Illinois High School Football Championships Postponed Due to Severe Winter Storm
A major winter storm has forced the postponement of several IHSA Football State Finals games, marking an unprecedented disruption in the 51-year history of the Illinois high school football playoffs. The decision, announced by the Illinois High School Association, impacts championship contests scheduled for Saturday at Illinois State University.
The postponement stems from a severe winter storm warning currently in effect across much of Illinois, including the Normal area, home to Illinois State University. The National Weather Service forecasts between 5 and 9 inches of snowfall in Normal on Saturday, with the potential for additional accumulation overnight.
Due to the hazardous conditions, Illinois State University’s campus will be closed as a precaution. This closure directly led to the postponement of the second day of state title games, which were slated to be played at the school’s stadium.
“The postponement of the IHSA Football State Finals is unprecedented in the state playoffs 51-year history,” a senior official stated, adding that all affected teams have been notified. “We appreciate the patience and understanding of these schools and communities as we work to determine the best and safest solution to rescheduling these contests and crowning state champions in our four largest classes.”
The impacted games include the championship matchups for the 5A, 6A, 7A, and 8A classifications.
Fortunately, a revised schedule has been established for the 5A and 6A games. These contests will now be held at ISU’s Hancock Stadium on Tuesday. The 5A state title game, featuring St. Francis High School versus Providence Catholic, is set to kick off at 3:00 p.m., followed by the 6A championship between East St. Louis and Fenwick. The IHSA confirmed that all previously purchased tickets through the ISU ticket office will be honored for the rescheduled games.
Rescheduling the Class 7A ( Brother Rice vs. St. Rita) and Class 8A (Mt. Carmel vs. Oswego) championship games presents additional challenges. According to the IHSA, the goal is to play these games on either Wednesday or Thursday.
“There are still some logistical hurdles to clear in regard to the rescheduling of the Class 7A and 8A games,” a senior official explained. “It is our intention to have that finalized by Saturday, November 29 evening. We appreciate the patience and support of the competing schools and our partners at ISU and in Bloomington-Normal as we navigate this unprecedented situation.”
The Class 1A, 2A, 3A, and 4A title games were successfully completed on Friday, unaffected by the impending weather system.
The IHSA is committed to ensuring the safe and fair conclusion of the Illinois high school football season, and is working diligently to finalize the schedule for all remaining championship games.
