Quarterfinals reshape Illinois high school football state rankings: 2026 Top 25 for Nov. 9

Quarterfinals Set Major Tests

East St. Louis advanced in Class 7A by defeating St. Patrick 64-6. The Flyers next face Prospect as they continue their postseason run. Lincoln-Way East stayed unbeaten with a 24-7 win over Hinsdale Central. The Class 8A team now hosts Chicago Mt. Carmel, which advanced by shutting out Barrington 56-0.

Brother Rice beat Batavia 49-6 and moves on to face unbeaten Normal Community in Class 7A. A victory would put the Crusaders closer to a possible semifinal meeting with East St. Louis, if both teams win.

Other Contenders Advance

Loyola Academy shut out York 42-0 and will meet Saint Ignatius College Prep in an all-Chicago-area Class 8A quarterfinal. Saint Ignatius advanced with a 35-21 win over Maine South.

In Class 3A, IC Catholic Prep defeated Johnsburg 42-7 and now faces unbeaten Byron. Providence Catholic edged Morgan Park 42-34 and travels to play Carbondale in Class 5A.

Downers Grove North beat St. Rita 17-7 and will face Richards in Class 7A. Fenwick survived a 26-24 contest against Hononegah and is set to host Wheaton North in Class 6A.

New Teams Enter Rankings

Morris extended its unbeaten season by defeating Montini Catholic, while New Trier and Wheaton North also joined the rankings. Their additions bring new teams into the mix as the playoff field narrows.

The quarterfinal schedule spans all eight classifications, with teams aiming to secure places in the semifinals. The matchups could reshape the rankings as the state brackets approach their final four.