It’s a new era in Illinois High School Association football. A new and bigger state tournament, approved by member schools in a statewide vote last December, kicks off this weekend with Opening Round games in eight classes around the state.

There are now 384 teams in search of a state championship, an increase of 128 from last year. There are now 48 teams in each class, which has created something never before a part of prep football in Illinois – a first-round bye for the top 16 seeds in each division. Two of the seven LIC teams who qualified (that’s a new record haul for the league) get to take advantage of that, but how they handle one week away from the gridiron in the midst of a championship tournament will be anyone’s guess. It’s never been done before here.

So, away we go. Five games are on tap this weekend. Two games are scheduled for Friday night, with three more afternoon tilts on Saturday. Of course, one thing hasn’t changed – it’s win or go home. Following are the matchups, with a thumbnail profile of each team. Seeds are listed for each team, too. Massey projections and our own predictions are included as well. But,  take a good look. The two systems are not at all unanimous in their picks. We wouldn’t have it any other way. It’s playoff football time again – ready or not!

OPENING ROUND
FRIDAY

Class 2A

#19 Marshall (3-6) at #14 Moweaqua Central A & M (4-5), 7:00 p.m.
Marshall is in the playoffs for the 31st time, and second in a row… Lions are 18-30 all-time… Moweaqua Central A & M is making its’ 24th appearance in the playoffs, and first since 2024 … Raiders are 46-22 all-time in the playoffs… A & M has one state title (1997) and five second-place finishes to its’ credit… Raiders lead the playoff series, 1-0… First meeting between these two since 1997… Miles to Moweaqua: 125 miles… Massey projects: Moweaqua Central A & M 28-7.  Our prediction: Moweaqua Central A & M 22-8. Weather: Clear, 63.

Class 4A

#18 Olney (4-5) at #15 Salem (5-4), 7:30 p.m.
Olney is in the playoffs for the 19th time, and third in a row… Tigers are 5-18 all-time… Salem is making its’ 21st trip to the playoffs, and first since 2021… Wildcats are 3-20 all-time… These two met in Week 2 (the first game played at Olney’s brand new stadium), with Salem winning 28-27… These two long-time rivals have also met once before in the playoffs (Salem won 24-15 in 1987)… Massey projects: Olney 28-27. Our prediction: Salem 33-29. Weather: Clear, 62.

SATURDAY

Class 1A

#22 Casey-Westfield (3-6) vs. #11 Astoria (South Fulton) (6-3), 3:00 p.m.
Game site: VIT High School, 1500 E. U.S. Highway 136, Table Grove, IL 61482… Miles to game site: 196 miles… Casey-Westfield is making its’ 36th appearance in the playoffs, and fourth straight… Warriors are 54-34 all-time in the playoffs… Won the Class 2A state title in 1985, and finished second in 1982… South Fulton is in the playoffs for the 10th time, and first since 2014… Rebels are 5-9 all-time… First playoff meeting between the two… Massey projects: Casey-Westfield 28-14.  Our prediction: South Fulton 27-12. Weather: Clouds, 75.

Class 3A

#21 Eureka (4-5) at #12 Paris (7-2), 2:00 p.m.
Eureka is in the playoffs for the 19th time, and fifth in a row… Hornets are 7-18 all-time… Paris is making its’ ninth playoff appearance, and second straight… Tigers are 2-8 all-time… Paris coach Jeremy Clodfelter is the winningest coach in program history…  First-ever playoff meeting… Massey projects: Paris 34-20. Our prediction: Paris 35-12. Weather: Cloudy, 72.

#23 Robinson (4-5) at #10 Tolono Unity (7-2), 2:00 p.m.
Robinson is making it’s 17th trip to the playoffs… First time since 2023… Maroons are 13-16 all-time… Finished second in 1991… Unity is making its’ 34th appearance, and 25th straight (not counting COVID)… Rockets are 65-33 all-time… They’ve never won a state title, but they have finished second seven times… Unity leads the playoff series, 1-0… Miles to Tolono: 98 miles… Massey projects: Tolono Unity 48-7. Our prediction: Tolono Unity 48-6. Weather: Clouds, 72.

BYES
#3 Mt. Carmel (9-0)
Golden Aces get the winner of #19 Petersburg PORTA (5-4)  at #14 Greenville (6-3), to be played Friday at 7:00 p.m. Massey projects: Greenville 38-12. Weather: Clear, 63.

#8 Newton (6-3)
Eagles get the winner of #24 Trenton Wesclin (2-7) at #9 Chester (5-4), to be played Friday night at 7:00 p.m.  Massey projects: Chester 35-6. Weather: Clear, 64.