Elgin High to Host Playoff Game October 23

The Maroons will play Reavis at Memorial Field in their first home playoff matchup since 2000.

Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Football

Elgin High to Host Playoff Game October 23

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Elgin High School is set to host a Class 7A football playoff game against Reavis on October 23, 2026, at 7 p.m. This marks the first time in 26 years that the program has earned a home playoff game.

Why it matters

Securing a home playoff game was the primary mission for the team during the offseason. The winner of this matchup will move on to face East St. Louis in the next round of the playoffs next week.

Elgin quarterback Jacob Rufino enters the game with 1,359 passing yards and 12 touchdowns, while running back Anthony Foster has recorded 1,087 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns on 127 carries. The Maroons secured their spot after a 62-14 victory over Larkin.

The players

Anthony Foster

Anthony Foster is a key player for the Elgin Maroons who has contributed 1,087 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns this season.

Jacob Rufino

Jacob Rufino serves as the starting quarterback for Elgin and has accumulated 1,359 passing yards and 12 touchdowns.

The details

The game, held at Memorial Field, will proceed without the student section after school officials issued a ban following an incident during the team's previous win against Larkin. The team is looking to replicate success last seen in 2000, when they won a home playoff game 38-15.

2000: Elgin last hosted a home playoff game.
October 23, 2026: Elgin hosts the Class 7A playoff game at 7 p.m.
Next week: The winner faces East St. Louis in the next round.

Season Trajectory

This home playoff berth represents a significant milestone for the Elgin program, snapping a 26-year drought since their last appearance in 2000. A win would elevate the team to a high-profile matchup against East St. Louis, drastically altering their standing in the current playoff bracket.

Fans should note that the student section is banned from the game, altering the usual atmosphere at Memorial Field. The winner of this contest directly advances to a second-round playoff game against East St. Louis scheduled for next week.

The takeaway

Reaching a home playoff game after 26 years reflects the success of the teams recent offseason training goals. The Maroons must now maintain their momentum from their 62-14 win over Larkin to defeat Reavis and keep their playoff run alive.