The bend but don’t break philosophy has served the Falcons well as the least-scored upon defense left in the Class 7A bracket. And it enabled them to grind out a tough 10-3 win Friday at Willowbrook in a Class 7A quarterfinal, sending Wheaton North into the semifinals for the first time since 2002. It’s the ninth time in 12 games that Wheaton North (11-1), which advances to face the Mount Carmel-Brother Rice winner, has allowed one score or fewer to an opponent. The Falcons moved on despite being out-gained 221-161.

Here’s a look at the football matchups in DuPage County for the quarterfinal round, including IC Catholic Prep hosting Princeton and Wheaton North traveling to Willowbrook in Class 7A, among others.

Jalen McGee’s return from an ankle injury has only made Neuqua Valley’s 10-1 football team even more dangerous.

A junior wide receiver and defensive back, Joe Tumilty sparked a stunning comeback in the final seven-plus minutes, intercepting a pass and tossing the winning touchdown to lead the 21st-seeded Warriors to a 30-26 upset victory over fifth-seeded Moline in a Class 7A second-round playoff game in Villa Park. Not only did the younger Tumilty add another chapter to his family’s growing gridiron legacy, but his strong two-way performance extended the Warriors’ streak to five straight quarterfinal appearances. The Warriors (8-3) advanced to play No. 4 seed Wheaton North next weekend.

Here’s a look at the second round of playoffs for DuPage County, including Naperville Central trying to upset Loyola and Glenbard North hoping to solve Warren’s elite defense, among others.

Here’s a look at some of the top storylines going into the second round of the playoffs, including an impressive showing by Naperville Central’s defense and special teams last week, and Rocco Luczak coming up big for Willowbrook’s special teams, among others.

Willowbrook coach Nick Hildreth and the Warriors learned pretty quickly they had to change their game plan in their opening playoff matchup on Friday night.

Here’s a look at the second round of playoffs for DuPage County teams, including Naperville Central and Naperville North in a rematch of a 38-27 Huskies win during the regular season, among others.

Here’s a look at the first round of the IHSA football playoffs in the Northwest suburbs, including games being hosted by Prospect, Hersey, Buffalo Grove, Hoffman Estates and Maine South.

It’s been a true team effort to help elevate Dennis Mandala’s game. But it’s paying major dividends for the IC Catholic Prep football team. The Knights were top ranked in Class 3A most of this season, though they did sustain a tough loss to St. Francis 19-7 last Friday. They are 8-1 overall and won the Metro Suburban Blue with a 5-0 record, all behind Mandala, a sophomore quarterback.