Week 9 Digest: IHSA Classes 1A–3A

Published October 19, 2026 · Friday Night Wire & Game Recaps

1A2A3A

This week’s digest covers Week 9 of the 2026-27 small-school football season, drawing from the latest IHSA rankings polls and posted scores. Key developments include shifts in Class 1A and 2A power rankings, notable game outcomes, and playoff implications.

Class 1A
Per the IHSA rankings poll, Mt. Sterling (9-0) remains undefeated and holds the top spot with 137 points and 12 first-place votes. Hardin (8-1) fell to Brown County (32-31) but stays second, while Stockton (8-1) and Heyworth (9-0) solidify their positions in the top four. Camp Point (8-1) and Lena (6-3) round out the top six. Notable results include Heyworth’s 53-0 shutout of Tuscola and Stockton’s 28-14 win over Forreston.

Class 2A
Wilmington (8-1) leads the rankings with 137 points, though it dropped a 14-0 decision at Coal City. El Paso (9-0) and Maroa (8-1) maintain strong records, while Port Byron (9-0) and Downs (8-1) continue to dominate. Key outcomes include Port Byron’s 35-13 win at Kewanee and Johnston City’s 40-8 road victory over Sesser-Valier.

Class 3A
Elmhurst (8-1) and Byron (9-0) anchor the Class 3A rankings, with Byron’s 64-6 win at Rockford Lutheran highlighted as a standout performance. St. Joseph (9-0) and Richmond (9-0) also remain unbeaten, while Mt. Carmel (9-0) and Hillsboro (9-0) continue their dominance. Notable results include St. Joseph’s 47-16 win at Pontiac and Richmond’s 49-0 shutout of Woodstock.

Storylines to Watch
The playoff race intensifies as Class 2A expands to 50 teams, with several projected top-48 schools missing the cut. In Class 1A, teams like Clifton (8-1) and Catlin (7-2) battle for postseason positioning. Upcoming matchups, including Heyworth’s clash with Tuscola and Port Byron’s test against Taylor Ridge, could reshape rankings. Playoff qualifiers from the IHSA’s official field also highlight shifting dynamics, particularly in Class 2A, where West Hancock and other teams secured berths despite falling outside projected rankings.

Sourced from IHSA Class 1A Rankings Poll · IHSA Class 2A Rankings Poll · IHSA Class 3A Rankings Poll · IHSA Schedule & Scores · IHSA Official Playoff Field.