Playoff bracket setup

East St. Louis petitioned up to Class 7A this season to avoid Flyers.

East St. Louis performance

Flyers beat Mount Carmel and upset Fenwick in Class 6A title game.

Flyers coach statement

Coach Darren Sunkett said: 'It means something. We had something to prove.'

“It means something, '' flyers coach darren sunkett said after beating mount carmel. 'we had something to prove. we have been at state seven years in a row. win or lose, we were there. it is tough to win in the state of illinois. we came out with a chip on our shoulder. we wanted to show that we could play with mount carmel and beat them.'”

Brother Rice path

Brother Rice faces St. Charles North in first round, then Batavia and Normal.

Second round matchups

Brother Rice vs. Batavia, Hersey vs. Glenbard West, St. Rita vs. Downers Grove North.

First round predictions

Normal beats Edwardsville, Brother Rice beats St. Charles North.

Second round predictions

Brother Rice beats Batavia, East St. Louis beats St. Patrick.

Quarterfinal predictions

Brother Rice beats Normal, East St. Louis beats Prospect.

Semifinal predictions

Brother Rice beats East St. Louis, Hersey beats St. Rita.

Championship prediction

Brother Rice beats Hersey in 2026 IHSA Class 7A football championship.