In Chicago, the excitement is building as Week 9 of high school football has passed, shaking up the rankings in the Super 25. This week was filled with decisions that brought **big surprises**, especially with St. Francis moving up to No. 12 from an unranked spot after defeating a strong Nazareth team. This win notably altered perceptions, especially with Loyola missing key player Ryan Fitzgerald against the Spartans.

The top of the rankings remains tight, with Lincoln-Way East (9-0) holding onto the No. 1 position, while Loyola (7-2) and Mount Carmel (6-3) follow closely behind. Lyons has made a significant leap into the top five, ranking fourth, and Oswego also makes its mark in the top ten with their unbeaten record.

This week, DuKane conference teams faced some scrutiny as Geneva dropped to No. 19 after a loss to St. Charles North, with Batavia also falling despite a win. Historically, DuKane teams received more leeway in rankings, but this year, performance has not met expectations.

St. Charles North, although competitive, failed to make the rankings this week, which reflects the ongoing challenges teams are facing. With the playoffs right around the corner, anticipation is building for every team to showcase their skills and settle the rankings on the field.

The schedule for the first-round playoff games will be announced on Monday afternoon. As for the current rankings, here’s a look:

  • 1. Lincoln-Way East (9-0) vs. Niles West
  • 2. Loyola (7-2) vs. Belleville East
  • 3. Mount Carmel (6-3) at Harlem
  • 4. Lyons (9-0) vs. Joliet West
  • 5. Cary-Grove (9-0) vs. Senn
  • 6. Nazareth (7-2) vs. Payton
  • 7. Downers Grove North (7-2) vs. Wheaton-Warrenville South
  • 8. St. Rita (7-2) vs. Rockford Guilford
  • 9. Oswego (9-0) vs. Waubonsie Valley
  • 10. Naperville Central (8-1) vs. Schaumburg
  • 11. Kankakee (8-1) vs. Glenbard South
  • 12. St. Francis (7-2) vs. Sterling
  • 13. Joliet Catholic (6-3) vs. Jacksonville
  • 14. Marist (8-1) vs. Glenbrook South
  • 15. Palatine (8-1) vs. Warren
  • 16. Morgan Park (8-1) vs. Tinley Park
  • 17. Brother Rice (6-3) at Fenwick
  • 18. Fenwick (7-2) vs. Brother Rice
  • 19. Geneva (8-1) vs. Amundsen
  • 20. Batavia (8-1) vs. Collinsville
  • 21. Naperville North (7-2) vs. Maine South
  • 22. Fremd (8-1) vs. Andrew
  • 23. Prospect (7-2) vs. Hersey
  • 24. Maine South (6-3) at Naperville North
  • 25. Sycamore (9-0) vs. Bulls Prep

As the playoffs approach, teams are ready to fight for their positions and prove themselves on the field.