IHSA Football Playoffs Round Two Recap

Image courtesy of  Normal Community athletics / Quotes via WZND Sports

NORMAL, Ill. — In the playoffs the marigin for error disappears, the stakes raise, and only the toughest survive. The teams in Bloomington-Normal fought for the chance to stay alive in round two of the IHSA playoffs.

Bloomington Central Catholic came into the week with fresh legs following their bye for round one. The Saints faced off against Tolono Unity, losing 21-7 to the Rockets. The Saints finish the season with a 7-3 record, marking back-to-back seasons they have finished a winning record.

Normal Community continued its stellar season in its first playoff game of the season after a bye week. The Ironmen took down Edwardsville 28-14 and advanced to the third round. They are set to face Kenwood in the next round at home.

Normal West had a very strong regular season and also earned a first round bye. The Wildcats took on Glenwood, winning 51-34. They advanced to the third round where they will face Pekin at home.

Normal West’s head coach Nathan Fincham spoke on the win.

“I think I’m just extremely proud with how they responded,” said Fincham. “A couple of weeks ago we didn’t have the game that we wanted. We were a little bit broken over these last two weeks so to come up and play the way we did today was a nice feeling”

Fincham also spoke on his two-quaterback offensive system.

“Nolan is our rhino guy,” said Fincham. “He’s the guy that comes in and punishes teams with his physical running. We can use him in big moments like we did today. . . . But obviously Chase is surreal man. He’s so intelligent with everything he does.”

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