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

C

Colin2299

Junior
Aug 13, 2025
413
295
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Doctor_D said:
Mid-late 90s into the early 00’s was the best.

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

SouthofI80Fan

Junior
Aug 3, 2021
351
308
63
tydooley2495 said:
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.
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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.
 
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Silver Rain

All-Conference
Jun 6, 2022
1,411
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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.
 
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4

4Afan

All-Conference
Sep 15, 2001
4,241
3,825
113
Silver Rain said:
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.
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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.
 
S

Silver Rain

All-Conference
Jun 6, 2022
1,411
1,510
78
4Afan said:
You have more access to games and scores in real time, but that has led to reduced attendance and media coverage, like Preps Plus.
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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.
 
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ClownBaby

ClownBaby

Heisman
Oct 26, 2006
23,665
80,647
113
Silver Rain said:
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.
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That's shocking the stadium looks tiny and they are really good, they should be sold out every game.
 
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Catch-22

Catch-22

Freshman
Aug 23, 2005
75
84
18
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

tydooley2495

Redshirt
Nov 6, 2025
21
18
3
SouthofI80Fan said:
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.
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100% a lot of good ball in the central part of the state from the 90's through the early 2010's!
 
C

cornerrat#1

Senior
Jul 1, 2025
675
681
93
SouthofI80Fan said:
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.
Click to expand...
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
 
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