IHSA Football Playoffs Round One Recap

Image Courtesy of  Bloomington Central Catholic athletics / Quote Via WZND Sports

NORMAL, Ill. — With the regular season in the rearview, the teams in Bloomington-Normal have a chance to prove that their state championship hopes can become a reality.

Most teams spent the week with a first-round bye. Bloomington was the one active team in the area this past weekend. Unfortunately, the Purple Raiders fell to Marion 40-7, ending their season.

Head coach Niall Mulcahy spoke on the Purple Raiders’ senior players.

“It was a small group, but they stepped up,” said Mulcahy. “They’ve been in the program now for four years, and they knew what it took to be successful. They took charge and tried to lead the group in the right direction.”

The Purple Raiders also have a large number of promising underclassmen.

“Definitely a younger team this year,” said Mulcahy. “One of the biggest things is just not taking anything for granted. Success doesn’t happen by accident; it takes hard work and intentionality with everything that you’re doing. Right now we are still processing the end, but hopefully these younger guys can get bigger, stronger, and faster this offseason.”

The Purple Raiders finished with a record of 4-6, after just barely sneaking into the playoffs.

Bloomington Central Catholic spent the week preparing for the second round. The Saints were awaiting the results of the Class 3A round one matchup between Tolono Unity and Robinson. Tolono Unity took care of business, winning 70-16 to improve to 8-2 on the year. The Saints and the Rockets will face off Saturday at 1 p.m..

Normal Community had a perfect regular season, going 9-0. The Ironmen used this bye week to get ready for their first playoff matchup of the season. They will face Edwardsville in round one of the IHSA playoffs. Edwardsville continued their three-game win streak with a 42-0 victory in their opening round. The Tigers and the Ironmen will kick off on Saturday at 2 p.m.

Normal West is coming off a crushing loss to their crosstown rivals. The Wildcats will play Glenwood, who won their opening round matchup with Brooks 50-6. The Titans and Wildcats will play on Saturday at 1 p.m.

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