Playoff pairings quick takes

Loyola and Mount Carmel face rematch in Class 8A state football playoffs.

Loyola's playoff path

Loyola wound up with an easier path to Illinois State than Mount Carmel.

Mount Carmel's playoff path

Mount Carmel could face Marist, Sandburg, Lincoln-Way East and Bolingbrook.

Loyola coach reaction

Loyola coach John Holecek said the first loss might sting but will refocus the team.

“The first loss might sting a little bit, and it might make us practice harder and take care of the details more”

Huntley's playoff path

Huntley picked up the No. 2 seed and will face New Trier in the quarterfinals.

St. Rita's playoff path

St. Rita beat Glenbard West on the road and have a favorable road all the way into semifinals.

Class 7A bracket

Class 7A is loaded with East St. Louis and Brother Rice as top contenders.

Class 7A matchups

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

East St. Louis favorite

East St. Louis dominated Mount Carmel in the season opener and is the favorite for Class 7A title.

St. Rita's championship hope

St. Rita could face Hersey in the semifinals for a potential 7A title rematch.

Playoff bracket winners

Huntley and St. Rita are the bracket winners for Class 8A state football playoffs.