Good morning, Joliet.

Twelve Chicago Catholic League/East Suburban Catholic Conference teams advanced to the second round of the IHSA state playoffs with games scheduled today and on Saturday.

The matchups include top teams like Mount Carmel and Nazareth, and details on times, opponents & game locations were released for each contest.

Several girls from the Herald-News area will compete at the state cross country meet this Saturday at Detweiller Park in Peoria and aim to win medals.

Teams from multiple classes qualified—local runners expect strong performances and plan to improve their times.

Lockport won the 4A Sectional Finals varsity volleyball game at Joliet West on Nov.

6 + the team celebrated the win on the court after the match.

Providence swept Lemont with a 25 to 15, 25 to 18 win in the Class 3A Kankakee Sectional title match thanks to a balanced offense led by senior Abbey Knight who had 14 kills— the Celtics, now 33 to 6, will face the host school in Monday’s Washington Supersectional.

Loyola, the champion for three years in a row, lost in the first round when Mount Carmel beat them, leaving room for a new title winner in the coming weeks.

Expert Steve Soucie provided playoff analysis and picked winners — Mount Carmel, Lincoln-Way East, Lyons, Warren, Barrington, Lockport, Maine South, and Oswego — based on recent game trends and key player performances.

Nazareth rallied from a set down to beat Geneva 23-25, 25-21, 25-22 on November 6—winning the Class 3A Timothy Christian Sectional title.

The team, which had won only three matches last year, will face Fenwick in Monday’s supersectional at De La Salle.

Clifton Central senior quarterback Brady Shule was named the Friday Night Drive MVP for Week 1 of the 2025 playoffs after returning from a severe knee injury that threatened his football career.

He helped lead the Comets to a 9-1 record and record-breaking performance last week—throwing for 370 yards and three touchdowns in a first-round win over Knoxville as his team prepares to face Dwight in the second-round playoff game on Saturday.

Steve Soucie provided analysis of the 2025 IHSA Class 6A playoffs showing that higher seeds won easily in round 1 but will face tougher matchups in round 2—challenging teams like Nazareth versus Wheaton Warrenville South, Lake Zurich versus Antioch, and others as top seeds prepare for a harder path ahead. The analysis outlines each pairing and signals that even strong teams must elevate their play in the upcoming round.

Elmo and Friends Say Hello

2-3:30 p.m. — Rialto Square Theatre — Tickets start at $32.50 — Experience an interactive adventure with Elmo, Abby Cadabby, and Cookie Monster featuring songs, dance, and family fun.

Clint Black Concert

7:30-9 p.m. — Rialto Square Theatre — Tickets start at $48 — Experience the hits of Clint Black, a country music legend with over 22 #1 singles.

Jools TV Live

1-2:30 p.m. — Rialto Square Theatre — Tickets start at $25 — Experience innovative children's media with colorful animation and positive storytelling for the whole family.

Swan Lake by International Ballet Stars

2:00 – 3:30 PM — Rialto Square Theatre — Tickets from $32.50 — Experience a breathtaking ballet performance featuring Tchaikovsky’s iconic score and a diverse cast of international dancers.

A Motown Christmas

7-8:30 p.m. — Rialto Square Theatre — Tickets starting at $54 — Celebrate the holiday season with the unforgettable Motown sound and festive classics.

Brad Williams Comedy Show

7-8:30 p.m. — Rialto Square Theatre — Tickets from $29.50 — Experience the hilarity of one of the funniest comedians in the country.

Chris Young: It Must Be Christmas

7:30-9 PM — Rialto Square Theatre — Tickets from $49 — Celebrate the holiday spirit with an acoustic evening featuring Christmas classics and special guest Marynn Taylor.

Home Free Holiday Tour

6:00-7:30 p.m. — Rialto Square Theatre — Tickets start at $43 — Experience an unforgettable evening of heartwarming holiday harmonies with award-winning a cappella group Home Free.

Poultry and Pie Predictor 4 Mile Run

8:40-10:30 AM — Pilcher Park Nature Center — Registration fees apply — Celebrate Thanksgiving with a fun run tradition in Joliet's scenic park.

Teddy Bear Tea

9:30-11 a.m. — Rialto Square Theatre — $35 adults & $30 children — Enjoy a festive brunch with St. Nick and a keepsake teddy bear.