What Year(s) Was IHSA Football at its Peak?

[Colin2299]

Mid-late 90s into the early 00’s was the best.

I think there was more parity back then, especially concerning public vs private.

When I think when IHSA was at its best “parity” is what comes to mind for me as well. And I’d agree with the years you mentioned.

Back when state champions had several close games on their way to the title rather than several running clocks like we get now.

We go into seasons now already having a good idea on who is going to be the state
Champion before a game is even played.

 

[SouthofI80Fan]

2009 - 2013 was a great time for IHSA football, especially in central Illinois. Some competitive conferences and really good football memories in jr. high and high school.

The Old Okaw was dominated by Central A&M but St. Teresa and Monticello had a few good years sprinkled in there. Even Macon made it to a title game. SJO and Tolono were in another conference and had some epic games but both dominated their conference.

Then expansion happened when Tuscola was on a run of 1st and 2nd place finishes. While at the same time MF was on the rise and played in several title games while Tolono and SJO were very competitive.

Now it's pretty common to see Tolono, MF, and Monticello playing on the final weekend.

Then add in Mahomet, Pontiac, Prairie Central, and Bloomington Central Catholic in the Cornbelt, and Arcola, Leroy, Clifton Central, and Lexington, the late 90s and early 00s were a fun time for Central Illinois Football.

 

[Silver Rain]

I think the best is now. When I returned to Chicago in 1993, after 15 years in California, I had no idea that the Caravan was a rising power. But that was still pre-internet, before live streaming and Edgy Tim, which have made the game far more accessible. In the old days, if you didn't attend in person, you missed out. Now, there is no need to travel or contend with crowds. While watching the game in the comfort of home, we can simply switch browser tabs to get updates on the other games. We can also watch all the games we missed, all the old state championships, on YouTube. Plus, this discussion board has broadened my football horizons from the parochial CCL Blue to the entire state of Illinois.

 

[4Afan]

I think the best is now. When I returned to Chicago in 1993, after 15 years in California, I had no idea that the Caravan was a rising power. But that was still pre-internet, before live streaming and Edgy Tim, which have made the game far more accessible. In the old days, if you didn't attend in person, you missed out. Now, there is no need to travel or contend with crowds. While watching the game in the comfort of home, we can simply switch browser tabs to get updates on the other games. We can also watch all the games we missed, all the old state championships, on YouTube. Plus, this discussion board has vastly increased my knowledge of high school football in Illinois.

You didn't have any contacts in Chicago when you lived in California? In 1993 MC was just 2 seasons removed from winning their 4th title in a row, they were well past being a "rising power".

I understand the convenience of the accessibility of games through streams and social media, but to me it's a double edged sword. You have more access to games and scores in real time, but that has led to reduced attendance and media coverage, like Preps Plus.

 

[Bwm57]

And Joliet Catholic won the state championship with their best team ever

I’m pretty sure MC63 said that was all in your imagination.

 

[Silver Rain]

You have more access to games and scores in real time, but that has led to reduced attendance and media coverage, like Preps Plus.

Barda-Dowling had sellout crowds for the big games last year, like Rice and LWE, but players said in interviews that some of the other games were more sparsely attended. This is unfortunate, as the crowd can affect team morale and even sway the outcome of a game.

 

[Carmine Evergreen]

The 1980s when Bob Shannon put Illinois on the national high school football map.

 

[SiuCubFan8]

Barda-Dowling had sellout crowds for the big games last year, like Rice and LWE, but players said in interviews that some of the other games were more sparsely attended. This is unfortunate, as the crowd can affect team morale and even sway the outcome of a game.

There were bigger crowds for the bigger games???? No way?!

 

[ClownBaby]

Barda-Dowling had sellout crowds for the big games last year, like Rice and LWE, but players said in interviews that some of the other games were more sparsely attended. This is unfortunate, as the crowd can affect team morale and even sway the outcome of a game.

That's shocking the stadium looks tiny and they are really good, they should be sold out every game.

 

[Catch-22]

1998 stands out to me… HR chase, Last Dance, and IHSA with several memorable teams. Also that era, many players ended up significant college and NFL players.

 

[tydooley2495]

The Old Okaw was dominated by Central A&M but St. Teresa and Monticello had a few good years sprinkled in there. Even Macon made it to a title game. SJO and Tolono were in another conference and had some epic games but both dominated their conference.

Then expansion happened when Tuscola was on a run of 1st and 2nd place finishes. While at the same time MF was on the rise and played in several title games while Tolono and SJO were very competitive.

Now it's pretty common to see Tolono, MF, and Monticello playing on the final weekend.

Then add in Mahomet, Pontiac, Prairie Central, and Bloomington Central Catholic in the Cornbelt, and Arcola, Leroy, Clifton Central, and Lexington, the late 90s and early 00s were a fun time for Central Illinois Football.

100% a lot of good ball in the central part of the state from the 90's through the early 2010's!

 

[cornerrat#1]

The Old Okaw was dominated by Central A&M but St. Teresa and Monticello had a few good years sprinkled in there. Even Macon made it to a title game. SJO and Tolono were in another conference and had some epic games but both dominated their conference.

Then expansion happened when Tuscola was on a run of 1st and 2nd place finishes. While at the same time MF was on the rise and played in several title games while Tolono and SJO were very competitive.

Now it's pretty common to see Tolono, MF, and Monticello playing on the final weekend.

Then add in Mahomet, Pontiac, Prairie Central, and Bloomington Central Catholic in the Cornbelt, and Arcola, Leroy, Clifton Central, and Lexington, the late 90s and early 00s were a fun time for Central Illinois Football.

All..... BCC a stat I found interesting with the school's changing enrollment over the years. State titles in Class 1A, 2A, 3A, and 4A. Ratsy

 

[Still Missing34]

wrong thread

 

[Roamin' Catholic]

2004... iykyk

 

[Edgytim]

6 classes helped to make IHSA football so much more competitive.

They should have never messed around with 6 classes like they did.

Preach!