The opening rounds of the Illinois high school playoffs were mostly tune-up games for the powerhouse teams in the state. Though some met an early playoff exit, the ones that advanced got proper preparation for captivating quarterfinals matchups — and a possible state championship game.
In 1A, top seed Stark County continued its playoff dominance as it crushed the undefeated (4) Polo Marcos, 35-17. Polo scored 89 points in its first two playoff games but failed to reach the 20-point mark against a stout Stark defense. On the other side, Stark County has improved in each of its playoff games. The team’s play will have to ramp up a little further as it plays another undefeated team in No. 2 Marquette in the semifinal.
On the second half of the 1A bracket, the remaining top seed, (2) Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley, was defeated 14-13 in a battle of undefeated teams by No. 3 Arcola. LeRoy will have the challenge of beating a battle-tested Arcola squad for a trip to the state championship.
Tri-Valley took down Deer Creek-Mackinaw in 2A by the score of 57-20, and will advance to No. 2 Wethersfield in the semis. The No. 1 Valley Vikings rushed for 542 yards on 9.3 yards per attempt. The Vikings responded with 37 unanswered points to grab a 43-7 lead at the half. Hayden Long rushed for a game-high 152 yards and scored on runs of 1 and 4 yards.
Meanwhile, St. Joseph had a much more difficult time in a tight 26-21 3A victory over Central Catholic. Running back Ty Brown was torrid for St. Joe’s as he ran for 249 yards and three touchdowns. His 44-yard touchdown run with 6:22 remaining gave his team the final score it needed to ice the win.
Phillips advanced to the 4A semifinals with a 24-7 victory over Geneseo. Things won’t get any easier for the top seed as it will have to best an undefeated No. 2 Marengo team for a championship berth.
Also in 4A, the bracket’s other top seed, Althoff Catholic, defeated No. 4 Rochester 46-42. Running back Jaylon Best ran all over the Rochester defense for 209 yards and two touchdowns. He also caught two passes for 50 yards and a scoring reception. A matchup against Mater Dei awaits Althoff in the semis.
Illinois’ top team, Loyola Academy, continues its march to championship gold with a win over the team that Loyola snatched top state honors from. Loyola defeated Homewood-Flossmoor by the score of 34-28 in a highly contested, highly anticipated matchup. Loyola running back Dara Laja had 30 carries for 144 yards and one rushing score. Ramblers quarterback Emmett Clifford was efficient with his passes as he went 16-for-23 for 159 yards and two touchdown tosses.
Loyola will travel to Palatine to face the Pirates in the state's 8A semifinals on Saturday.
