Maroa has won its first-round game in five straight seasons. But Carlinville carries a hot hand coming into this matchup.

Outside of a loss to Williamsville, the Auburn defense has been stiff this season. And the Trojans know about how to get it done in the postseason, getting their 13 straight years now.

Central A&M’s three losses came by a total of 14 points against two 3A playoff teams and one 2A playoff team. Flora won its last three games by a combined 129-2.

It’s been about the defense at Tuscola as the Warriors haven’t allowed an offensive touchdown in three games. They could be pushed by Cumberland’s strong ground game.

Freeburg had three straight weeks of giving up 38, 41 and 47 points. But the Midgets are capable of knocking off Mount Zion if the Braves are looking ahead to Breese Mater Dei.

MacArthur will have to travel three hours south to get its playoff journey started. The Generals get a Marion team that is from the tough South Seven Conference.

South Piatt’s reward for getting into the playoffs for the first time since 2003 is the No. 1 team that has given up just nine points all season.

Belleville Althoff lost two of its last four but those were to Class 5A No. 2 Cahokia and Class 5A 8-1 Marion. The Crusaders will be ready for Effingham.

Casey is one of just two unbeaten teams in 2A. Has Casey been tested enough to make a run? Will it even matter?

Camp Point Central has scored at least 60 points four times this season. Monticello will have to come through with another defensive effort like it had against St. Teresa.

Pittsfield was looking unbeatable until a 60-12 loss to Illini West. But Pittsfield still averaged more than 43 points per game.

Robinson is back in the playoffs for the first time since 2002 but will have to tighten up on defense if it wants to stay more than one round.

Both teams are in but would certainly love to have the momentum from a win like this. Can Monticello get past a banged-up St. Teresa squad?

A bit of the luster has been taken off this game, but MacArthur could still finish in second place in the Big 12 if it can match last week’s offensive effort.

Both teams have been beat up on the field and off, missing some key players recently. Mattoon hasn’t scored in two straight.

Maroa got a bit dinged up last week but should have plenty of weapons available in its bid to secure at least a share of the Okaw Blue title.

Central A&M has plenty of good wins but is 1-3 against playoff teams. The Raiders would like to make a statement to prepare for the playoffs.

Tuscola has posted back-to-back shutouts, perhaps showing that the Warriors are ready for the playoffs?

Cerro Gordo won the first meeting this year (39-20), but it seems to be a different South Piatt team the past few weeks.

This game is for at least a share of the Little Okaw crown. It could also be life or death regarding the playoffs for Arthur.

At least the Sullivan offense has been showing signs of life lately. But the defenses have been hurting. Clinton has given up 44.5 points over the last four games. Sullivan has given up 49.3 per game.

Shelbyville has played better in recent weeks but Unity just keeps getting better, too.

Mount Zion’s opponents are 24-48 this season. Good thing it won’t come down to playoff points for the Braves.

Since losing to Mount Zion, the Hearts have squeaked past Robinson and Charleston. Now they’ll have their hands full with Taylorville, a team that has a shot at the playoffs despite losing three straight.

It looks like Casey may go through the regular season without a challenge. Will the Warriors be prepared for a deep playoff run?