IHSA Football Playoffs: An Overview
The IHSA (Illinois High School Association) football playoffs are a series of single-elimination tournaments held at the end of the regular season to determine the state champions in each of the eight classes. The playoffs are open to all IHSA member schools that field a varsity football team.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the playoffs, a team must have a winning record against all Illinois opponents during the regular season. Teams that finish with a .500 record may also be eligible if they have a high enough playoff point average.
Playoff Format
The playoffs are divided into eight classes, based on school enrollment. The top 16 teams in each class qualify for the playoffs. The playoffs begin with the first round, which is played at the home field of the higher-seeded team. The second round and quarterfinals are also played at the home field of the higher-seeded team. The semifinals and finals are played at neutral sites.
Seeding
Teams are seeded for the playoffs based on their regular season record and playoff point average. The higher the seed, the more likely a team is to have a favorable matchup in the early rounds of the playoffs.
Playoff History
The IHSA football playoffs have been held since 1974. The most successful program in IHSA football history is Mount Carmel, which has won 13 state championships. Other schools with multiple state championships include Joliet Catholic (6), St. Rita (5), and Glenbard West (4).
Current Champions
The current IHSA football state champions are:
- Class 1A: Lena-Winslow
- Class 2A: Maroa-Forsyth
- Class 3A: Sacred Heart-Griffin
- Class 4A: Cary-Grove
- Class 5A: St. Charles North
- Class 6A: Naperville Central
- Class 7A: Glenbard North
- Class 8A: Lincoln-Way East
Conclusion
The IHSA football playoffs are a highly competitive and exciting event that brings together the best high school football teams in Illinois. The playoffs culminate in the state championship games, which are played at Memorial Stadium in Champaign.
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