The playoff picture

Chicago Hope Academy informed the IHSA Friday it will opt out of the playoffs, despite qualifying with a 7-1 record from the Northeastern Athletic Conference. The Eagles decided fold up shop after injures limited their roster to 15 active players.

The school was currently projected to play in the Class 1A field, but may have been bumped up to Class 2A. The absence of Chicago Hope gives hope for any 5-4 for team in the state to qualify for the postseason, regardless of projected class or enrollment. 

Watseka High School (4-4) forfeited Friday’s game with 1-7 Iroquois West due to a flu outbreak at the school. With a win, Watseka would have been a bubble team for a playoff berth, but is no longer eligible.

Playoff pairings: The IHSA will begin to announce the 2009 playoff pairings at 8 a.m. online and via the IHSA TV network.

Who’s in: Amboy/LaMoille (8-1), Annawan/Wethersfield (8-1), Bureau Valley (7-2), Geneseo (6-2), L-P (7-1), Morrison (9-0), Sterling (6-2), Sterling Newman (6-3),

Who’s on the fence: More than enough playoff points - Morris (5-4); should have enough points - Riverdale (5-4), Rock Falls (5-4),

Who’s out: Enough playoff points, not enough wins - Princeton (4-5), St. Bede (4-5).