2026 IHSA playoffs: Steve Soucie’s Class 1A playoff analysis and picks

Quarterfinal matchupsHeyworth (11-0) vs. Clifton Central (10-1): Heyworth has already easily surpassed the program’s record for wins in a season, surpassing the previous mark of eight, but the Hornets are now looking for their deepest playoff advancement as well. Clifton Central is a playoff regular but they are one win away from tying the deepest postseason advancement in school history after reaching the semifinal round in 1996, 2008 and 2012.Pick: HeyworthStockton (10-1) vs. Fulton (9-3): Surprisingly the only remaining two teams from the NUIC reside in this game as the bracket had them feeding on one another earlier than usual. Stockton won the previous matchup between the last two teams back in Week 5 and it seems prudent to mention that a member of the NUIC Conference has represented the north side of the Class 1A bracket in the last nine title games.Pick: StocktonBrown County (11-0): vs. Camp Point Central (10-1): Surprise, surprise its two Western Illinois Valley Conference tea