In Classes 5A and up, the 618 area code finished 6-0 last week. That was probably more wins than anyone counted on, but here we are. Southern Illinois picked up some wins from the small schools as well, like Althoff's 76-41 track meet with Tuscola. But let's move onto to who can win this week.
I'll post 1A-4A later today but here are previews for the bigger classes.
8A
#4 Edwardsville (9-1) vs #13 Glenbard West (8-2)
The Tigers defended their homefield 35-14 over West Aurora. While a 21 point is just fine, the Tigers had some real struggles pulling away. West Aurora held a 7-0 lead after one quarter and were still tied 7-7 at the break. In fact, 22 of Edwardsville's 35 points came in the final quarter. From what I saw, most of their problems were self inflicted (dropped passes, fumbles).
They will need to play much sharper this week or the fourth quarter will be too late against a tougher Glenbard West squad. Both schools have a common opponent in De Smet, who E-ville defeated 29-12 in week 9 and Glenbard West lost to 10-0 in week two. It does feel like a lot has changed since those games, with West improving and Edwardsville falling off the horse to some degree last week. This one can easily go either way, but I'll be an optimist and take the Tigers to advance off their home field advantage.
#11 Belleville East (8-2) at #6 Maine South (9-1)
The Lancers were a favorite over East Aurora last week but its doubtful even the Lancers expected a 70-0 blowout last week. Perhaps that will give them a little swagger headed into this Friday's trip to Maine South? The Hawks feel like the better team here but don't write off the Lancers entirely. Their best case scenario is turning this into a track meet. Belleville East also has a clutch gene, as shown in their last minute wins over O'Fallon and Collinsville. Whoever comes out of this one will have some nice momentum and an extra day of rest for quarters.
7A
#28 Collinsville (6-4) vs #12 Lincoln-Way West (8-2)
The Kahoks are the highest seed still playing in the state after a 20-15 win over 9-0 Maine West. That game had a bit of an odd ending, with Collinsville snatching what seemed to be a game-sealing interception up 20-13 late. However, the ball was spotted at the one yard line to set up a safety, but they ultimately survived the ensuing possession. The Kahoks produced a total of 5 turnovers in that victory.
Looking ahead to this week's foe, LWW, we do have Belleville East as a common opponent to call back on. Both lost, with Collinsville going down 24-21 and LWW losing 28-14. The Warriors' strength of schedule as a whole and record is more impressive, so bet on them. Collinsville has made a habit of playing postseason games close with everyone though.
6A
#4 East St. Louis (8-2) vs #5 Normal West (8-2)
The Flyers left no doubt against Lemont last week with a 61-0 demolition. Will Normal West fare any better? At first glance, the Wildcats have a knack for putting points up and that's the kind of offense it will take to knock off East Side. Normal West only played one team who is still alive in the postseason. That contest, a week 3 showdown with Normal, left them with a 43-0 loss. Flyer fans should be pretty confident this weekend as we seemingly march towards an East Side at Kankakee quarterfinal.
5A
#3 Highland (9-1) vs #6 Metamora (8-2)
After finding themselves in a 7-0 hole to Mt. Vernon after last week's first quarter, Highland scored 35 of the final 42 points and allowed a kick return for the lone exception. Their final score of 35-14 was the closest anyone has come to knocking off Highland since they lost 28-0 to Mahomet-Seymour in week 2. The Bulldogs also finished with 374 rushing yards, with 210 from Hunter Frey leading the effort.
Metamora presents an interesting week two matchup. These programs last met in 2016, when the Redbirds won 28-7 in the second round. This season, Metamora's most impressive results came from week 1's 28-17 win over Sterling and last week's 36-14 elimination of MacArthur. Focusing on last week's win over the Generals, MacArthur is known to have a solid rushing attack. Count on Highland as a mild favorite in this one, as long as they can get their passing attack rolling.
#13 Triad (7-3) vs #12 Joliet Catholic (7-3)
The Knights pulled an upset out last week over #3 Mahomet-Seymour last week in a 20-19 final. Can they pull a bigger upset out this weekend? Joliet Catholic certainly needs no introduction and they are coming off a big win of their own after knocking out Peoria 40-16 last week.
Triad does have some momentum coming in, having played their best two games over the last two weeks to the effect of 1 point wins. They've played a winning brand of football in those games with a balanced offense and turnover producing defense. It was also not that many years back when fellow MVC school Mascoutah shocked the state with a win over the Hilltoppers. Expect Joliet Catholic to advance but give Troy a puncher's chance to make something happen here.
I'll post 1A-4A later today but here are previews for the bigger classes.
8A
#4 Edwardsville (9-1) vs #13 Glenbard West (8-2)
The Tigers defended their homefield 35-14 over West Aurora. While a 21 point is just fine, the Tigers had some real struggles pulling away. West Aurora held a 7-0 lead after one quarter and were still tied 7-7 at the break. In fact, 22 of Edwardsville's 35 points came in the final quarter. From what I saw, most of their problems were self inflicted (dropped passes, fumbles).
They will need to play much sharper this week or the fourth quarter will be too late against a tougher Glenbard West squad. Both schools have a common opponent in De Smet, who E-ville defeated 29-12 in week 9 and Glenbard West lost to 10-0 in week two. It does feel like a lot has changed since those games, with West improving and Edwardsville falling off the horse to some degree last week. This one can easily go either way, but I'll be an optimist and take the Tigers to advance off their home field advantage.
#11 Belleville East (8-2) at #6 Maine South (9-1)
The Lancers were a favorite over East Aurora last week but its doubtful even the Lancers expected a 70-0 blowout last week. Perhaps that will give them a little swagger headed into this Friday's trip to Maine South? The Hawks feel like the better team here but don't write off the Lancers entirely. Their best case scenario is turning this into a track meet. Belleville East also has a clutch gene, as shown in their last minute wins over O'Fallon and Collinsville. Whoever comes out of this one will have some nice momentum and an extra day of rest for quarters.
7A
#28 Collinsville (6-4) vs #12 Lincoln-Way West (8-2)
The Kahoks are the highest seed still playing in the state after a 20-15 win over 9-0 Maine West. That game had a bit of an odd ending, with Collinsville snatching what seemed to be a game-sealing interception up 20-13 late. However, the ball was spotted at the one yard line to set up a safety, but they ultimately survived the ensuing possession. The Kahoks produced a total of 5 turnovers in that victory.
Looking ahead to this week's foe, LWW, we do have Belleville East as a common opponent to call back on. Both lost, with Collinsville going down 24-21 and LWW losing 28-14. The Warriors' strength of schedule as a whole and record is more impressive, so bet on them. Collinsville has made a habit of playing postseason games close with everyone though.
6A
#4 East St. Louis (8-2) vs #5 Normal West (8-2)
The Flyers left no doubt against Lemont last week with a 61-0 demolition. Will Normal West fare any better? At first glance, the Wildcats have a knack for putting points up and that's the kind of offense it will take to knock off East Side. Normal West only played one team who is still alive in the postseason. That contest, a week 3 showdown with Normal, left them with a 43-0 loss. Flyer fans should be pretty confident this weekend as we seemingly march towards an East Side at Kankakee quarterfinal.
5A
#3 Highland (9-1) vs #6 Metamora (8-2)
After finding themselves in a 7-0 hole to Mt. Vernon after last week's first quarter, Highland scored 35 of the final 42 points and allowed a kick return for the lone exception. Their final score of 35-14 was the closest anyone has come to knocking off Highland since they lost 28-0 to Mahomet-Seymour in week 2. The Bulldogs also finished with 374 rushing yards, with 210 from Hunter Frey leading the effort.
Metamora presents an interesting week two matchup. These programs last met in 2016, when the Redbirds won 28-7 in the second round. This season, Metamora's most impressive results came from week 1's 28-17 win over Sterling and last week's 36-14 elimination of MacArthur. Focusing on last week's win over the Generals, MacArthur is known to have a solid rushing attack. Count on Highland as a mild favorite in this one, as long as they can get their passing attack rolling.
#13 Triad (7-3) vs #12 Joliet Catholic (7-3)
The Knights pulled an upset out last week over #3 Mahomet-Seymour last week in a 20-19 final. Can they pull a bigger upset out this weekend? Joliet Catholic certainly needs no introduction and they are coming off a big win of their own after knocking out Peoria 40-16 last week.
Triad does have some momentum coming in, having played their best two games over the last two weeks to the effect of 1 point wins. They've played a winning brand of football in those games with a balanced offense and turnover producing defense. It was also not that many years back when fellow MVC school Mascoutah shocked the state with a win over the Hilltoppers. Expect Joliet Catholic to advance but give Troy a puncher's chance to make something happen here.
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