Weekend Recap: Illinois Small-School Football
Published October 24, 2026 · Friday Night Wire & Game Recaps
1A2A3AWeek 10 of the 2026-27 season saw key upsets and continued dominance in small-school football, with results from Friday night and Saturday afternoon games across 1A, 2A, and 3A. Per IHSA’s posted scores and rankings poll, here’s the breakdown:
Class 1A
Top-ranked Mt. Sterling (9-0) extended its lead with a 32-31 win at Hardin, while Heyworth (9-0) rolled past Tuscola 53-0. Stockton (8-1) fell to Brown County, dropping to third in the rankings, and Arthur (8-1) secured a 49-22 victory over Fisher. Clifton (8-1) remained in the top 10 after defeating Bismarck 44-21.
Class 2A
El Paso (9-0) maintained its No. 1 ranking with a 1-0 win over Clinton, while Port Byron (9-0) and Johnston City (9-0) stayed undefeated. Wilmington (8-1) suffered a 14-0 loss to Coal City, dropping to third in the poll. Downers (8-1) and Aurora (8-1) also remained in the top five.
Class 3A
Byron (9-0) stayed atop the rankings after a 64-6 win at Rockford Lutheran, and St. Joseph (9-0) defeated Pontiac 47-16. Richmond (9-0) and Hillsboro (9-0) also kept their perfect records, while Mt. Carmel (9-0) rolled past Lawrenceville 46-0.
Storylines to Watch
In 1A, the battle for the top seed remains tight as Mt. Sterling, Heyworth, and Stockton vie for dominance. In 2A, the race for the No. 1 spot could hinge on Port Byron and Johnston City’s remaining games. In 3A, Byron and St. Joseph’s undefeated records face tests in the playoffs, while Elmhurst (8-1) aims to solidify its top-10 position. The official playoff fields are set, but regional matchups will determine deeper seeding.