IHSA Football Recap Week 3

Quotes via Friday Night Lights reporters / Image courtesy of University High Athletics

NORMAL, Ill. — There have been three weeks of exciting matchups and thrilling games under the Friday Night Lights in Bloomington-Normal. The 2026 season is starting to take shape.

Bloomington Central Catholic’s dominant play faded this week, as they fell to Tolono Unity 27-19. The Saints fell to 2-1 on the year and its next game is against 0-3 Rantoul.

Normal West is continuing to impress this season. The Wildcats took down previously undefeated Centennial 39-14. Their next game is a local showdown against the Bloomington Purple Raiders.

Bloomington is shutting down all the doubters after their week one loss. The Purple Raiders defeated Manual in a 42-0 shutout victory. Their next game is against Normal West.

University High’s struggles persist, losing 41-0 against Glenwood this week. It wasn’t all doom and gloom though, as they celebrated their senior night. The Pioneers fall to 0-3 and will face against Galesburg next.

“Well it’s always special to recognize people who have been in the program for four years and have fought their tails off for you. Football is 90% in the dark, a lot of what we do people don’t see…So it’s just to say thank you for all of the hard work and effort they put in,” said  University High Head Coach Brody Walworth.

Normal Community is dominating the competition so far this year, and this week was no different. The Ironmen improved to 3-0 with a 44-20 win over Richwoods. Their next game is against Peoria Notre Dame.

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