Five Bloomington-Normal Teams Set for IHSA Playoff Runs

Image courtesy of Bloomington Central Catholic social media

NORMAL, Ill. — Nine hard-fought football games are in the books, and now it’s time for playoff football. All five Bloomington-Normal area teams have earned postseason berths, each looking to make a deep run toward a state championship.

Bloomington Central Catholic completed a perfect 9-0 regular season, earning a spot in the class 3A playoffs. The Saints have been dominant all year, combining an explosive offense with a disciplined defense that’s held opponents in check week after week.

Central Catholic will look to keep its undefeated streak alive when it hosts Princeton in the opening round of the playoffs. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 1.

Normal West capped off a strong regular season with a 7–2 record, earning a spot in the class 6A state playoffs. The Wildcats have been one of the area’s most consistent teams all season long.

In the opening round, Normal West will host Thornwood on Saturday, Nov. 1, with kickoff set for 1 p.m. as the Wildcats look to make a deep playoff run.

Bloomington High School wrapped up its season with a solid 6–3 record, earning a berth in the class 5A state playoffs. The Purple Raiders showed steady improvement throughout the year, highlighted by strong offensive performances and key wins down the stretch.

Bloomington will host Mascoutah in the opening round on Saturday, Nov. 1, with kickoff set for 6 p.m. as the Raiders look to continue their momentum into postseason play.

Normal University High finished the regular season with a 5–4 record after an up-and-down year that ended on a high note. The Pioneers found their rhythm late in the season, closing with a huge win to secure a spot in the class 5A playoffs.

U-High will hit the road to face Washington in the opening round on Friday, Oct. 31, with kickoff scheduled for 7 p.m. as the Pioneers look to carry their late-season momentum into postseason play.

Normal Community wrapped up the regular season with a 7–2 record. The Ironmen dropped their final game of the year to Peoria but still put together an impressive campaign, showing balance on both sides of the ball and consistency throughout the season.

The Ironmen earned a spot in the class 7A playoffs and will travel to face Carmel Catholic on Saturday, Nov. 1, with kickoff set for 1 p.m. as they look to bounce back and make a strong postseason run.

To stay up to date on the IHSA playoffs, follow along here on WZND.com