By Bobby Narang
As the calendar flips to November and the Halloween celebrations die down, the Illinois High School Association football playoffs start to take focus.
It’s a great time of the season for football fans in the state, especially in the eight-class system which combines public and private schools.
Among local teams, Aurora Christian (5-4) will take on Le Roy (9-0) Friday, Nov. 1 in a Class 1A first-round playoff match.
In Class 3A, Montini is a team to watch behind a strong offense and defense after playing a tough schedule. Montini (7-2) will open the playoffs against North Lawndale (7-2) at Rockne Stadium at 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2.
In 4A, Sandwich (5-4) will travel to Wheaton Academy (8-1) for one of the top matchups in the playoffs and take on the home team at 7 p.m. Friday.
The 5A playoffs pit top-seed Sycamore (9-0) will play host to Chicago Noble at 1 p.m. Saturday. Wheaton St. Francis (7-2) is a team to watch in 5A, and will be host to Sterling (5-4) on Friday.
Meanwhile, Marmion Academy (5-4) will open up with a difficult game at Rochelle (8-1) Friday at 7 p.m.. Benet (6-3) will play host to Chicago Perspectives (5-4) Friday.
Nazareth Academy, which has won two straight state championships, will face off at home against Chicago Payton Saturday.
Kaneland is aiming to make some noise in Class 6A and will travel to Belvidere North for a Friday first-round game.
Glenbard South will take on Kankakee Saturday, while Lemont will hit the road for a game against Bloomington Saturday.
Wheaton Warrenville South earned a playoff berth in 7A and will take on a tough road game against Downers Grove North, which finished second last season in 7A.
St. Charles North will be host to Rolling Meadows Friday. Rolling Meadow’ coach is former Chicago Bears kicker, Robbie Gould. The Class 8A playoffs will feature Glenbard East (8-1) playing host to Sandburg Friday at 7 p.m., and Naperville North (7-2) playing host to Maine South (6-3). Joliet West (5-4) will have a tough opening round game at Lyons (9-0) Friday. Downers Grove South (7-2) will hit the playoffs with a hot streak, facing off against Plainfield South (7-2) in Downers Grove.
Schaumburg will be in a battle with Naperville Central Friday, and Oswego has a home game against Waubonsie Valley Friday. York has high hopes in the postseason, and will play host to Edwardsville Friday.