Simeon Defeats Oak Lawn in Playoff Opener
Simeon rallied to secure a 28-19 victory over Oak Lawn in the first round of the Class 6A football playoffs.
Updated on Oct. 31, 2026 in Football
Simeon overcame a 13-6 deficit by scoring three consecutive times to defeat Oak Lawn 28-19. The win advances Simeon to the next round of the Class 6A football playoffs.
Why it matters
The victory allows Simeon to continue their season with a 6-5 record, while Oak Lawn concludes their campaign at 7-3. Simeon now moves on to face either Nazareth or Dunlap next week.
Simeon secured the win behind two touchdowns from Bryce Kidd, an eight-yard rushing score by James Bell, and a 25-yard blocked punt return by Eshun Flowers. Oak Lawn's Jayden Schlosser led his team with 134 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 23 carries.
The players
Simeon
This Chicago-based high school football program moved to a 6-5 record following their playoff win.
Oak Lawn
This high school football team concluded their season with a 7-3 record after the playoff loss.
Eshun Flowers
The Simeon player provided a critical spark by returning a blocked punt 25 yards for a touchdown.
Bryce Kidd
The Simeon athlete recorded two touchdowns to help lead his team to victory.
Jayden Schlosser
The Oak Lawn runner recorded 134 rushing yards and two touchdowns in the playoff effort.
The details
Simeon's comeback effort was bolstered by a defense that forced two fumble recoveries and a critical fourth-down stop. The game turned on the first play of the fourth quarter when Eshun Flowers blocked a punt and returned it 25 yards for a score.
Timeline
October 30, 2026: Simeon defeated Oak Lawn 28-19.
Next week: Simeon plays either Nazareth or Dunlap.
Season Trajectory
This victory positions Simeon to continue their pursuit of the state title within the IHSA Class 6A football playoffs bracket. For the winning team, the advancement keeps their postseason hopes alive while Oak Lawn exits the tournament.
Simeon advances to the next round of the Class 6A playoff bracket where they will face either Nazareth or Dunlap. Oak Lawn completes their season with an overall record of 7-3.
The takeaway
Simeon successfully used defensive pressure and special teams play to overcome a mid-game deficit in a high-stakes environment. Consistency on both sides of the ball will be vital for the team as they prepare for their next postseason opponent.
What happens next
Simeon is scheduled to play a second-round playoff game next week against either Nazareth or Dunlap.
Further reading
For more updates on high school sports across the region, visit the Football section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Chicago Sun-Times.
