1A -
LeRoy and Galena should be a really good game. LeRoy has some great players and do what they do very well. LeRoy has a definite shot to get to the title game. Lena and GCMS, we all know what Lena is and they aren't any different this year. GCMS has done a nice job building back after the retirement of a legendary coach and a few weak athletic classes, but they have accomplished what is expected of them as a program.
Althoff is loaded and has more skill than any 1A maybe has ever had. Casey is a once storied program that has fell on tough times that last decade but have started to improve and I would expect them to be a playoff staple for the next few years. Hardin gave Camp Point their only loss of the season and they have some really good athletes but struggled against a so so Sesser team last week.
2A - Farmington squeaked out a win against Rockridge and Dwight squeaked out a surprise victory over Farmington's rival Elmwood-Brimfied. This may be the year Farmington gets the trip to ISU. Bismarck finally got through the 2nd round for the first time in forever but have to play an up and coming program in Chicago Christian, who I hear is hosting their first playoff game, and has a really good opportunity to win. Chicago Christian and Farmington would be a good semi-final game.
Johnston City and Pana....have no clue but these teams always seem to be playing late in the season, their reward for winning will be playing the state champ in the winner of the Maroa-Forsyth and Quincy Notre Dame. MF is back again and as always they have athletes and speed. QND has played a big school schedule and done pretty well, so I think these are the best 2A teams and should be a great game.
3A - We all know about Montini, they beat the mighty Byron (barely) and will have to turn around and play a solid Princeton program. Princeton had one hiccup against Monmouth-Roseville, but they shouldn't pose much of a challenge for Montini. Wilmington gets a very interesting matchup with DuPec. Contrasting styles and two solid small school programs going at it. Too bad the winner draws Montini, which will be a big challenge.
Tolono started off the year a bit slow but have started to click at the right time. They have not been challenged for several weeks and get to play a very tough Nashville team that always seems to be in the Quarters, Semis, or Title game. Tolono has a great dual threat QB and a stout defense that may cause some issues for Nashville. Monticello surprised many by beating Williamsville and pull a Benton teams who struggled through some games earlier this season. Monticello has a definite shot to get a rematch with Tolono, which they took a bad loss in week 9.