IHSA State Football Playoffs: Second-Round Matchups Revealed
The intensity of the IHSA state football playoffs ramps up this weekend as the field shrinks from 256 to a mere 64 teams. Local high school gridiron heroes are set to clash in crucial second-round games across eight classes, with dreams of reaching Hancock Stadium in Normal for the championship showdowns.
The Road to Normal: Second Round Intensifies
This weekend marks a pivotal moment for Illinois high school football teams. Only 64 teams will remain by Saturday night, advancing one step closer to the state championships scheduled for Thanksgiving weekend: Classes 1A-4A on November 28th and Classes 5A-8A on November 29th. Every tackle, every pass, and every touchdown brings teams closer to etching their names in history.
Key Chicago-Area Matchups to Watch
Several exciting games feature prominent teams from Chicagoland and the surrounding suburbs. Here’s a quick look at some standout second-round pairings:
| Class | Home Team | Away Team | Date/Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8A | (1) Mt. Carmel | (17) Belleville East | Sat, 4 p.m. |
| 8A | (23) Lockport | (26) Homewood-Flossmoor | Sat, 6 p.m. |
| 7A | (1) Richards | (16) Hersey | Fri, 7 p.m. |
| 6A | (1) Nazareth | (9) Wheaton Warrenville South | Sat, 4 p.m. |
| 5A | (1) Prairie Ridge | (9) St. Francis | Sat, 1 p.m. |
Class-by-Class Breakdown: Who’s Playing Where
Class 8A: Local Giants Battle It Out
In the largest class, top-seeded Mt. Carmel faces Belleville East, while local powerhouses Lincoln-Way East takes on Palatine. Other significant games include Lockport hosting Homewood-Flossmoor in what promises to be a physical contest, and Lane High School welcoming Oswego.
- (1) Mt. Carmel (10-0) at (17) Belleville East (8-2), 4 p.m. Saturday
- (9) Lincoln-Way East (8-2) at (25) Palatine (6-4), 7 p.m. Friday
- (23) Lockport (7-3) at (26) Homewood-Flossmoor (6-4), 6 p.m. Saturday
- (11) Oswego (8-2) at (6) Lane (9-1), 1 p.m. Saturday
Class 7A: Fierce Contests Across the Region
Richards, the top seed, is set to defend its home turf against Hersey. St. Rita, after a first-round upset, travels to Lincoln-Way Central. Glenbard West and Brother Rice are also looking strong as they advance in the bracket.
- (16) Hersey (8-2) at (1) Richards (9-1), 7 p.m. Friday
- (9) Lincoln-Way Central (9-1) at (25) St. Rita (6-4), 2 p.m. Saturday
- (15) Downers Grove North (8-2) at (2) Glenbard West (9-1), 1 p.m. Saturday
- (6) Brother Rice (9-1) at (22) Jacobs (7-3), 6 p.m. Saturday
Classes 6A, 5A, 4A: Mid-Size School Showdowns
These classes feature a mix of dominant undefeated teams and emerging contenders. Expect tight games and thrilling finishes.
Class 6A Highlights
- (1) Nazareth (9-1) at (9) Wheaton Warrenville South (7-3), 4 p.m. Saturday
- (5) Antioch (8-2) at (4) Lake Zurich (8-2), 1 p.m. Saturday
Class 5A Action
- (1) Prairie Ridge (10-0) at (9) St. Francis (7-3), 1 p.m. Saturday
- (6) Cary-Grove (8-2) at (14) St. Patrick (6-4), 6:30 p.m. Saturday at Triton College
Class 4A Battles
- (1) Montini (10-0) at (9) Peoria Notre Dame (8-2), 3 p.m. Saturday
- (5) Coal City (8-2) at (4) Dixon (9-1), 7 p.m. Friday
Classes 3A, 2A, 1A: Small School Powerhouses
The smaller classes consistently deliver high-stakes, competitive football, and this weekend is no exception. Undefeated teams look to keep their perfect seasons alive.
Class 3A Spotlight
- (1) Richmond-Burton (10-0) at (9) Aurora Central Catholic (8-2), 7 p.m. Friday
- (3) Bishop McNamara (10-0) at (11) IC Catholic (7-3), 7 p.m. Friday
Class 2A Contenders
- (1) Rockridge (10-0) at (9) Tri-Valley (8-2), 2 p.m. Saturday
- (6) Aurora Christian (8-2) at (3) Farmington (10-0), 3 p.m. Saturday
Class 1A Thrillers
- (1) Stockton (10-0) at (9) Heyworth (8-2), 2 p.m. Saturday
- (6) Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley (8-2) at (3) Lena-Winslow (9-1), 2 p.m. Saturday
Frequently Asked Questions
- When are the IHSA state football championship games?
Classes 1A-4A will play their championships on November 28th, and Classes 5A-8A will play on November 29th, all at Hancock Stadium in Normal. - How many teams will remain after this weekend’s games?
After the second-round games conclude on Saturday night, the original field of 256 teams will be reduced to 64. - Who is favored in Class 8A?
Top seed Mt. Carmel, with a perfect 10-0 record, is a strong contender, but strong competition persists from teams like Lincoln-Way East and Barrington. - Where can I find specific game times for my local team?
Refer to the detailed pairings provided by the Chicago Tribune or your local high school sports coverage for precise game times and locations.
Whether you’re cheering for a long-standing powerhouse or a surprise contender, the second round of the IHSA state football playoffs promises exhilarating action and unforgettable moments. Don’t miss your chance to support these dedicated student-athletes as they chase their championship dreams!
IHSA State Football Playoffs Second Round Matchups
