IHSA Football Playoff Quarterfinals: The Road to State

The intensity of the IHSA state football playoffs is reaching fever pitch as the original field of 256 teams has been dramatically narrowed down to a formidable 64. Teams across eight classes are now battling it out in the quarterfinal rounds, with dreams of championship glory at Hancock Stadium in Normal on Thanksgiving weekend.

Playoff Landscape: Who’s Left and What’s Next

From Class 8A to 1A, the competition has been fierce, pushing every team to their limits. Only the strongest 64 teams remain, all vying for a spot in the ultimate showdown. Get ready to mark your calendars, as the Class 1A-4A championship games are set for November 28th, followed by the Class 5A-8A finals on November 29th.

Class 8A Quarterfinals: Major Matchups

The largest class features some heavyweight clashes this Saturday:

• (9) Lincoln-Way East (9-2) at (1) Mt. Carmel (11-0), 4 p.m.
• (4) Fremd (10-1) at (12) Bolingbrook (9-2), 7 p.m.
• (2) Barrington (10-1) at (23) Lockport (8-3), 6 p.m.
• (11) Oswego (9-2) at (3) Maine South (10-1), 1 p.m.

Local powerhouse Mt. Carmel continues its undefeated run, while Lincoln-Way East secured its spot with a commanding 55-13 victory over Palatine in the second round. Lockport, an underdog at (23), upset Homewood-Flossmoor by a single point to advance.

Class 7A: Local Talent Shines

Chicago-area teams are well represented in Class 7A, with all quarterfinal games on Saturday:

• (25) St. Rita (7-4) at (16) Hersey (9-2), 3 p.m.
• (21) Glenbard North (8-3) at (13) Batavia (9-2), 1 p.m.
• (7) Lincoln-Way West (10-1) at (15) Downers Grove North (9-2), 1 p.m.
• (3) St. Charles North (10-1) at (6) Brother Rice (10-1), 6 p.m.

St. Rita, after a thrilling 31-28 win against Lincoln-Way Central, faces Hersey. Brother Rice looks to continue its strong season against St. Charles North.

Class 6A: Battle for Semifinals

Key quarterfinal matchups include these Saturday games:

• (4) Lake Zurich (9-2) at (1) Nazareth (10-1), 1 p.m.
• (2) Burlington Central (10-1) vs. (11) Fenwick (8-3), 1 p.m. at Triton College Stadium
• (12) Simeon (7-4) at (8) East St. Louis (8-3), 2 p.m.
• (10) St. Laurence (7-4) at (6) Dunlap (9-2), 3 p.m.

Nazareth remains a top contender, while Fenwick makes its mark after a decisive second-round victory. Simeon also progressed with a solid win to reach this stage.

Class 5A: Down to the Wire

The competition remains tight in Class 5A with key matchups set for Saturday:

• (13) King (7-4) at (9) St. Francis (8-3), 1 p.m.
• (1) Washington, Ill. (10-1) at (5) Providence (8-3), 1 p.m.
• (3) Peoria (9-2) at (2) Oak Forest (10-1), 3 p.m.

Chicago’s King High School is still in contention, taking on St. Francis. Oak Forest, a strong local presence, hosts Peoria as other teams have also advanced to the quarterfinal round.

Class 4A: Northern Illinois Powerhouses

Northern Illinois teams feature prominently in these Saturday matchups:

• (5) Coal City (9-2) at (1) Montini (11-0), 1 p.m.
• (2) Morris (10-1) at (6) Geneseo (9-2), 2 p.m.
• (4) Breese Central (10-1) at (9) Cahokia (9-2), 2 p.m.
• (10) Sacred Heart-Griffin (8-3) at (3) Rochester (10-1), 4 p.m.

Montini holds the top seed after a strong second-round performance.

Class 3A: Intense Rivalries

Expect thrilling games in Class 3A, all kicking off on Saturday:

• (5) Monmouth-Roseville (10-1) at (1) Richmond-Burton (11-0), 2 p.m.
• (11) IC Catholic (8-3) at (2) Byron (11-0), 2 p.m.
• (4) Tolono Unity (10-1) at (1) Williamsville (11-0), 2 p.m.
• (2) Vandalia (11-0) at (14) St. Joseph-Ogden (7-4), 1 p.m.

IC Catholic, an 11-seed, continues its impressive playoff run against undefeated Byron.

Class 2A: Undefeated Streaks

Several teams are maintaining perfect records in Class 2A, with all games scheduled for Saturday:

• (9) Tri-Valley (9-2) at (5) Wilmington (10-1), 5 p.m.
• (3) Farmington (11-0) at (2) El Paso-Gridley (11-0), 5 p.m.
• (4) Flora (10-1) at (9) Maroa-Forsyth (9-2), 2 p.m.
• (3) Arthur-Lovington-Atwood-Hammond (11-0) at (2) Westville (11-0), 2 p.m.

Multiple undefeated teams like Farmington, El Paso-Gridley, Arthur-Lovington-Atwood-Hammond, and Westville will either face off or continue their quest for the title.

Class 1A: Small School, Big Dreams

The smallest class promises big excitement, with all quarterfinal games taking place on Saturday:

• (12) Dwight (8-3) at (1) Stockton (11-0), 6 p.m.
• (3) Lena-Winslow (10-1) at (2) Annawan-Wethersfield (11-0), 1 p.m.
• (1) Hardin Calhoun (11-0) at (4) Casey-Westfield (9-2), 2 p.m.
• (11) Carrollton (8-3) at (7) Mt. Sterling Brown County (9-2), 1 p.m.

Stockton and Hardin Calhoun lead the charge with undefeated seasons so far in Class 1A.

Championship Weekend at a Glance

Location	Date	Classes
Hancock Stadium, Normal	November 28, 2025	1A, 2A, 3A, 4A
Hancock Stadium, Normal	November 29, 2025	5A, 6A, 7A, 8A

Frequently Asked Questions

• How many teams are left in the IHSA football playoffs?
  There are 64 teams remaining across eight classes, all competing in the quarterfinal round.
• When and where will the state championship games be held?
  Championship games will be held on Thanksgiving weekend (November 28th and 29th) at Hancock Stadium in Normal.
• Which classes play their championships on November 28th?
  Classes 1A, 2A, 3A, and 4A will play their championship games on November 28th.
• Which classes play their championships on November 29th?
  Classes 5A, 6A, 7A, and 8A will play their championship games on November 29th.

Don’t miss a single moment of the action as these talented teams fight for their place in IHSA history. Be sure to check local schedules and support your favorite high school football programs this weekend!

IHSA Football Quarterfinals Road To State