IHSA State Football: First Round Playoff Scores Are In!
The Illinois High School Association (IHSA) State Football Playoffs kicked off with an exhilarating first round on Friday, October 31, 2025, and continued into Saturday. High school football fans across Chicagoland and Illinois eagerly followed the action, with many teams securing their spot in the next round. The Chicago Sun-Times’ Michael O’Brien has compiled all the scores, providing a comprehensive look at the initial matchups.
Kickoff to Glory: The 2025 IHSA Football Playoffs Begin
The first round of the 2025 IHSA State Football Playoffs set the stage for what promises to be an exciting postseason. Teams battled it out across eight classes, from 1A to 8A, with many games decided by significant margins and others coming down to the wire. These early results offer a glimpse into the top contenders and potential dark horses aiming for state championship glory.
First Round Highlights Across All Classes
From dominant performances by top seeds to surprising upsets, the initial round delivered plenty of drama. Here’s a breakdown of some key results:
Class 8A: Favorites Advance with Force
Several high-ranked teams in Class 8A showed their strength. Lincoln-Way East routed Stevenson 45-0, while Barrington posted a massive 72-13 victory over Elgin. Maine South defeated Downers Grove South 56-20, and Lane triumphed over Perspectives 34-6. Other notable Chicago-area wins included Palatine over Young (29-8), Lyons beating York (24-21), Bolingbrook against Oswego East (30-20), Glenbrook South defeating Minooka (27-14), and Oswego topping Naperville North (17-7).
Class 7A: Strong Starts and Competitive Showings
Class 7A saw Richards defeat Edwardsville 33-14, and Hersey deliver a decisive 56-0 win against Payton. Lincoln-Way Central, Glenbard East, and Batavia also put up high scores, winning 49-7, 63-29, and 56-0 respectively. Chicago teams like Kenwood (62-6 vs. Prosser) and Brother Rice (57-0 vs. Rockford Jefferson) also had impressive first-round victories. Downers Grove North secured a tighter win against Prospect with a final score of 28-21.
Mid-Classes (6A, 5A, 4A): Northern Illinois Teams Make Their Mark
In Class 6A, Harlem dominated Mather 62-0, and Rolling Meadows edged out Riverside-Brookfield 29-23. Simeon posted a strong 56-8 victory over Goode. Class 5A saw Prairie Ridge defeat Vernon Hills 46-30, and King take down Ag. Science 46-6. Morris secured a significant win in Class 4A, beating Woodstock 54-7, while Dixon shut out Woodstock North 45-0. Geneseo had a close 16-14 win over Rochelle.
Smaller Classes (3A, 2A, 1A): Defining the Road Ahead
Class 3A featured Richmond-Burton’s 49-0 win over North Boone, Byron’s 63-15 victory against Oregon, and Bishop McNamara’s 38-14 triumph over Herscher. In Class 2A, Johnston City defeated Wesclin 38-25. For Class 1A, many games were scheduled for Saturday, November 1st, with results still pending at the time of this report.
Notable First Round Scores
Here’s a quick look at some of the impactful scores from the first round:
| Class | Winning Team | Score | Losing Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8A | Barrington | 72 | Elgin |
| 7A | Hersey | 56 | Payton |
| 6A | Harlem | 62 | Mather |
| 5A | Prairie Ridge | 46 | Vernon Hills |
| 4A | Morris | 54 | Woodstock |
| 3A | Byron | 63 | Oregon |
What’s Next: Looking Ahead to Round Two
With the first round largely concluded, teams now set their sights on the fiercely competitive second round. The winners will continue their journey, facing off against equally determined opponents. Football enthusiasts should keep an eye on teams that demonstrated strong offensive and defensive performances, as they are likely to be key players in the upcoming matchups. Stay tuned to the Chicago Sun-Times for continued coverage and results.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When were the first round games played?
Most first-round games took place on Friday, October 31, 2025, with some scheduled for Saturday, November 1, 2025. - Where can I find full playoff pairings for each class?
Full playoff pairings for each class are available on the Chicago Sun-Times High School Football section. - How can I submit scores or corrections?
Scores and any corrections can be sent directly to preps@suntimes.com. - Who is the Chicago Sun-Times’ high school sports reporter?
Michael O’Brien covers high school sports for the Chicago Sun-Times.
Be sure to follow the Chicago Sun-Times for all the latest updates as the IHSA State Football Playoffs intensify, bringing you closer to the action and the teams making headlines.
IHSA State Football First Round Playoff Scores
