CCL football: Here are 5 storylines to watch in the second round of the 2026 IHSA playoffs
Anita Patel, a graduate of DePaul University, has over 8 years of experience covering high school athletics for various local publications. She has a deep passion for sports and youth development, often championing the stories of student-athletes making an impact in their communities.
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Will Loyola continue its winning ways against York?The Ramblers and Dukes are set to square off this Saturday afternoon in Wilmette. The two teams have quite a bit of history.Loyola and York battled for the 2024 Class 8A state championship, with the Ramblers beating the Dukes 35-14. They also met in the 2023 Class 8A semifinals, where Loyola ousted York 23-14 before defeating Lincoln-Way East for the title. Rewind the clock another year and Loyola eliminated York 30-3 in the 2022 8A semifinals.Last season, both teams were knocked out in the first round. York fell to Lyons 24-21, while Loyola had its run of three straight Class 8A titles ended with a 21-17 loss against Mount Carmel. Can St. Ignatius take down Class 8A power Maine South?The Wolfpack breezed through the first round, running over West Aurora 55-7 and posting their fifth 50-plus-point game this fall. Next up? One of Class 8A’s longtime powerhouse programs in Maine South. The Hawks under Dave Inserra, one of the IHSA’s winni