# Playoff pairings quick takes

> Loyola and Mount Carmel face rematch in Class 8A state football playoffs.
- Title: Playoff pairings quick takes · Chicago Sun-Times | Shortify
- Summary: Loyola and Mount Carmel face rematch in Class 8A state football playoffs. Loyola and Mount Carmel will meet in the 2026 IHSA Class 8A state championship game…
- Keywords: loyola, mount carmel, ihsa, class 8a, state championship, high school football, playoff pairings, news, local, Playoff, pairings, quick
- Source: Chicago Sun-Times — https://chicago.suntimes.com/high-school-football/2026/10/17/playoff-pairings-quick-takes-loyola-vs-mount-carmel-round-two-huntley-and-st-rita-are-the-bracket-winners
- Published: 2026-10-18T03:49:18.895+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: loyola, mount carmel, ihsa, class 8a, state championship, high school football, playoff pairings, news, local
## 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.
## Key takeaway

Loyola and Mount Carmel will meet in the 2026 IHSA Class 8A state championship game after their playoff bracket pairings were revealed.