Dramatic endings and playoff positions: What we learned about Peoria-area football in Week 9
Here are some takeaways from Week 9, including a Mid-Illini Conference champion, an instant classic at Dozer Park, an updated list of who has secured a playoff spot, plus a look ahead to Saturday's playoff pairings release.
Washington wins the Mid-Illini
Washington beat Morton 42-21 to win the battle of state-ranked atop the Mid-Illini Conference — and the league title.
The Panthers (8-1, 7-0), No. 3 in Class 6A, jumped ahead early and held off the Potters (8-1, 6-1), who are No. 5 statewide in 5A.
Washington dominated in league play. This is the first time since Metamora in 2008 that an M-I champ defeated every conference opponent by at least 21 points.
Week 9 coverage: Scores | recap | Top performers
Nearly extra 'innings' at Dozer Park
Peoria Notre Dame came storming back in the fourth quarter to nearly force overtime in a 44-40 loss to Peoria High at Dozer Park on Friday night. The Irish (5-4) scored 16 points in the final 12 minutes but their comeback attempt fell short.
After trailing 28-24 at halftime, the Lions (7-2) scored 16 third-quarter points to grab a three-score advantage. But PND rallied to make it a four-point game.
PND running back Lawson Alwan rushed for 171 yards with a touchdown, adding a pair of receiving TDs. He had runs of 92 and 49 yards as part of his 12-carry day. Ben Mullens chipped in a pair of scores on 53 yards rushing.
This was the Irish's second game on the home field of the Peoria Chiefs this season, winning a 53-21 homecoming game over Champaign Central in Week 6.
Who's in? Here is a look at the area playoff teams
Here are the 10 teams in the Tri-County area that are either in the playoffs or still have a shot at a berth in the 256-team field when it's set on Saturday. Have a look:
They're in: Morton (8-1), Washington (8-1), Farmington (8-1), Metamora (7-2), Peoria High (7-2) and Dunlap (6-3).
Unofficially in: Peoria Notre Dame (5-4), Eureka (5-4), Deer Creek-Mackinaw (5-4) and Princeville (5-4).
IHA playoffs: What you need to know ahead of the IHSA football playoffs selections for 2023
How can I watch the IHSA playoff pairings show?
In some statewide markets, the IHSA football pairings show will air live from 8-9 p.m. Saturday through the IHSA TV Network, on the NFHS Network and live on ihsa.org.
In Peoria, because of an agreement to air ACC football that was signed in August, the pairings show will air on a one-hour tape delay, starting at 9 p.m. on WEEK's CW (channel 25.3). IHSA TV announcer Dave Bernhard and Matt Rodewald will reveal the first-round matchups.
Adam Duvall is a Journal Star sports reporter. Email him at aduvall@pjstar.com. Follow him on Twitter @AdamDuvall. Wes Huett contributed to this report.
This article originally appeared on Journal Star: IHSA football Week 9 takeaways: Results from biggest games near Peoria
