Here are the first-round football pairings by the Illinois High School Association for the Southland and the Aurora, Elgin, Naperville and Lake County areas.
Class 1A
(1) LeRoy 9-0 vs. (16) Aurora Christian 5-4
Jonan Miceli and Eagles end regular season on two-game losing streak but gearing up for upset.
Class 2A
(6) Chicago Christian 8-1 vs. (11) Illini West 6-3
Could it be the Knights’ time? Brock Sperling leads way to six straight wins heading into playoffs.
Class 4A
(4) Wheaton Academy 8-1 vs. (13) Sandwich 5-4
A rematch of last season’s state quarterfinal game for the Indians, who seek a better result.
(5) Richmond-Burton 7-2 vs. (12) St. Laurence 6-3
If Chase Kwiatkowski and Vikings get healthy for postseason, watch out. This group is legit.
(6) Ag Science 7-2 vs. (11) Clemente (6-3)
The Cyclones are 6-1 in their last six games, which bodes well for opening the playoffs.
Class 5A
(2) Rochelle 8-1 vs. (15) Marmion 5-4
Mateusz Nycz gets Cadets back to playoffs for first time since 2021 under coach Adam Guerra.
(7) Benet 6-3 vs. (10) Perspectives 5-4
Ryan Kubacki Jr. leads Redwings back to playoffs a year later than hoped. They can win too.
(1) Morgan Park 8-1 vs. (16) Tinley Park 5-4
Marcus Thaxton and Mustangs have been a juggernauts. Uphill climb here for Titans.
(2) Peoria 7-2 vs. (15) Hillcrest 5-4
The Hawks lose heartbreaker in regular-season finale to Lemont, but keep eye on Erimus Wright.
(7) Corliss 6-3 vs. (10) T.F. North 6-3
Trevon Conner and Meteors, a program on the rise, could be a team to watch in this class.
(6) Joliet Catholic 6-3 vs. (11) Jacksonville 6-3
After beating archrival Providence, Zachary Beitler and Hilltoppers are ready and tested.
Class 6A
(8) Antioch 7-2 vs. (9) Grayslake North 7-2
Martin Cohen and Sequoits return from 5A. Mitchell Hughes and rival Knights are familiar too.
(4) Belvidere North 8-1 vs. (13) Kaneland 5-4
Knights have lost four of their last five games, but all were battles. Expect another tough one.
(5) Wauconda 7-2 vs. (12) Fenton 6-3
Can Liam Carney help Bulldogs break through to second round? First round shouldn’t get in way.
(2) Libertyville 8-1 vs. (15) Deerfield 5-4
This season of Quinn Schambow show is different. More of same vs. Mac Jones and Warriors?
(7) Lake Forest 7-2 vs. (10) Mather 6-3
Daniel Van Camp and Scouts can score — see their two signature wins — and will again.
(3) Geneva 8-1 vs. (14) Amundsen 5-4
Look for Tony Chahino, Talyn Taylor and Vikings to get back at it after loss to St. Charles North.
(6) Burlington Central 7-2 vs. (11) Grant 6-3
Jackson Alcorn all-world passing fuels Rockets, but Tyler Zdon and Bulldogs score in bunches.
(4) Kennedy 7-2 vs. (13) Oak Forest 6-3
Bengals are back in playoffs for only second time since 2016 but earn a really good draw.
(5) Glenwood 7-2 vs. (12) Crete-Monee 6-3
Derrin Couch and Warriors are as good as any 6-3 team in the state. You can bank on that.
(2) Richards 8-1 vs. (15) Dunlap 6-3
Noah Escobedo and Bulldogs are riding high on eight-game winning streak. This could be nine.
(7) Washington 7-2 vs. (10) Shepard 7-2
Anthony Loughran and Astros will want to get their offense into gear for first-round victory.
(6) Bloomington 7-2 vs. (11) Lemont 6-3
Sophomore quarterback Mike Preuss has his team hitting all right notes going into playoffs.
Class 7A
(16) Jacobs 7-2 vs. (17) Bradley-Bourbonnais 7-2
Connor Goehring and Golden Eagles are more than good enough to go out and win first one.
(9) Maine West 8-1 vs. (24) Lincoln-Way Central 6-3
A three-game winning streak to cap off the regular season has Knights thinking big things.
(4) Batavia 8-1 vs. (29) Collinsville 5-4
Nathan Whitwell and Bulldogs will be out to take care of business. On three-game win streak too.
(13) Pekin 7-2 vs. (20) Lincoln-Way West 6-3
If Austin Rowswell runs well, Warriors always seem to play well. This could be a thriller.
(12) Fenwick 7-2 vs. (21) Brother Rice 6-3
After 1-3 start, Crusaders have cranked out five straight victories. Six wouldn’t be a stretch.
(2) Quincy 9-0 vs. (31) Argo 5-4
Angel Perez and Argonauts are the best 31st-seeded team in state. And would love to prove it.
(10) St. Rita 7-2 vs. (23) Rockford Guilford 6-3
This is what Justin Buckner and Mustangs have been playing for all year. Best game is in order.
(3) St. Charles North 8-1 vs. (30) Rolling Meadows 5-4
Ethan Plumb and North Stars are coming off big win over previously unbeaten Geneva. Let it roll.
(14) Harlem 7-2 vs. (19) Mount Carmel 6-3
Jack Elliott and Caravan want nothing more to get off to a stellar start for another title run.
Class 8A
(1) Lincoln-Way East 9-0 vs. (32) Niles West 5-4
Gage LaDere the latest hero for the Griffins, who appear to be a team of destiny this season.
(9) Stevenson 8-1 vs. (24) Sandburg 5-4
Count on Griffin Suren and Patriots to get defensive. Charlie Snoreck and Co. hope to play spoiler.
(4) West Aurora 9-0 vs. (29) Huntley 5-4
It’s back to playoffs for Blackhawks, who feature big-time threat in Iowa-bound Terrence Smith.
(13) Naperville North 7-2 vs. (20) Maine South 6-3
Points will be scored by Jacob Bell and Huskies, who are hard to slow down, never mind to stop.
(5) Marist 8-1 vs. (28) Glenbrook South 5-4
RedHawks have rattled off five straight wins after overtime loss to Joliet Catholic. Heads up.
(7) Naperville Central 8-1 vs. (26) Schaumburg 5-4
Jake Stanish and Redhawks’ defense will soar one week after only loss — to Lincoln-Way East.
(10) Fremd 8-1 vs. (23) Andrew 6-3
Brady Tranquilut and Thunderbolts have flown under the radar. Will shine under spotlight.
(3) Oswego 9-0 vs. (30) Waubonsie Valley 5-4
Carson Cooney and Panthers take on Owen Roberts and Warriors. Doesn’t get any better.
(6) Palatine 8-1 vs. (27) Warren 5-4
Aaron Stewart and Blue Devils make it — harder than usual — and have unusually tough draw.
(11) Barrington 7-2 vs. (22) South Elgin 6-3
Typically, a 1-3 start sends a team into a tailspin. Not the Storm, who have now won five straight.
Compiled by Nathan Chambers and Bill Scheibe.
