UPDATE: The Illinois High School Association (IHSA) has just announced the playoff pairings for the state football championships, setting the stage for a thrilling showdown between Loyola and Mount Carmel. This highly anticipated matchup is already generating buzz among fans and players alike, as both teams have dominated their respective classes in recent years.
After a long wait on Saturday, the Ramblers secured their spot in the playoffs despite finishing the regular season with a 4-4 record. Loyola’s loss to Mount Carmel last Friday left them on the edge of elimination, but their inclusion in the 256-team playoff field has sparked excitement. The Ramblers will travel to Mount Carmel for the Class 8A first-round game, marking a critical moment in this historic rivalry.
The stakes are high as Loyola, the three-time defending Class 8A state champions, face off against Mount Carmel, a team that has won multiple titles in recent years. Both schools have a rich history in the postseason, making this encounter one of the most significant in recent Illinois football history.
In addition to Loyola’s unexpected playoff inclusion, five other teams with four wins also qualified: UP-Bronzeville, Edwardsville, Joliet Catholic, and Shepard. The top half of the Class 8A bracket is packed with powerhouse teams, including Lincoln-Way East, whose quarterback Jonas Williams is uncertain to play due to an ankle injury. This could dramatically impact the playoff landscape.
Meanwhile, the Class 7A bracket appears more open, with Brother Rice emerging as a favorite. Their path through the first two rounds seems favorable, but they will face tough competition from several Super 25 teams in the quarterfinals and semifinals, including Carmel, St. Charles North, Downers Grove North, Lincoln-Way West, and Glenbard West.
Notably, Batavia has avoided the dense concentration of ranked teams, needing to overcome only one ranked opponent, Hersey or Lincoln-Way Central, to reach the title game.
In a surprising turn, East St. Louis, a powerhouse that many teams aimed to avoid, has been seeded No. 8 in Class 6A despite a 6-3 record. Their losses came against formidable national opponents, IMG Academy, Bergen Catholic, and Bishop Gorman. This seeding could lead to a high-stakes second-round matchup against Joliet Catholic.
As playoff excitement builds, coaches across Illinois are advocating for an expansion of the playoff format. The current system, which relies solely on record and a coin flip for tie-breaking, is under scrutiny. Many believe a more thoughtful seeding approach would enhance the fairness of the competition.
The announcement of these playoff pairings marks a pivotal moment in Illinois high school football. Fans are already buzzing about the potential matchups and the implications for their favorite teams. As the playoffs kick off, all eyes will be on Loyola, Mount Carmel, and the other contenders eager for glory.
Stay tuned for more updates as the playoffs progress, and be sure to catch the upcoming games that promise to deliver high drama and unforgettable moments.
