Paxton-Buckley-Loda (9-1) at IC Catholic Prep (10-0)
What: Second round of the Class 3A state football playoffs
When: Friday or Saturday. Check IHSA.org for exact day and time
Where: Lewis Stadium at Plunkett Athletic Complex, Elmhurst
Seeds: PBL is the No. 8 seed on the top half of the Class 3A bracket; IC Catholic Prep is the No. 1 seed
Last week: PBL 50, Mercer County 2; IC Catholic Prep 49, St. Joe-Ogden 8
Outlook: Another week and another lopsided victory for IC Catholic Prep, which went over the 500-point total for the year in its first-round win over St. Joe-Ogden. The Knights were efficient, running only eight rushing plays and gaining 183 yards in the process, which included runs of 79, 51 and 24 yards. The Knights also had pass completions in the game of 77, 36, 34 and 24 yards—meaning the big-play potential is very much alive, well and vibrant. Paxton-Buckley-Loda is a high school located right off Interstate 57 on the way to Champaign in the town of Paxton. After splitting its first two contests, PBL has won its last eight in a row. It’s only loss is to Westville, which went 9-0 in the regular season. Of its eight other regular-season wins, five came against teams with winning records (including a 7-2, a 6-3 and three 5-4 teams). PBL can put up points as well, having scored 432 in 10 games while allowing 149. PBL won the Sangamon Valley Conference title. PBL will make an hour-and-45-minute trek up to Elmhurst for this game (about 120 miles).
