IHSA Class 1A Round of 16: Soucie Predicts Upsets in Illinois High School Football
Steve Soucie analyzes eight matchups for the upcoming round, favoring underdogs like Salt Fork and Fulton over top seeds.
By Anthony Lawson ·
Steve Soucie has released his predictions for the Illinois High School Association Class 1A Round of 16. The analysis identifies specific underdogs capable of upsetting higher-seeded opponents in the upcoming games. Soucie favors eight teams to advance to the quarterfinals.
The Round of 16 schedule kicks off with eight matchups. Heyworth (11-0) faces Fisher (8-2). Soucie notes that Heyworth survived a scare against Galena in the first round. Fisher won its first playoff game since 2019. The Bunnies had won only three games over the previous five years. Soucie picks Heyworth.
Clifton Central (9-1) plays Dwight (8-3). These conference rivals met last year when Dwight won 43-14. Central has won nine straight games since its Week 1 loss. Dwight reached the quarterfinals in the last two seasons. Soucie selects Clifton Central.
Stockton (9-1) meets Forreston (8-2). Both teams are NUIC contenders. Forreston defeated defending champion Lena-Winslow in the first round. Stockton lost only to El Paso-Gridley in Week 1. Soucie favors Stockton.
Newman Central Catholic (7-4) faces Fulton (8-3). The Comets dealt with injuries all season but beat Rockridge in the first round. The Steamers scored 216 points in their last four games. Soucie picks Fulton.
Brown County (10-0) takes on Oakwood (8-3). Brown County beat Calhoun 32-31 in Week 9 and then defeated Athens in the first round. Oakwood has already given one team its only loss of the season. Soucie favors Brown County.
Sullivan (9-1) plays Camp Point Central (9-1). Sullivan won a 57-49 game against Havana in the first round. Camp Point Central has held all but one opponent to two touchdowns or less. Soucie picks Camp Point Central.
Arthur (9-1) faces Salt Fork (8-2). Arthur has scored at least 42 points in every game this season. Salt Fork lost 31-16 to Oakwood, the same team that beat Arthur. Soucie favors Salt Fork.
Hardin Calhoun (9-1) meets Tuscola (8-2). Calhoun shut out Carlyle in the first round. Tuscola has lost by a combined 82 points in its two defeats. Soucie picks Hardin Calhoun.
