After a year off in 2020 due to COVID and a shortened spring 2021 football season, it is finally high school football playoff time in Illinois. On Saturday, the Illinois High School Association announced the pairings for the 256-team field that will make up the 8 classes. It will culminate on Thanksgiving weekend with the title games this year being played at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb. Opening round days and times will be announced on Monday afternoon.

Maine South bolted to its fifth consecutive undefeated Central Suburban South title in Winnetka on Friday. The Hawks built a 49-21 lead after three quarters and held off a late New Trier rally to win 49-42 in a game that was not as the final score would indicate.

Here’s a look at Week 9 football games in the Northwest suburbs, including key matchups between Hersey and Buffalo Grove as well as Hoffman Estates and Palatine.

Two Burda touchdowns within a minute part of Glenbrook South’s package against rival Glenbrook North

The running men paced their way to another win Friday in Buffalo Grove. The Bison (7-1, 3-1 Mid-Suburban East) piled up 282 rushing yards on their way to a 35-7 win over Wheeling in a game that Buffalo Grove did not break open until the fourth quarter.

Here’s a look at Week 8 football games in the Northwest suburbs, including a key Mid-Suburban East clash between Prospect and Hersey, as well as an MSL West showdown between Barrington and Conant.

Titans’ sixth victory, behind Collins, Burda and resilient defense, clinches first playoff berth since 2017

Maine South got through its tune-up just fine. The Hawks flew into Skokie Friday and exploded past Niles West 51-21 in their highest scoring output of the season.

Here’s a look at Week 7 football games in the Northwest suburbs, highlighted by Conant playing at Hoffman Estates with first place in the Mid-Suburban West on the line.

Maine South has a history of winning Central Suburban South games. Coming into Friday night’s game in Park Ridge, the Hawks were 100-1 under head coach Dave Inserra since 2001. And they had not lost to Glenbrook South since the early 1990s. But entering the fourth quarter, the Hawks found themselves trailing a highly energetic and motivated Glenbrook South team 17-6. With Chris Petrucci and Mike Sajenko leading the charge on the offensive end, the Hawks began to overcome mistakes. Then add in a Hawk defense that was flying all over the field to make huge stops. With all those things in motion, Maine South was able to score 26 unanswered points in the fourth quarter to rally for a 32-17 win.