IHSA Football Playoffs Round One Preview

Image courtesy of Bloomington Central Catholic athletics

NORMAL, Ill. — Round one of the IHSA football playoffs is underway, with games taking place throughout the weekend. Several Bloomington-Normal teams are looking to make a deep postseason run.

University High School failed to make the playoffs after losing its season finale to Springfield 22-14. It was a disappointing end to the season for the Pioneers after their playoff run last year. They finished with a 1-8 record, with their only win coming against Lincoln.

Normal West suffered its first loss of the season in a blowout against rival Normal Community. The Wildcats finished the regular season with an 8-1 record, earning a first-round bye. They will face either Chicago Brooks or Chatham Glenwood in the next round. Normal West is the No. 2 seed in the Class 6A playoff bracket.

Normal Community closed out an impressive season with a dominant win over Normal West, winning 42-15 to finish the year 9-0. The Ironmen earned a first-round bye in the 7A playoffs. They will take on either Edwardsville or Lincoln Park, the no. 32 and 33 seeds, respectively. Their game will take place next Saturday, with the kick time to be determined.

Bloomington Central Catholic finished its regular season with a 41-30 win over Prairie Central, moving to 7-2. The Saints earned a first-round bye in the Class 3A bracket and will face either Tolono Unity or Robinson. Bloomington Central Catholic received the No. 7 seed and will play next Saturday, with kickoff time to be determined.

Bloomington High School lost to Mahomet-Seymour 57-21 in its season finale. The Purple Raiders did not receive a first-round bye in the Class 6A playoffs and will face Marion on Saturday afternoon, with kickoff scheduled for 3 p.m. Bloomington finished the regular season with a 4-5 record and will look to pull off an upset in the postseason.

It should be an exciting weekend of IHSA football, with four of the five Bloomington-Normal area teams making the playoffs and three earning first-round byes. The only local team in action this weekend is Bloomington High School, which will play Saturday afternoon.

For all things IHSA football, be sure to stay tuned to wznd.com.