The IHSA football playoffs are approaching quickly, and the current standings highlight critical developments in the competition. As of the latest updates, several teams have secured their playoff spots, while others are fighting hard for eligibility.
Current Playoff Rankings and Updates
As of Saturday morning, 225 teams have confirmed their eligibility for the playoffs by achieving five victories. Rockford Jefferson and Chicago Noble/Bulls Prep reached this milestone recently. However, Dyett’s recent loss means they can no longer vie for the five-win group.
- 225 teams with five victories confirmed.
- 276 teams still have a chance to reach five wins.
- 54 teams with four wins are competing this weekend.
Upcoming Matchups
This weekend features intriguing matchups among four-win teams. East Peoria has a particularly notable matchup playing against Pekin. There are also two significant Saturday games featuring teams at the 4-4 mark:
- Lake View vs. Senn (1 p.m.)
- Westinghouse vs. Payton (11 a.m.)
Pre-Playoff Games
The stakes continue to rise for several teams. Four teams are engaged in crucial “winner-in, loser-out” scenarios:
- Kennedy vs. CICS-Longwood
- Chicago Marshall vs. Chicago UIC-Prep
For Kennedy and UIC-Prep, winning is essential to secure playoff eligibility. Currently, 155 teams have already secured six wins, effectively clinching their spots.
Implications of Week 9
Week 9 is set to be pivotal, reshaping the projected playoff landscape significantly. Following the results, the number of teams in the five-win playoff-eligible group could fluctuate from the current statistic. Notably, two schools, Collins and Noble-Comer, are unable to secure playoff spots despite having five victories due to conference rules.
The scenarios also impact Orr and Schurz, who, even with victories, wouldn’t qualify for the playoffs unless they finish in the top two of their divisions.
Summary of Key Updates
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Teams with 5 Wins | 224 teams confirmed |
| Teams with 4 Wins | 57 teams entering Week 9 |
| Upcoming Crucial Matches |
|
Stay updated as results this weekend will define the final playoff field for the IHSA football championships. The competition remains fierce, with teams vying for every potential playoff berth.
