Illinois high school football: Key dates for the 2024 season

The Illinois high school football season will officially start in less than a month as the Illinois High School Association will crown eight state champions by the end of the year.

Although the first official practice isn't for another couple of weeks, teams statewide are undertaking summer contact days to gear up for the new season.

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Here are some key dates for the 2024 IHSA football season:

When is the first day of Illinois high school football practice?

The first official day of practice is Aug. 12.

When are the first games of Illinois high school football?

Week 1 kicks off Aug. 29-31.

When do the Illinois high school football playoffs begin?

First-round games will run Nov. 1-2.

When are the Illinois high school football championships?

Class 1A-4A championship games will take place Nov. 24. Class 5A-8A games follow the next day on Nov. 25. All games will be held at Illinois State University’s Hancock Stadium in Normal.

Who are the defending Illinois high school football champions?

Last year, four state champions went undefeated: Camp Point Central, Byron, Rochester and Loyola Academy. Here's a look back at the state finals.

1A: Camp Point Central 14, Lena-Winslow 0

2A: Wilmington 28, Athens 3

3A: Byron 69, Mt. Carmel 7

4A: Rochester 59, St. Laurence 38

5A: LaGrange Park Nazareth 38, Joliet Catholic 20

6A: Cary Grove 23, East St. Louis 20

7A: Chicago Mt. Carmel 35, Downers Grove North 10

8A: Loyola Academy 26, Lincoln-Way East 16

This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: Illinois high school football: Key dates for the 2024 season