The declaration most expected would be coming came on Thursday as East St. Louis officially declared that they would be playing up to Class 6A. By its natural enrollment, East St. Louis would have been classified in Class 5A.

Both Richards and St. Rita announced their intent to join Batavia among schools that are electing to "play up" from 6A to 7A for a two-year period of postseason play.

Cary-Grove quarterback Peyton Seaburg scored four touchdowns, and the top-seeded Trojans ran away from No. 8 Antioch 41-8 Saturday afternoon in a Class 6A second-round game for their 18th win in a row.

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Antioch faces Cary-Grove in an IHSA Class 6A second-round football game on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024, at Cary-Grove High School.

Antioch faces Cary-Grove in Round 2 of the 2024 Class 6A IHSA football playoffs. Friday Night Drive editor Alex Kantecki will have live updates, scores and news from the game

Several top 6A teams made a statement in the opening round of playoffs as they are hoping to create barriers to yet another title matchup between Cary-Grove and East St. Louos. Steve Soucie breaks down the second round of the 2024 IHSA Class 6A playoffs.

Martin Cohen rushed for 201 yards, and Antioch jumped out to a 22-0 halftime lead en route to a 38-24 win over Wauconda to take control of the Northern Lake County Conference race.

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McHenry faces Antioch in the IHSA Flag Football Regional Championship game on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, atMcCracken Field in McHenry.

Antioch junior Jack Bucar scored on an 85-yard kickoff return right before halftime, and the Sequoits held on to beat Grayslake North 22-18 in their Northern Lake County Conference game Friday night.