IHSA Playoffs: Eight Teams Advance to Class 1A Round of 16

The Class 1A football playoffs have reached the Round of 16, with eight matchups scheduled for the next round of competition. These games feature teams with varying levels of postseason success, ranging from undefeated regular season campaigns to programs attempting to break long-standing playoff droughts. The results of these games will determine which teams advance toward the state championship.

Heyworth, which stands 11-0, faces Fisher, who is 8-2. Heyworth secured its first playoff win by defeating Galena, a contest that tested the Hornets' depth. Fisher, a Bunnies program that had won just three games over the previous five years, won its first playoff game since 2019. The analytical pick favors Heyworth based on their undefeated season record.

Clifton Central, currently 9-1, meets Dwight, who is 8-3. These conference rivals have a recent history, most notably a 43-14 Dwight victory in the second round of last year's playoffs. Central has won nine straight games since its first-week loss, while Dwight has reached the quarterfinals in each of the last two seasons. The pick goes to Clifton Central, citing their current momentum.

Stockton, 9-1, plays Forreston, 8-2. Forreston defeated defending champion Lena-Winslow in the first round, while Stockton has beaten all its NUIC conference opponents this season. Stockton's only loss came against El Paso-Gridley in Week 1. The pick favors Stockton, who has demonstrated consistent conference dominance.

Newman Central Catholic, 7-4, faces Fulton, 8-3. The Comets overcame injury issues to beat Rockridge in the first round after losing to them in Week 8. Fulton, which finished fourth in the NUIC, has scored 216 points in its last four games. The pick goes to Fulton, reflecting their recent offensive output.

Brown County, 10-0, meets Oakwood, 8-3. Brown County won its first-round game against Athens after a close 32-31 victory over Calhoun in Week 9. Oakwood previously handed Arthur its only loss of the season. The pick favors Brown County, which maintains one of the state's widest margins of victory.

Sullivan, 9-1, plays Camp Point Central, 9-1. Sullivan won 57-49 against Havana in the first round. Camp Point Central has held all but one opponent to two touchdowns or fewer this season. The pick goes to Camp Point Central, who have limited scoring opportunities more consistently than Sullivan. In the final matchup, Arthur, 9-1, faces Salt Fork, 8-2. Arthur has scored at least 42 points in every game, while Salt Fork has lost only once in its last seven games, to Oakwood. The pick favors Salt Fork. Hardin Calhoun, 9-1, meets Tuscola, 8-2. Calhoun shut out Carlyle in the first round, while Tuscola's two losses came by a combined 82 points. The pick goes to Hardin Calhoun.