
After a recent passed proposal to expand the football playoffs and extend the season by a week changed the preseason calendar, the IHSA has called a special board meeting to consider moving the start of preseason practice back to accommodate for more time to prepare.
IHSA calls special board meeting to look at adjusting football season start date
After a recent passed proposal to expand the football playoffs and extend the season by a week changed the preseason calendar, the IHSA has called a special board meeting to consider moving the start of preseason practice back to accommodate for more time to prepare.
www.shawlocal.com
January 15, 2026 at 6:02 PM
After a recent passed proposal to expand the football playoffs and extend the season by a week changed the preseason calendar, the IHSA has called a special board meeting to consider moving the start of preseason practice back to accommodate for more time to prepare.
Dixon High School announced on Wednesday night that assistant Brad Winterland has been hired as its new head football coach.
Dixon names Brad Winterland new football coach
Dixon High School announced on Wednesday night that assistant Brad Winterland has been hired as its new head football coach.
www.shawlocal.com
January 15, 2026 at 2:46 AM
Dixon High School announced on Wednesday night that assistant Brad Winterland has been hired as its new head football coach.
Former Northern Illinois University quarterback and current Mount Carmel High School head football coach Jordan Lynch was named as a member of the 2026 National Football Foundation’s College Football Hall of Fame class.
Photos: Former NIU quarterback Jordan Lynch named to NFF College Football Hall of Fame
Former Northern Illinois University quarterback and current Mount Carmel High School head football coach Jordan Lynch was named as a member of the 2026 National Football Foundation’s College Football Hall of Fame class.
www.shawlocal.com
January 14, 2026 at 10:38 PM
Former Northern Illinois University quarterback and current Mount Carmel High School head football coach Jordan Lynch was named as a member of the 2026 National Football Foundation’s College Football Hall of Fame class.
More than a decade after his playing career ended, Jordan Lynch is still making NIU history. Lynch was introduced as a member of the 2026 NFF College Football Hall of Fame Class by the National Football Foundation on Wednesday.
Ex-NIU star, Mount Carmel coach Jordan Lynch to be inducted into NFF College Football Hall of Fame
More than a decade after his playing career ended, Jordan Lynch is still making NIU history. Lynch was introduced as a member of the 2026 NFF College Football Hall of Fame Class by the National Football Foundation on Wednesday.
www.shawlocal.com
January 14, 2026 at 9:14 PM
More than a decade after his playing career ended, Jordan Lynch is still making NIU history. Lynch was introduced as a member of the 2026 NFF College Football Hall of Fame Class by the National Football Foundation on Wednesday.
A letter to the editor from Minooka resident Brayden Caraynoff-Huber.
Letter to the Editor: LaHood needs to take steps to respect Venezuelan sovereignty
A letter to the editor from Minooka resident Brayden Caraynoff-Huber.
www.shawlocal.com
January 10, 2026 at 6:06 PM
A letter to the editor from Minooka resident Brayden Caraynoff-Huber.
Four Bureau County’s collegiate football players went bowling at the end of season - Spring Valley’s Mac Resetich (Illinois) and Princeton’s Noah LaPorte (Northwestern), Teegan Davis (Iowa) and Drew Harp (North Central College).
Bureau County collegiate football players go bowling
Four Bureau County’s collegiate football players went bowling at the end of season - Spring Valley’s Mac Resetich (Illinois) and Princeton’s Noah LaPorte (Northwestern), Teegan Davis (Iowa) and Drew Harp (North Central College).
www.shawlocal.com
January 9, 2026 at 12:10 PM
Four Bureau County’s collegiate football players went bowling at the end of season - Spring Valley’s Mac Resetich (Illinois) and Princeton’s Noah LaPorte (Northwestern), Teegan Davis (Iowa) and Drew Harp (North Central College).
Stillman Valley's Mike Lalor is stepping away as head football coach after 28 years.
Stillman Valley Head Football Coach Mike Lalor steps away after 28 seasons
Stillman Valley's Mike Lalor is stepping away as head football coach after 28 years.
www.shawlocal.com
January 8, 2026 at 12:00 PM
Stillman Valley's Mike Lalor is stepping away as head football coach after 28 years.
Dixon's Jared Shaner felt like it was time to step down after a successful run leading the Dukes' football team.
Dixon football coach Jared Shaner resigns after successful run
Dixon's Jared Shaner felt like it was time to step down after a successful run leading the Dukes' football team.
www.shawlocal.com
January 7, 2026 at 1:58 AM
Dixon's Jared Shaner felt like it was time to step down after a successful run leading the Dukes' football team.
Oswego football coach Brian Cooney, who helped lead the Panthers to the Class 8A state championship game this past fall, has been selected to coach in the prestigious Navy All-American Bowl January 10 in San Antonio.
Oswego’s Brian Cooney selected to coach in Navy All-American Bowl
Oswego football coach Brian Cooney, who helped lead the Panthers to the Class 8A state championship game this past fall, has been selected to coach in the prestigious Navy All-American Bowl January 10 in San Antonio.
www.shawlocal.com
January 5, 2026 at 8:47 PM
Oswego football coach Brian Cooney, who helped lead the Panthers to the Class 8A state championship game this past fall, has been selected to coach in the prestigious Navy All-American Bowl January 10 in San Antonio.
With the 2025-26 Early Signing Period over, we’re taking a brief look at some of the top 2028 prospects in the Chicago Catholic League/East Suburban Catholic Conference. Here are some notable prospects to watch for as the 2025-26 offseason progresses.
CCL/ESCC football: Here are top Class of 2028 prospects to watch
With the 2025-26 Early Signing Period over, we’re taking a brief look at some of the top 2028 prospects in the Chicago Catholic League/East Suburban Catholic Conference. Here are some notable prospects to watch for as the 2025-26 offseason progresses.
www.shawlocal.com
January 5, 2026 at 7:41 PM
With the 2025-26 Early Signing Period over, we’re taking a brief look at some of the top 2028 prospects in the Chicago Catholic League/East Suburban Catholic Conference. Here are some notable prospects to watch for as the 2025-26 offseason progresses.
St. Francis grad Tommy Rittenhouse came back from throwing five picks to throw two touchdown passes in the final three minutes and lead Illinois State in a colossal upset of No. 1 North Dakota State. Two wins later, Rittenhouse is set to lead the Redbirds into the FCS title game.
Ex-St. Francis star QB, Geneva native Tommy Rittenhouse set to lead Illinois State into FCS title game
St. Francis grad Tommy Rittenhouse came back from throwing five picks to throw two touchdown passes in the final three minutes and lead Illinois State in a colossal upset of No. 1 North Dakota State. Two wins later, Rittenhouse is set to lead the Redbirds into the FCS title game.
www.shawlocal.com
January 3, 2026 at 5:36 PM
St. Francis grad Tommy Rittenhouse came back from throwing five picks to throw two touchdown passes in the final three minutes and lead Illinois State in a colossal upset of No. 1 North Dakota State. Two wins later, Rittenhouse is set to lead the Redbirds into the FCS title game.
RJ Haines, a core of the Kankakee area football coaching scene for more than two decades, is a part of the upcoming Illinois High School Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame class.
Manteno football coach, former Iroquois West coach RJ Haines to be inducted into IHSFCA Hall of Fame
RJ Haines, a core of the Kankakee area football coaching scene for more than two decades, is a part of the upcoming Illinois High School Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame class.
www.shawlocal.com
January 3, 2026 at 2:09 PM
RJ Haines, a core of the Kankakee area football coaching scene for more than two decades, is a part of the upcoming Illinois High School Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame class.
There is one thing you will find behind every winning head coach and successful football program: a good assistant coach who is loyal and dedicated to the head coach and the mission of the team. For 38 years, for nine different head coaches, Charlie Waca was that assistant coach.
Charlie Waca: A motivator, cultivator of young talent, minds
There is one thing you will find behind every winning head coach and successful football program: a good assistant coach who is loyal and dedicated to the head coach and the mission of the team. For 38 years, for nine different head coaches, Charlie Waca was that assistant coach.
www.shawlocal.com
December 30, 2025 at 7:54 PM
There is one thing you will find behind every winning head coach and successful football program: a good assistant coach who is loyal and dedicated to the head coach and the mission of the team. For 38 years, for nine different head coaches, Charlie Waca was that assistant coach.
St. Francis two-way lineman Jaylen Torres, who controlled both sides of the line of scrimmage and helped the team to its first state title since 2008, is the Kane County Chronicle football Player of the Year.
St. Francis senior lineman Jaylen Torres is the 2025 Kane County Chronicle football Player of the Year
St. Francis two-way lineman Jaylen Torres, who controlled both sides of the line of scrimmage and helped the team to its first state title since 2008, is the Kane County Chronicle football Player of the Year.
www.shawlocal.com
December 23, 2025 at 6:15 PM
St. Francis two-way lineman Jaylen Torres, who controlled both sides of the line of scrimmage and helped the team to its first state title since 2008, is the Kane County Chronicle football Player of the Year.