The Illinois High School Football Playoff pairings have been issued, and with them came some good news for area schools.
Class 8A
No. 31 Edwardsville (5-4) at No. 2 South Elgin (9-0)
South Elgin arguably could have taken the top seed in 8A with its impressive undefeated season, but lost out to Loyola Academy. Still, excitement reigns in Stormland.
No. 30 Bartlett (5-4) at No. 3 Neuqua Valley (8-1)
The only intra-regional clash in this year’s first round sees powerhouse Neuqua Valley host 5-4 Bartlett.
Class 7A
No. 32 Lake Zurich (5-4) at No. 1 Batavia (9-0)
As expected, undefeated powerhouse Batavia took the No. 1 seed in Class 7A. Anything but a championship this year would feel like a disappointment.
No. 26 Geneva (5-4) at No. 7 Collinsville (8-1)
Geneva is heading back to the playoffs for the first time since 2015 and is a feel-good story for 2021. The Vikings needed a win in its last game against Lake Park to qualify and came through with a hard-fought 14-6 victory.
No. 19 Jacobs (6-3) at No. 14 Hersey (7-2)
Two well-matched teams should provide an interesting first-round clash.
No. 29 Larkin (5-4) at No. 4 Wheaton North (8-1)
The surprising Royals will have a short ride but a tough challenge against traditional power Wheaton North.
Class 5A
No. 15 Kaneland (5-4) at No. 2 Chicago Fenwick (7-2)
Playoff regular Kaneland also needed a win in its last game to qualify this year. This is its fifth consecutive appearance in the dance.
No. 11 Marmion (6-3) at No. 6 Chicago Comer (7-2)
The 6-11 match-up is always interesting, and Marmion will have its hands full with Chicago Comer.
Class 1A
No. 11 Aurora Christian (6-3) at No. 6 Lena-Winslow (7-2)
The Eagles will be looking to rebound from its season finale loss to Wheaton Academy.
Dates and times will be updated when available.
