Paul Johnson – Page 20

Batavia's Michael Vander Luitgaren (8) attempts a pass against Glenbard East during a Class 7A second-round playoff game in Lombard on Friday, Nov. 7, 2025. (Steve Johnston / The Beacon-News)

Training wheels are long gone at this stage for Batavia’s Michael Vander Luitgaren. Mindset? ‘Just let him go.’

November 8, 2025 at 7:29 p.m.

Michael Vander Luitgaren throws for 256 yards and three TDs for Batavia in 42-21 playoff win at Glenbard East.

St. Charles North’s Sidney Wright (22) gets ready to serve against Benet during the Class 4A Glenbard West Sectional championship match in Glen Ellyn on Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025. (James C. Svehla / The Beacon-News)

One more time, Illinois State commit Sidney Wright shines for St. Charles North. ‘The light and the energy.’

November 6, 2025 at 9:19 p.m.

Sidney Wright gets four kills early but St. Charles North drops 25-21, 25-15 decision to Benet in sectional final.

St. Charles North’s Braden Harms (5) tries to gain yards after the catch against Geneva during a DuKane Conference game in St. Charles on Friday, Sept. 12, 2025. (James C. Svehla / The Beacon-News)

Braden Harms takes charge for St. Charles North without Northwestern-bound Keaton Reinke. ‘A field general.’

November 5, 2025 at 10:18 p.m.

Braden Harms comes up with three catches for 92 yards and TD as St. Charles North rolls to 42-12 playoff win

St. Charles North’s Haley Burgdorf (23) slams the ball over the net against the host Hilltoppers during a Class 4A Glenbard West Sectional semifinal match in Glen Ellyn on Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025. (James C. Svehla / The Beacon-News)

Saying she’s on a mission, Penn State-bound Haley Burgdorf ramps up for St. Charles North. ‘My absolute best.’

November 5, 2025 at 2:24 a.m.

Haley Burgdorf gets 13 kills as St. Charles North cruises to 25-14, 25-18 sectional semifinal win over Glenbard West.

Streamwood goalkeeper Alex J Garcia (1) celebrates with teammates after defeating Grayslake Central in the Class 2A Streamwood Supersectional on Monday, Nov. 3, 2025. (James C. Svehla / The Beacon-News)

Senior goalkeeper Alex J. Garcia helps Streamwood survive, then thrive in getting to state. ‘A man possessed.’

November 3, 2025 at 10:06 p.m.

Alex J. Garcia makes 10 saves as Streamwood wins eighth straight with 2-0 victory in supersectional to reach state.

Fire goalie Jeffrey Gal misses a goal scored by the Union's Tai Baribo during the first half on Nov. 1, 2025, in Bridgeview. (AP Photo/Paul Beaty)

Chicago Fire’s most successful season since 2017 ends with first-round series sweep: ‘This year was a step’

November 1, 2025 at 8:15 p.m.

The Chicago Fire’s most successful season since 2017 came to a close in front of 17.431 fans at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview.

Batavia’s Darin Ashiru (0) is all smiles after beating Hoffman Estates in a Class 7A first-round playoff game in Batavia on Friday, Oct. 31, 2025. (James C. Svehla / The Beacon-News)

Star receiver Darin Ashiru gets interception at cornerback on first drive for Batavia. ‘We’re in playoff mode.’

October 31, 2025 at 10:33 p.m.

Darin Ashiru comes up with interception on first drive to spark Batavia to a 56-0 first-round playoff win over Hoffman Estates.

Fire forward Hugo Cuypers scores a goal in the second half of an Eastern Conference wild-card playoff game against Orlando City on Oct. 22, 2025, at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview. (Chris Sweda/baiduhai)

Hugo Cuypers and the Chicago Fire face another win-or-go-home playoff game Saturday: ‘We’ve done this before’

October 31, 2025 at 6:00 a.m.

Hugo Cuypers' relentless work ethic is contagious. Can he and the Chicago Fire stave off elimination Saturday in their MLS Cup playoff series against the Philadelphia Union?

St. Charles North's Brynn Hopkins (21) puts the ball away at the net against Naperville Central's Annabelle Kritzer (8) during the Class 4A Naperville Central Regional final on Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025. (Sean King / The Beacon-News)

Getting back into groove, Brynn Hopkins hops to it in the middle for St. Charles North. ‘Be more aggressive.’

October 31, 2025 at 1:50 a.m.

Brynn Hopkins gets four kills and a block as St. Charles North downs Naperville Central 25-13, 25-19 for regional title.

Kaneland's Jalen Carter (7) drops back to pass against Rochelle in the first quarter of an Interstate Eight Conference game in Maple Park on Friday, Oct. 10, 2025. (H. Rick Bamman / The Beacon News)

In third high school stop, Jalen Carter carves out starring role as Kaneland’s quarterback. ‘I love it here.’

October 29, 2025 at 9:01 p.m.

After previous stops at Aurora Christian and Wheaton St. Francis, Jalen Carter finds home behind center for Kaneland.

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