Cahokia Ends Jacksonville Playoff Run, Wins 36 to 13

Cahokia opened the game in dominant fashion and raced to a lead that Jacksonville could not overcome, handing the Crimsons a 36 to 13 loss in the IHSA Class 4A second round on November 9. A string of early mistakes by Jacksonville including consecutive offsides penalties and turnovers helped Cahokia seize momentum and put points on the board quickly, and a long touchdown and a series of second quarter scores produced a 30 to 7 halftime margin.

Jacksonville, which had earned its first playoff victory in 12 years with a memorable upset of top seeded Olney just one week earlier, showed fight in the second half. The Crimsons produced timely plays and flashes of individual brilliance, most notably a spectacular catch by Jeremiah Jackson that energized the crowd and shortened the deficit. Despite that effort, Cahokia’s size and explosive offense limited Jacksonville’s opportunities and ultimately closed out the victory.

Coaches and players on both sides met the result with a mixture of pride in hard work and disappointment at what might have been. For Jacksonville seniors and underclassmen alike, the season ends with tangible progress after breaking a long playoff drought and with questions about how the program will build on this year. Community supporters who poured into the stands for both games will now turn their attention to offseason development and to preserving the momentum created by the upset over Olney.

Beyond immediate emotions, the outcome underscores broader local concerns. High school football carries public health and safety responsibilities that require ongoing attention. Ensuring consistent access to athletic trainers, enforcing concussion protocols, maintaining safe equipment, and supporting mental health for student athletes are essential for programs across Morgan County. Those needs often track with school budgets and community resources, raising equity questions about which teams can reliably provide comprehensive care and travel support for postseason play.

The defeat leaves Jacksonvilles program with a foundation to build on, particularly in community engagement and youth development. For families and neighbors, the season offered both the thrill of a landmark win and the sober reminder that sustaining competitive athletics depends on resources, medical oversight, and coordinated support from schools and local leaders. As winter training approaches, the conversation in Morgan County will likely turn to how to translate this season’s progress into lasting gains for player safety and program equity.