Steve Soucie breaks down the opening round of the 2026 IHSA Class 5A playoffs and makes his picks for every game.

Six McHenry County football teams - Cary-Grove, Huntley, Jacobs, Johnsburg, Richmond-Burton and Woodstock - are navigating an unprecedented bye week with opening-round playoff games taking place this weekend. Here is how those six teams are spending the week.

Gavin Kane scored in the final seconds of the first half and Justin Moore converted a header to lead Crystal Lake Central over Prairie Ridge 2-0 in IHSA Class 2A regional semifinal boys soccer action at Wauconda. Wauconda beat Woodstock 5-0 to set up Friday's title game.

Richmond-Burton'a girls volleyball team swept Marengo to complete a perfect run through the Kishwaukee River Conference. Plus, McHenry and Woodstock North won soccer regional semifinals, and more in Wednesday's Northwest Herald roundup.

St. Charles East football travels to Elk Grove, St. Charles North hosts McHenry, St. Francis battles Grayslake North, and more previews and picks for opening round playoff games in the Kane County Chronicle coverage area.

Steve Soucie breaks down the opening round of the 2026 IHSA Class 4A Playoffs with picks for every game.

Steve Soucie breaks down the opening round of the 2026 IHSA Class 3A Playoffs, with picks for every game.

New doubles partners Julia Lukey and Jordan Cheng of Marian Central bring a perfect record into the Class 1A state girls tennis tournament, which runs Thursday-Saturday.

Steve Soucie breaks down the opening round of the 2026 IHSA Class 2A Playoffs, with his picks for every game.