Lincoln-Way East and Loyola can't meet for a third consecutive time in the Class 8A title game because they are on the same side of the bracket, who will emerge as a new challenger? Steve Soucie breaks down the opening round of the 2024 IHSA Class 8A playoffs.

Mount Carmel is still the leading threat to capture the 7A crown, but several other teams appear poised to mount a stern challenge to the Caravan. Steve Soucie breaks down the opening round of the 2024 IHSA Class 7A playoffs.

Are we lining up another Cary-Grove/East St. Louis battle for the title? Or can another team join the mix. Steve Soucie breaks down the opening round of the 2024 IHSA Class 6A playoffs.

Nazareth became the first team in state history to win a state title with five losses last season. Nazareth is back in the field trying to defend, but will another lower seed make an epic run? Steve Soucie breaks down the opening round of the 2024 IHSA Class 5A playoffs.

Rochester is looking for another state title, but there's a whole host of teams looking to challenge that run to another piece of hardware. Steve Soucie breaks down the opening round of the 2024 IHSA Class 4A playoffs.

Byron dominated the Class 3A field last year, if they are to repeat they have some difficult obstacles in their way. Steve Soucie breaks down the opening round of the 2024 IHSA Class 3A playoffs.

The defending champ isn't in the Class 2A field, who will step into the role of favorite? Steve Soucie breaks down the opening round of the 2024 IHSA Class 2A playoffs.

Is 1A more wide open that it has been? Steve Soucie breaks down the opening round of the 2024 IHSA Class 1A playoffs.

Sterling's Ryan Gebhardt set the career field goal record, Dixon was sharp in shutout, Fulton finishes on a bright note with Wooden Shoe's return, and Newman is motivated after a loss heading into the playoffs in Week 9's Sauk Valley notes.