Lane Tech Blanks Joliet Central in Playoff Opener
The Champions dominate with a 56-0 victory to advance in the Class 8A football playoffs.
Updated on Oct. 24, 2026 in Football
Live Poll
Does a winning high school football team improve school spirit and future program participation?
Lane Tech secured a shutout win over Joliet Central on Friday, opening the Class 8A football playoffs with a 56-0 victory. The win marks a significant start to the postseason run for the Chicago squad.
Why it matters
The decisive victory highlights Lane Tech's defensive strategy of neutralizing the run to force passing situations. This dominant performance keeps the team on track as they move further into the playoff bracket.
Lane's defense forced five interceptions and scored four total touchdowns, holding Joliet Central to under 70 total yards. Shamar Pipes led the ground attack with 115 rushing yards on eight carries, including a 59-yard touchdown.
The players
Lane Tech
A Chicago-based high school football program that advanced to the next round of the state playoffs.
Joliet Central
A high school football program that made its first state playoff appearance in five decades.
Shamar Pipes
A standout running back for Lane Tech who rushed for 115 yards and a touchdown in the playoff win.
Blake Perkins
The Lane Tech quarterback who accounted for three total touchdowns in the victory.
The details
Lane Tech defenders scored three touchdowns and a safety, while quarterback Blake Perkins added to the offense by throwing for one touchdown and rushing for two more. The performance marks the end of Joliet Central's first state playoff appearance since 1976.
Timeline
The playoff game took place on Friday, October 23, 2026.
Joliet Central last appeared in the state playoffs in 1976.
Lane is scheduled to play at South Elgin next weekend.
Season Trajectory
This victory vaults Lane Tech into the next round, maintaining their momentum within the Class 8A playoff bracket. Conversely, the loss concludes a historic, albeit short, postseason run for Joliet Central that harkened back to their last appearance in 1976.
Lane Tech's advancement secures their spot in the next round of the Class 8A state tournament. Fans and analysts should note that the defense's five-interception performance significantly alters the team's standing as they prepare for a road game at South Elgin.
The takeaway
This lopsided victory underscores the importance of forcing turnovers to dominate postseason matchups. Defensive pressure proved to be the difference-maker in securing a comfortable lead early in the contest.
What happens next
Lane Tech will face South Elgin next weekend to continue their playoff campaign.
Further reading
For more local gridiron updates, see Football.
Live Poll
Does a winning high school football team improve school spirit and future program participation?
