FOOTBALL FRIDAY: It's Time for Homecoming

Ah, Homecoming. As if football wasn't enough of a reason to forget everything else over the weekend, Homecoming makes sure there are plenty of distractions.

The nice thing is, as you get older, Homecoming becomes less and less stressful. In high school, I danced on the back of a truck during the Homecoming parade and worked during the game. In college, I shared Rap Snacks with an alumni and don't think I made it to the game. After graduating, I returned to my high school, tailgated before the game and got to just be a fan.

Now that Homecoming is upon us in the Lincoln-Way area (East, North and Central have their homecomings this weekend), we get yet another reminder about why high school football games are the greatest community events.

When I covered the last weekend, the Lincoln-Way Class of 1961 was celebrating its 50th anniversary. And a couple football players asked girls to Homecoming over the loud speakers at the game. Why? Because football is part of the community you help us capture.

Below are some links to everything we've covered and more you'll want to know heading into the big game. But this is your site, and we want you to get involved. Send us your fan photos and video. Tell us what you think is the best part of the game. And check back every week for some great stories.

Game of the Week

There's nothing like a cross-district conference rivalry. Chris Walker will be at (3-1) as the Phoenix take on (3-1) at 7 p.m. tonight. More games:

• (1-3) hopes for a homecoming victory when it takes on Lockport (3-1) at 7:30 p.m. Friday.
• (4-0) looks to keep rolling but will face a strong Sandburg team (also 4-0) at 7:30 p.m. Friday at home.
• (3-1) plays a 7:30 p.m. Friday game at St. Rita (3-1), which is coming off a nice win over Brother Rice.

Get Connected

Make sure you join the Lincoln-Way Sports Fans group on Facebook. It's a forum for fans in the Lincoln-Way High School District to talk sports. Whether you're a Griffin, Knight, Phoenix or Warrior, alumni, current students, coaches, teachers, administrators and all members of the community are welcome to join and invite others!

Also follow @PatchPreps on Twitter for instant scores and updates. You can get them directly to your phone or check in when you please.

Want More Coverage?

Check back every week for game coverage, video highlights and athlete profiles.

Latest Standings

For a full rundown of conference standings, go to the Illinois High School Association website. See where the local teams rank in Patch sports editor