Lincoln Way West has advanced to the 2024 IHSA football playoffs with a 6-3 overall record. The Warriors finished the season fourth in the Southwest Suburban Conference (SWSC), with a 1-2 record.
Wins this year came against Andrew, Metea Valley, BIEHS, Centennial, Lockport, and Bradley. The Warriors three losses on the year were dealt by NCHS, NNHS, and Sandburg. All three losses were within the margin of 7 points.
LWW has secured the 20th seed in the IHSA Class 7A bracket and will be facing a tough opponent in the 13th seed Pekin Dragons.
Pekin finished the season with a slightly better record than Lincoln Way, as they managed a 7-2 finish. The Dragons come into the playoffs riding a five-game winning streak, including blowout victories in their previous three games.
They are currently ranked 102 in the state of Illinois, as their two losses were dealt by the hands of top notch competition in Washington and Belleville East High. The Dragons finished the season second in the Mid-Illini Conference.
Pekin is coached by Doug Nutter, who is in his 16th season at Pekin, and has coached his team to an overall record of 78-66. He coaches his son, Hudson Nutter, an OLB for the Dragons.
The match-up of the Warriors and Dragons is set for this Friday, November 1st. Kickoff will take place at the normal time of 7:00pm.