Comer High School Clinches Football Playoff Berth
The team enters the postseason on a five-game winning streak after a 5-4 regular season finish.
Updated on Oct. 24, 2026 in Football
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Comer High School secured a spot in the Class 5A state football playoffs for the first time since 2022. The team completed a remarkable turnaround to reach the postseason after starting the 2026 season with an 0-4 record.
Why it matters
The program reached the playoffs under coach DeMarien Hampton, who prioritized a difficult nonconference schedule to challenge the roster. This experience prepared the team for their late-season surge and postseason qualification.
Sophomore Jaydin Edmondson and teammate Luke Sickmeir each recorded eight interceptions over nine games. Additionally, Edmondson contributed 30 receptions for 478 yards and nine touchdowns throughout the regular season.
The players
Jaydin Edmondson
He is a sophomore athlete at Comer High School who plays as a corner, free safety, and nickel.
DeMarien Hampton
He has served as the head football coach at Comer for two years and previously guided Bowen to a playoff appearance.
Comer High School
Located in the Greater Grand Crossing neighborhood, this school is home to a football program that utilizes a consistent scheme from middle school through high school.
The details
Comer features a cohesive offensive and defensive scheme shared between its middle school flag program and the high school team. Edmondson impacts the game across multiple positions, including as a corner, free safety, and nickel.
Timeline
2015: Coach DeMarien Hampton led Bowen to its only IHSA berth.
2022: Comer last reached the state football playoffs.
2026 season: Jaydin Edmondson recorded eight interceptions.
October 31, 2026 at 11:30 a.m.: Comer hosts Prairie Ridge for the Class 5A playoff round.
Season Trajectory
This playoff appearance marks a significant evolution for a program that last reached the postseason in 2022. The team successfully built momentum through a five-game winning streak that positions them for their opening round matchup against Prairie Ridge.
The school will host Prairie Ridge, which holds a 2-7 record, in the opening round of the Class 5A playoffs. Fans attending the game should note the kickoff is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. at Eckersall.
The takeaway
Developing a consistent athletic scheme from middle school through the high school level can provide a clear pathway for sustained team improvement. Coaches who challenge their players with strong nonconference schedules early in the season often see better performance once postseason play begins.
What happens next
Comer hosts Prairie Ridge in the Class 5A opening round on October 31, 2026, at 11:30 a.m.
Further reading
For more on local high school gridiron developments, visit Football.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Chicago Sun-Times.
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