Maine South Playoffs Explained

For those wondering, including me, about Maine South’s football future in the playoffs, I called the IHSA to find out.

Because of last year’s postseason transgressions, the Hawks lost the right to host their two home-eligible games in this year. Some asked me how that will affect home/away games in the later rounds.

According to Matt Troha, the IHSA’s assistant executive director in charge of communications, the organization will treat Maine South’s first-round game against Curie as a home game, even though it will be played at Lane.

If No. 2-ranked Maine South wins and Stevenson wins, the Hawks will travel to Lincolnshire. Again, it will count as a home game. If the Hawks play York instead, the game will be in Elmhurst and count as a road game.

If the Hawks play and beat Stevenson, their punishment ends. If they play and beat York, they play on the road in the quarterfinals.

Three-time defending state champion Maine South enters the playoffs on a 21-game win streak and is looking for an unprecedented fourth title in the largest classification.

UPDATED (11:22 a.m., Monday) Troha e-mailed to say Maine South isn’t guaranteed of hosting a quarterfinal game, either. The IHSA will review the situation should the Hawks beat Stevenson and make a ruling following the game.