The IHSA football playoffs are always special. After all, not every team makes it. Those who do have to earn their way. But this year’s playoffs are extra special, of course. After the reality check that was 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic forced an abbreviated season to last spring, minus a postseason.

The Sabres won their “playoff” game. For Streamwood, the season-ending matchup with Upstate Eight rival Larkin was their postseason and the Sabres made the most of it with a 30-19 win at Millenium Field. The Sabres weren’t looking to trick anybody on offense. With its backfield tandem of Michael Estrada and Isaac Martinez running behind an undersized but effective offensive line, the Sabres simply ran it down the Royals’ throats, and the visitors had no answer.

Here’s a look at the best matchups in DuPage County for Week 9, including Hinsdale Central and Glenbard West playing for the West Suburban Silver title, and Naperville North and Neuqua Valley meeting for the DVC crown.

Taking a look at some of the top storylines in DuPage County heading into Week 9, including a big game for Ethan Robert and the Naperville North Huskies, and looking ahead to Saturday’s playoff pairings night.

By the time Week 8 rolls around in the high school football season, games take on extra meaning. So Glenbard South’s 40-20 victory Friday on Senior Night at Glenbard East didn’t just earn the Raiders a victory against their district rivals.

Larkin scored a touchdown and go-ahead 2-point conversion with 39 seconds left Friday to stun Elgin, 30-28, and take home the trophy. As if that wasn’t enough, the Royals are playoff eligible at 5-3. The Royals roared back from a 14-point fourth-quarter deficit to secure the win.

Here’s a look at the best matchups in DuPage County for Week 8, including Wheaton North looking for a 7th win when it hosts Geneva, and a matchup between a pair of 6-1 teams in the Upstate Eight when Glenbard South takes on Glenbard East.

Here’s a look at some of the best matchups in DuPage County for Week 7, including the annual battle for Wheaton bragging rights between the Tigers and Falcons, and undefeated York trying to avenge last spring’s shutout loss to Hinsdale Central.

Here’s a look at some of the top storylines heading into Week 7 in DuPage County, including a couple big wins last weekend for Lisle and York.

Larkin senior Jamarion Stubbs scored a pair of touchdowns, helping the Royals even their record at 3-3 with a 28-21 win over Bartlett in Upstate Eight Conference action Friday night.