The Class 1A state final game has been synonymous with the Northwest Upstate Illini Conference over the past decade.

But for the last two seasons, while the conference has been involved in the championship, it hasn’t taken home the big prize. Camp Point Central took the crown in 2023 and Belleville Althoff won the title in 2024 but has since been moved out of the 1A mix due to the multiplier and didn’t qualify for the playoffs in its first year in the 3A/4A mix.

And although Camp Point Central is still very much in the mix to make a run at the title, the focus seems to have returned right back to the NUIC where a pair of teams, Stockton and Lena-Winslow appear to be the favorites in a deep field.

First-round matchups

Stockton vs. Galena: Stockton drew headlines all the way back in Wee

See Full Page