Playoff Picture Clarifies as Week 9 Approaches

CHICAGO, Ill. — With the IHSA Football Playoffs starting October 25, playoff contenders are solidifying their status ahead of Week 9.

As of now, 225 teams have achieved the five-win milestone needed for playoff eligibility. Schools like Rockford Jefferson and Chicago Noble/Bulls Prep secured their fifth victory in recent games, boosting their playoff hopes. Conversely, Dyett’s loss has removed them from playoff contention, slashing the number of schools vying for the five-win threshold to 276.

This weekend will see 54 four-win teams battle, with two key matchups featuring 4-4 records. Lake View faces Senn at 1 p.m., while Westinghouse competes against Payton at 11 a.m. The outcomes could significantly reshape the playoff landscape.

So far, 155 teams have already locked in their playoff spots with six victories. Notably, Kennedy and CICS-Longwood will vie in a crucial matchup where the winner earns a playoff berth, while the losing team is eliminated.

Another significant game will pit Chicago Marshall against UIC-Prep in a must-win for both teams, particularly for Marshall, which needs to win to stay in the playoff hunt.

As it stands, there are 224 teams with at least five wins, but not all are playoff eligible due to conference rules. Notably, Collins and Noble-Comer have five wins but cannot qualify for playoffs since they did not place high enough in their conferences.

The fate of teams like Orr and Schurz hangs in the balance as well. They sit at 4-4 and cannot secure playoff positions regardless of future wins. With the top seeds appearing somewhat locked down, the bottom half of the playoff field remains uncertain.

With one 4-4 game scheduled between East Peoria and Pekin, the winner could also join the five-win group. Furthermore, East Moline United is expected to receive a forfeit win over Alleman, bringing the number of guaranteed teams in the five-win group to 223.

As teams prepare for crucial matchups this weekend, the excitement builds for the playoff reveal scheduled for 8 p.m. on October 25, accessible on statewide television and streaming online.