View From The West

Conference play is officially here for everyone! Greg and Mitch recap Week 4 and discuss some HUGE match-ups in Week 5! Who is feeling that sense of urgency? The time is NOW!Merch Store: https://vftw26.itemorder.com/shop/home/ Support the Podcast: https://paypal.me/viewfromwestpod Become a Sponsor. For more information, email [email protected]

Greg and Mitch survived another long, wild weather night in Week 3. We saw several upsets, close finishes and the "Game of the Century"?! What does it all mean heading into Week 4? Can Sterling deliver once again? Princeton and Monmouth Roseville renew their TRAC Mississippi rivalry, battle of LLC unbeatens between Stark County and Macomb, Galena takes their undefeated record to Lena-Winslow, plus the Battle for the Blacktop between Polo and Milledgeville.Merch Store: https://vftw26.itemorder.com/shop/home/ Support the Podcast: https://paypal.me/viewfromwestpod Become a Sponsor. For more information, email [email protected]

Greg and Mitch are back again to figure out what we know heading into Week 3. Several conferences are starting division play, including marquee match-up's in the WB6, BNC and 8-Man Football.Merch Store: https://vftw26.itemorder.com/shop/home/Support the Podcast: https://paypal.me/viewfromwestpodBecome a Sponsor. For more information, email [email protected]

Greg and Mitch are back to talk about an interesting Week 1. We saw weather delays all over the area, games coming down to the final seconds and what it all means moving forward.Merch Store: https://vftw26.itemorder.com/shop/home/Support the Podcast: https://paypal.me/viewfromwestpodBecome a Sponsor. For more information, email [email protected]

High School football is back! Greg and Mitch preview the Week 1 showdowns and conference cross-over games that define our area. Moline hosting Rochester takes center stage in the Quad Cities, plus Stockton traveling to El Paso-Gridley in a battle of two of the best small school teams in the state. Lena-Winslow hosting a unique match-up with Benet Academy out of the Chicago Catholic League.Merch Store: https://vftw26.itemorder.com/shop/home/Support the Podcast: https://paypal.me/viewfromwestpodBecome a Sponsor. For more information, email [email protected]

Greg and Mitch are joined by Matt Randazzo to break down everything you need to know about the Western Big 6.Just how good is Moline? Will they run away with the conference? Can Geneseo, Sterling, Quincy or UT challenge for the top spot? Galesburg and Rock Island both eager to prove people wrong.Merch Store: https://vftw26.itemorder.com/shop/home/Support the Podcast: https://paypal.me/viewfromwestpodBecome a Sponsor. For more information, email [email protected]

Greg and Mitch are joined by Ty Taylor from WRMJ to break down everything you need to know about the Three Rivers Athletic Conference. Once again, the Rock Division seems wide open. In the Mississippi, will it be Monmouth-Roseville, Princeton or a surprise favorite? Merch Store: https://vftw26.itemorder.com/shop/home/Support the Podcast: https://paypal.me/viewfromwestpodBecome a Sponsor. For more information, email [email protected]

Greg is joined by our Big Northern Conference Insider, Tanner Wilhelm to preview the BNC heading into 2026. Can Byron hold the conference crown? Can Dixon make a move under first year Head Coach Brad Winterland? Plus, which team can surprise people in 2026?Merch Store: https://vftw26.itemorder.com/shop/home/Support the Podcast: https://paypal.me/viewfromwestpodBecome a Sponsor. For more information, email [email protected]

Greg and Mitch talk all things Lincoln Land Conference heading into 2026! The new conference alignments provide a different look for every team. Who will find themselves as conference champion?Merch Store: https://vftw26.itemorder.com/shop/home/Support the Podcast: https://paypal.me/viewfromwestpodBecome a Sponsor. For more information, email [email protected]

Greg is joined by Kyle Kampmier from NUIC Football to kickoff our conference previews with the Northwest Upstate Illini Conference, as well as I8FA football from around our area. Le-Win will look a little different as they defend their 1A State Championship. Can Stockton defend their NUIC Regular Season crown? Who else can make the move up the standings? In the I8FA, Polo looks to remain strong, West Central, Galva and Ridgewood are eyeing a division title, and can anyone stop Amboy? Support the Podcast: https://paypal.me/viewfromwestpodBecome a Sponsor. For more information, email [email protected]

Greg and Mitch are back to kick off their 2026 football season with a little bit of fun! They draft up a list of the best things about high school football. From traditions, to trophies, the sunsets on Fridays and the perfection of Saturdays in November! It's all there!Support the Podcast: https://paypal.me/viewfromwestpodBecome a Sponsor. For more information, email [email protected] always, LIKE and SUBSCRIBE on Youtube!

In this episode, we sit down with Dixon Head Coach Brad Winterland as he prepares for his first season leading the Dukes. Coach Winterland talks about stepping into the role after six years as an assistant, the continuity that has helped Dixon sustain its success, and the details it will take to keep the program competing in the tough Big Northern Conference. We also dive into his playing days at Stillman Valley under Coach Lalor, where he won two State Championships and how those lessons continue to shape his coaching approach today.Support the Podcast: https://paypal.me/viewfromwestpodBecome a Sponsor. For more information, email [email protected] always, LIKE and SUBSCRIBE on Youtube!

Greg sits down with Stark County Head Coach, Jade Noard. They talk about his family coaching history and the program he's helped build over his 20+ years at Stark County.Support the Podcast: https://paypal.me/viewfromwestpodBecome a Sponsor. For more information, email [email protected] always, LIKE and SUBSCRIBE on Youtube!

Greg and Mitch sit down with Sean and Caden Considine. They talk about Caden's journey to Illinois, break down an all-time classic State Championship game, plus look back at Sean's football career from Byron to Iowa and into the NFL.

Coaching Conversation with the Elder family.John Elder, is the legendary head coach of the Alexis Cardinals. His son Pat, has built a remarkable career of his own with stops at Sherrard, Richmond-Burton, Ridgewood and now Bureau Valley. It's a great conversation talking football, family and how it all blends together into two amazing careers.As always, LIKE and SUBSCRIBE on Youtube!SUPPORT the John and Judy Elder Foundation: https://jjelderfoundation.org/SUPPORT View From The West: https://paypal.me/viewfromwestpod

Back for another Coaching Conversation with new Rock Island Head Coach, Anthony Roome. Greg and Mitch talk to him about his WB6 experience and motivation to rejuvenate the Rocks.

View From The West is back for 2026! Greg and Mitch break down the new season, plus they talk to Orion's new head coach Matt McClean and Sherrard's new Head Coach Zach Weigel.

Greg and Mitch explain the newly adopted playoff format for IHSA football. They break down all the details, react to the news and discuss the impact.

Greg and Mitch roll out the red carpet for the Best in the West Awards 2025. Celebrate the standout performances, the best teams and games from our area! From thrilling playoff matchups to the crowning our Player of the Year, it's all there! It's the BEST of the BEST!

Greg and Mitch are joined by photojournalist Vincent Johnson, the author of "Illustrious: The Best High School Basketball Gyms in Illinois". Discover the stories behind Illinois' most iconic high school basketball gyms. The history they hold, and the communities they unite. From architectural marvels to legendary teams, this episode is a celebration of tradition and passion in high school athletics.

Greg and Mitch are joined by Kyle Kampmier to deep dive everything you need to know 1-3A, plus we take a look at the rest of the games Saturday.

Greg and Mitch are joined by Kyle Kampmier to talk another week of playoff football! They kick off the show by previewing the #I8FA State Championship game between Amboy vs. Polo! Who will make history with their 3rd State Title? In the #IHSA State Semifinals, we breakdown the 1A showdown between Stockton vs. Lena-Winslow. Plus, Byron on the road at Richmond-Burton in 3A. We also talk about the match-up's and how brackets look in the rest in of the classes. It's a packed show!

Greg and Mitch dive into the 3rd week of playoff football. Whether it's the Road to Normal or Monmouth, we're talking about the stats and stories that define our area this week!  INSTANT REAX, 2nd Round: https://www.youtube.com/live/ToCGAIpPY4E?si=1w-4Z4bO_FGBfv-U

Greg and Mitch are back to talk about a "special" First Round of playoff games! We saw several convincing wins, along with some instant classics with special teams coming up clutch! That sets us up for several area match-up's in the Second Round with teams fighting to advance. SUBSCRIBE ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@viewfromthewest

Greg and Mitch into the playoff field in 2025! Take an in-depth look at the teams and match-up's that impact our area! Who will advance to the Second Round, and who is poised for a run in November? NUIC Playoff Preview Show, LIVE on Pairings Saturday: https://www.youtube.com/live/-UinzZ0AHqs?si=m1EROK5kA9H1wotE

The season moves fast, but this is only the beginning! Greg and Mitch are attacking the last week of the regular season with the same excitement as Week 1. The give the stats and stories from Week 8, and look ahead at Week 9. Plus, they look ahead at what it all means for the Playoff picture. INSTANT REAX, Week 9: https://youtube.com/live/MUF0Oz0Jqt4?feature=share

Greg and Mitch are joined by Steve Soucie from Friday Night Drive to talk about the new IHSA Football Proposal from Roxana that would change the landscape of HS football around the state. Explaining the details, and weighing the pros and cons. Plus, they breakdown the potential brackets as they shape up heading into the 2025 Playoffs.

Greg and Mitch are joined by Ty Taylor and Kyle Kampmier to breakdown everything we saw in Week 7, plus what it means for Week 8. Several games where the Conference Championship hangs in the balance, plus which 3-4 win teams can complete their march to the IHSA Playoffs?

Greg and Mitch review the results from Week 6, plus look ahead at what's coming down the road. They preview Week 7, plus their Playoff Projections as we move closer to November. VFTW Merch Store: http://vftwreopen25.itemorder.com/shop/home/

Greg and Mitch are predicting the future! They gaze into their "Crystal Ball" to see how the playoff outlook appears for teams around the western side of the state. Who can run the table? What 2 win team can make a strong push into the playoff picture? We're breaking it all down! 

Greg and Mitch are joined by Ty Taylor from WRMJ Radio to talk all things Three Rivers Athletic Conference. Followed by everything from the Western Big Six, Big Northern, LLC, NUIC and I8FA.

Greg and Mitch break down some great matchup's from Week 3, plus preview what's coming next!

Greg and Mitch talk about an electric Week 2, and look ahead to conference and division play starting across the board! Who can grab the attention in Week 3?

Greg and Mitch take a look back at a stormy, rainy Week 1, plus look ahead at maybe the best week of the season! Huge rivalry match-ups across all of our conferences! SUPPORT THE POD: paypal.com/paypalme/viewfromwestpod

Football season is here! Greg and Mitch break down all the Week 1 match-ups from around the west, plus some dark horse teams to keep your eye on this season!   SHOP VFTW MERCH: https://viewfromthewest2025.itemorder.com/shop/home/ (Store Closes Wed 8/27 at midnight)   SUPPORT THE POD: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/viewfromwestpod

Greg and Mitch are joined by Western Big Six Conference Insider, long time football coach, Denny Diericx. They give their insights on the conference along with team-by-team breakdown and predictions for 2025! View From the West Merch is NOW AVAILABLE! Hats, Hoodies, Rivalry gear and retro team shirts! SHOP NOW: https://viewfromthewest2025.itemorder.com/shop/home/ VFTW Live Kickoff Party: https://youtube.com/live/r9XXhndYw3U?feature=share

Greg Armstrong and Matt Randazzo with a live podcast to kick off the HS football season. Interviews with coaches, players and media members to learn all you need to know before the season starts!

For the first time in the history of View From the West, Greg and Mitch dive into the Big Northern Conference. They're joined by VFTW Conference Insider, Tanner Wilhelm to talk about the BNC teams that are poised for success, key players to watch and the exciting matchups that will define the season. A comprehensive look at the teams and traditions that make the Big Northern Conference a must-follow this year!

Greg Armstrong is joined by Ty Taylor from WRMJ to preview the TRAC in 2025.

Greg and Mitch are back to preview the Lincoln Land Conference. Both sides of the conference facing some unknowns, and we're breaking down who has the potential to rise to the top.

Mitch Stoermer is joined by Kyle Kampmier from NUIC Football to talk about what to expect from the Northwest Upstate Illini Conference 11-man football, as well as I8FA football from around our area.

We're Back! Greg and Mitch look ahead to what we can expect in 2025, as well as teams and games that stand out.

Mitch talks with Fulton Steamers Head Coach, Pat Lower about building his coaching career in Fulton, working w/ the IHSA Advisory Committee and settle once and for all, who threw Toby Vallas' shoe back in 1993?!

Greg sits down 1-on-1 with the Head Coach of the Monmouth Roseville Titans to talk about his footballl career. The ups and downs in his coaching career, plus great stories from his playing days as an Aledo Green Dragon. Did he witness see who threw Toby Vallas' shoe?!

Get behind the scenes stories about Friday Night football coverage in the Quad Cities from the personalities that defined the broadcast. Greg gets the band back together with his former co-workers Dan Pearson, Brian Stocking, Matt Randazzo ,Kory Kuffler and Nick Bull. They swap stories and plenty of laughs about what it's like to cover High School football on a Friday night.

Greg and Mitch update a few coaching changes, before diving into another installment of our "Coaching Conversations", this week with Sterling Newman Central Catholic Head Coach, Mike LeMay. Mitch goes 1-on-1 to reminisce about their glory days as rivals in the Big Rivers, the influences that shape him as a coach and his coaching tenure at Newman and what he's excited about moving forward.

Greg and Mitch talk with Farmington Head Coach, Toby Vallas. Look back at a memorable 2024 season, building a program, where it all started at Knoxville and what he's learned along the way. Plus, a great story about Fulton Head Coach Patrick Lower that you MUST HEAR!

Greg talks to Aaron Frey, an IHSA Official after a career in Sports Journalism. Hear about what he loved about covering local HS football, and what he's learned about IHSA officiating.

Greg talks with Illinois HS Coaching Hall of Famer Tom Jobst about his career in coaching. They discuss his early days in New Berlin and Morrison, his stop at Ottawa High School. They get into what led him back to coaching Marquette, and one of the greatest turn around stories in the state of Illinois.

Greg and Mitch are back discussing changes coming to IHSA Football in 2025. They're talking changes to waiver process and succes formula, plus new faces in new places.