# IHSA Class 7A Football Playoffs Predictions

> Brother Rice likely wins 2026 IHSA Class 7A football championship.
- Title: IHSA Class 7A Football Playoffs Predictions | Shortify
- Summary: Brother Rice likely wins 2026 IHSA Class 7A football championship. Brother Rice beats Hersey in 2026 IHSA Class 7A football championship.
- Keywords: ihsa, class 7a, football, playoffs, brother rice, east st louis, st charles north, batavia, normal, hersey, st rita, downers grove north
- Source: Chicago Sun-Times — https://chicago.suntimes.com/high-school-football/2026/10/20/previewing-and-predicting-the-2026-ihsa-class-7a-state-football-playoffs
- Published: 2026-10-20T18:54:53.985+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: ihsa, class 7a, football, playoffs, brother rice, east st louis, st charles north, batavia, normal, hersey, st rita, downers grove north
## 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.
## Key takeaway

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