2026 IHSA playoffs: Steve Soucie’s Class 4A playoff analysis and picks

Quarterfinal round matchupsMorris (11-0) vs. Sterling (9-2): It looks like the only thing that could slow down Morris right now would being unable to keep the laser like focus it displayed in its win over last year’s state champion Montini in the Round of 16. Sterling has played better defense over the past few weeks, but the Golden Warriors have had some games that evolved into shootouts, that’s likely not the right attack plan for trying to beat Morris.Pick: MorrisCoal City (10-1) vs. Rochelle (8-4): Coal City has been lights out all season, particularly on defense where the Coalers have given up just 21 points over the last five weeks and more than two touchdowns to just one opponent all year in Morris. Rochelle has been rolling through foes as of late as well having outscored two playoff opponents 101-6 and 196-25 over its last four games.Pick: Coal CityCentralia (11-0) vs. Sacred Heart Griffin (10-1): Centralia has won 11 games in a season just twice (1936 and 2013). The Orphans h