Nothing says it’s time for the Friday Night Lights to kick on than when those schools colored hoodies and sweatpants start filling stadiums across the area! Here’s a quick preview of this weekend’s kickoff games:
The last few years have been somewhat of a rebuilding stage for the Boilermakers. The team finished last year with a 4-5 record, having failed to make the playoffs for the second straight year in a row. Coach Kohl leads his Boilermakers to Rock Island this Friday to take on the Rock Island Rocks. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.
The Fightin’ Irish are coming off a 12-2 season last year. The squad made it to the IHSA Class 4A Championship only to be beaten by IC Catholic Prep 31-21. Coach Zinanni will look to lead his team back to the championship this year. The Irish start their season at home this Friday against Bloom. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.
Clifton
The Comets are coming off a winning season that saw them going 7-3 last year. The team made the first round of the playoffs only to lose a nail bitter to the Rockride Rockets 30-28. Coach Spooner and the Comets kick off their season away this Friday to take on the Georgetown-Ridge Farm Buffaloes. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.
Manteno
The Panthers had a record of 1-8 last year. This could have a lot to do with the team losing 13 seniors from the year before. Coach Haines and the Panthers start their season away this Friday against the Canton Little Giants. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.
Herscher
The Tigers finished their season last year at 8-5. The team made it all the way to the IHSA Class 3A Semifinals only to be beaten by the Byron Tigers 42-0. Coach Wetzel and the Herscher Tigers begin their season at home. Friday against the Momence Redskins. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.
Momence
The Redskins finished their season last year with a 1-9 record. The squad looks to bounce back this year from their losing season. Coach Walker and the Redskins start their season this Friday against the Herscher Tigers. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.
Kankakee
The Kays had a record of 4-5 last season. The team found themselves missing the playoffs for the second straight year. The Kays have a new head coach this year in Derek Hart. Coach Hart and the Kays start their season this Saturday against the Thornton Wildcats. Kickoff is set for Noon.
Peotone
The Blue Devils finished up their 2018 season with a 4-5 record. The previous year the squad made it to the second round of the IHSA Class 3A playoffs. The Blue Devils were beaten by IC Catholic Prep 29-16. Coach Tsiamas and The Blue Devils will start their season on the road this Friday against the Peoria Manual Rams. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.
Watseka
In 2018 the Warriors finished 5-5. Making it to the first round of the IHSA Class 2A playoffs, only to be beaten by the Gibson City Melvin Sibley Falcons 76-6. Coach Hilgendorf looks to get back to the playoffs this year and their season starts at home this Friday against the Oakwood Comets. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.
Wilmington
The Wildcats finished up their 2018 season with a 6-4 record. Watseka made it to the first round of the IHSA Class 2A playoffs, only to be beaten in the first round by the Monmouth Roseville Titans. Coach Reents’ team starts their 2019 season at home this Friday against the Evergreen Park Mustangs. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.
