Playoff Preview for Metro East Illinois 4A-8A

The 2021 season is wrapping up all over the state, and now it is  PLAYOFF time. We are in for a treat in the coming weeks with intense competition all over the state. Nine Metro East Illinois football teams will compete in the 2021 IHSA football playoffs. Here are the teams and the matchups with some breakdown of big matchups. <hr /> <strong>CLASS 8A:</strong> (31) <strong>Edwardsville (H.S.) (5-4)</strong> at (2) South Elgin (9-0) Edwardsville has a demanding schedule this includes #1 East St. Louis, De Smet Jesuit, and Christian Brothers (CBC). They didn’t get the best of seeds having to play an undefeated South Elgin team. 2024 QB Jake Curry lead the attack after matching the carries of 2023 RB Jordan Bush at 81. The Tigers are running team 1st and play stifling defense that gets them through challenging games. 2024 LB Dalton Brown and 2022 DL Nasim Cario wreck havoc on the offense, who arguably are top three at their position in the 8A. Don’t be surprised with a close win for the Tigers, who are more than capable. (23) <strong>O’Fallon (H.S.) (6-3)</strong> at (10) Glenview (Glenbrook South) (7-2) O’ Fallon has three losses, all coming from powerhouse teams Missouri, #1 CBC   #1 ESL, and #5 Missouri Jackson H.S. A lethal rushing attack leads the Panthers with [player_tooltip player_id="99472" first="Chris" last="Caldwell"] and Deandre Lawence combined 250+ carries for 1150+ yds and 15 T.D.s behind the impressive line they have anchored. Defensively 2022 DB [player_tooltip player_id="20935" first="Cyris" last="Davis"] leads the defense who have faced a lot of big-time talent, so they should put a solid run if they are firing on all cylinders. <strong>CLASS 7A:</strong> (26) Geneva (5-4) at <strong>(7) Collinsville (8-1)</strong> Collinsville 2023 RB Jerry Richardson has had one of the most impressive seasons in his school’s history with 1322 yds 14 T.D. on an eye-popping 151 carries 8.8 avg. It won’t be easy to stop with 2023 QB Kolby Anderson keeping the defense honest with his big year of 21/4 TD/INT Ratio. They play in a big 7A class but should see the next round where they will most likely versus Chicago (St. Rita) and Ohio State commit [player_tooltip player_id="155283" first="Kaleb" last="Brown"]. <strong>CLASS 6A:</strong> (13) Riverside (R.-Brookfield) (5-4) at (4) <strong>East St. Louis (Sr.) (7-2)</strong> In my opinion, there isn’t a team in the state that can give the Flyers a run for their money. They allowed 2 points in all of the conference play, which is extraordinary. 5 Star Recruit and Missouri commit [player_tooltip player_id="37529" first="Luther" last="Burden"] III is a special player who I, fortunately, saw play up close and spoke with. He is humble yet has the walk of I can score at any time when you make a mistake. The Flyers is full of high-level talent top to bottom, which will lead to their 2nd title in three years, more than likely. <strong>CLASS 5A:</strong> (13) Dunlap (5-4) at (4) <strong>Mascoutah (8-1)</strong> Mascoutah has a potent offense with 2022 QB Chase Hanson, who has had an excellent season throwing and rushing, for that matter, eclipsing 1k. 2023 WR [player_tooltip player_id="103372" first="Allen" last="Middleton"] is a D1 prospect without a doubt the way he is built, the way he plays, and his pure athleticism put on display. This offense will be tough to stop. The Indians have a steadfast mike backer in Logan Will, who can run sideline to the sideline and is a tackling machine. (11) Country Club Hills (Hillcrest) (5-4) at (6) <strong>Troy (Triad) (7-2)</strong> Triad runs a triple-option that is tough to stop with how Head Coach Paul Bassler likes to coach his games. 2023 RB Jason Randall will be heavily relied upon to grind this game out to a victory. They play hard and never stop, and any team like that plays like that can beat you. <strong>CLASS 4A:</strong> (16) <strong>Cahokia (5-4) </strong>at (1) Rochester (8-1) Cahokia is a team that should not be underestimated with DB/QB [player_tooltip player_id= "20821" first= "Omarion" last= "Gooden"] at the helm of this well-conditioned Commanches team that enjoys contact. They will be facing an uphill battle heading into Rochester with Illinois commit [player_tooltip player_id= "20880" first= "Hank" last= "Beatty"], and I’m sure there will be a big crowd on hand. (13) Olney (Richland County) (5-4) at (4) <strong>Freeburg (7-2)</strong> Freeburg will run the ball early and often using a four-back rotation with the main two in 2022 RB Ethan Willams and 2022 RB Eli Hoerner. 2022 QB [player_tooltip player_id="155048" first="Landon" last="Funderburg"] can damage on the ground and in the air, which makes Freeburg a formidable team in the 4A class. (11) <strong>Bethalto (Civic Memorial)</strong> <strong>(6-3)</strong> at (6) Quincy (Notre Dame) (6-3) &nbsp; <hr /> Next week we will have the winners of the Central and the breakdown of the winning matchups, plus what to expect in Round 2.