Joshua Welge

GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY Class 2A Morris Regional Sandwich's Sunny Weber won the regional title in 16:39.80, and Sandwich took fourth as a team.

Mustangs get first playoff win in program history GIRLS VOLLEYBALL Sandwich d. Mendota 25-21, 25-21

GIRLS VOLLEYBALL Plano d. IMSA 25-16, 25-14 Taylor Downs had 11 digs and two aces, Natalia Olson five kills, Rita Lauro seven assists

GIRLS VOLLEYBALL Class 4A Whitney Young Regional Downers Grove South d. Morton 25-3, 25-19 Willowbrook d. Whitney Young 25-18, 25-18

Hosts Steve Soucie and Josh Welge and guest Michal Dwojak break down Round 1 of the IHSA football playoffs. What matchup is the most exciting for Round 1?

Christian Taylor does not play the flashiest position for the Oswego defense. His, though, is a vital piece.Taylor, a 5-foot-11, 270-pound senior, for three seasons has played the right side defensive tackle. More on Taylor, plus Sandwich prepares for playoff rematch.

Yorkville junior Owen Horeni, who took second at the Class 3A Minooka Regional, leading Yorkville to second place as a team to qualify for sectionals, is the Record Newspapers Athlete of the Week in an online vote. Here is his Q&A with Joshua Welge.

Here are previews and picks for all the first-round games for teams in the Suburban Life coverage area.

Newark beat Parkview Christian 25-10, 23-25, 25-8 in Wednesday's Class 1A Serena Regional semifinal to advance to Thursday's regional final.

Hosts Josh Welge and Joel Boenitz preview Round 1 of the IHSA football playoffs in the western suburbs.