Sports

FOOTBALL FRIDAY: The Best Gameday Cheerleaders

Football season is back, and we've got all the info you need about Lincoln-Way games. Hundreds of fans will pack the stands, and we're the place to talk about the athletes, the fans and the atmosphere.

Earlier this season, I went back to my old high school for a football game. I'm used to that; I went to nearly every game last season when my brother was playing. But this time, I was there to see my sister cheerleading.

At face value, a high school football game is incredible for pulling in thousands of people to watch one event. But that's the thing: There are fans there first and foremost to see the band, or the cheerleaders.

Sometimes cheerleaders can get a bad rap (I've heard some fans and football players say they'd rather focus on the game than the incessant cheers coming from the sidelines). But aren't we all at the game to be cheerleaders in one form or another?

Find out what's happening in New Lenoxwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

So here's to the cheerleaders who help entertain us every Friday and the fans who join in. At last week's homecoming game between Lincoln-Way East and Sandburg, Patch captured some of the spirit:

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.

Find out what's happening in New Lenoxwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Game of the Week

(5-0) plays at (5-0) at 7:30 p.m. tonight in a huge showdown between the two teams atop the Southwest Suburban Blue conference standings. The winner will be in good position to take the conference. Patch will be on hand to see who wins. More games:

  • (1-4) travels to Joliet West (1-4) at 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 1. Someone's got to win, right?
  • (3-2) has another road test at Bradley-Bourbonnais (3-2) at 7:30 p.m. tonight.
  • Lincoln-Way West (3-2) hosts Thornton (4-1) at 7:30 p.m. tonight. The Warriors have been inconsistent, but a win here would be a big boost.
  • (3-2) hosts (3-2) in a showdown between the two last-ranked teams in the Chicago Catholic League Blue at 7:30 p.m. tonight.

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.

The Fans

L-W West's Rybarczyk Follows in Father's Footsteps

The Games

The Athletes

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

Team Conference Record (overall) Record (conference) Place in conference
Southwest Suburban Blue 1-4 0-3 7/8

Southwest Suburban Blue 5-0 3-0 2/8

Southwest Suburban Red 3-2 1-2 6/8

Southwest Suburban Red 3-2 2-1 3/8
Chicago Catholic Blue 3-2 0-2 5/5


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